Objective To summarize the selection criteria and clinical application of surgical methods for hip fractures (femoral neck fracture and intertrochanteric fracture) in the elderly. Methods The related literature concerning the surgical methods for femoral neck fracture and intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly at home and abroad was extensively reviewed and summarized. Results Among the elderly patients with femoral neck fracture, the closed reduction and internal fixation or dynamic hip screw (DHS), and total hip arthroplasty are recommended for patients under 65 years old and 65–80 years old respectively and without special surgical contraindication; whereas hemiarthroplasty is recommended for patients with poor physical conditions. Among the patients with intertrochanteric fracture, DHS or the 3rd generation of Gamma nails is recommended for patients with stable fracture while the intramedullary fixation systems (e.g., proximal femoral nail anti-rotation, intertrochanteric antegrade nail) and the extramedullary fixation systems (e.g., proximal femoral locking compression plate and less invasive stabilization system) can be applied to the patients with unstable fracture according to the fracture type and bone conditions. Notably, hip arthroplasty is recommended for elderly patients with comminuted fracture. Conclusion The surgical method and internal fixator should be chosen according to the fracture type and bone condition in the elderly in order to improve the effectiveness and reduce the complication.