Primary Hip Hemiarthroplasty For Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate, the clinical and radiological results of patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with primary hip hemiarthroplasty.
Patients and methods: 20 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fracture of femur were treated by primary hip hemiarthroplasty. Mean age at surgery was 71.3 and average follow-up was 10.8 months. 12 of them were female and 8 of them were male.16 patients were treated with cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty and 4 patients were treated with cemented Thompson type prosthesis. All of the patients were by a walker or crutches within the first week after the operation.
Results: Two of them died within the 2 months after the surgery, 18 patients returned to their refracture status. Superficial hematoma was seen in 2 patients, Grade II heterotropic ossification was seen in 2 patients and Grade III heterotropic ossification was seen in one patient.
Discussion: Treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur in elderly patients is controversial and complications due to immobilization during convalescence are very frequent, including pneumonia, pressure sores, metabolic disturbances, circulatuary and respiratuary system disorders. Primary hemiarthroplasty seems to be effective in preventing these complications and maintaining prefracture status by early weight bearing.