Final answer:
Prompt surgical treatment is typically necessary for elderly patients with a hip fracture, as this can decrease the risk of serious complications like blood clots and infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an elderly person sustains a hip fracture, often due to weakened bones from conditions like osteoporosis, surgical treatment is usually required promptly. A femoral neck fracture resulting from a fall is a medical emergency, as the associated complications can be life-threatening. Early surgery is typically necessary to stabilize the fracture, reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots, respiratory failure, pressure sores, and infections. The timeframe for surgery often depends on the patient's overall health and stability, but in most cases, the sooner the surgery occurs, the better the outcomes in terms of reducing morbidity and mortality.