Background
Hemiarthroplasty using bipolar prostheses for unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur in the elderly yields good clinical results in terms of early postoperative ambulation. This will have a direct effect on the general condition and postoperative rehabilitation.
Patients and methods
Thirty patients with unstable proximal extracapsular femoral fractures were treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty. There were 22 men and eight women, with mean age of 60 years (range: 55–70 years). Primary cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty was performed using the Hardinge lateral approach in a lateral decubitus position. Harris hip score was used for the clinical evaluation of the patients.
Results
Clinically, the Harris hip score at the last follow-up ranged from 93 to 54, with a mean value of 79.5. Postoperative radiographs showed a good position in all patients. According to the Gruen scoring for cementation, 15 (50%) cases scored A, eight (26.66%) cases scored B, three (10%) cases scored C1, two (6.66%) cases scored C2, and two (6.66%) cases scored D. Four cases developed complications in this study: infection (two patients), loosening (one patient), and acetabular wear (one patient). Revision was performed in one patient because of loosening.
Conclusion
Primary cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty is a good choice in elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the femur, and it saves time as well as cost, with little significant complications.