The Conversion Rate of Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty after a Hip Fracture to a Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: Bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty is used in the management of fractures of the proximal femur. The dual articulation is cited as advantageous in comparison to unipolar prostheses as it decreases acetabular erosion, has a lower dislocation rates and is easier to convert to a total hip arthroplasty (THA) should the need arise. However, these claims are debatable. Our study examines the rate of conversion of the bipolar hemiarthroplasty to THA and the justification for using it on the basis of future conversion to THA. METHODS: All cases of bipolar hemiarthroplasty performed in our unit for hip fractures over a 9-year period (1999-2007) were reviewed. Medical notes and radiographs of all patients were reviewed, and all surviving patients that were contactable received a telephone follow-up. RESULTS: Of all 164 patients reviewed with a minimum of 1 year from date of surgery, 4 patients had undergone a conversion of their bipolar prosthesis to THA. Three conversions were performed for infection, dislocation, and fracture. Only one (0.6%) conversion was performed for groin pain. CONCLUSIONS: Our study show that bipolar hemiarthroplasties for hip fractures have a low conversion rate to THAs and this is comparable to the published conversion rate of unipolar hemiarthroplasties.

Cementless Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for Unstable Intertrochanteic Fractures in the Elderly / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the positive effects and problems through clinical and radiological results of cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty for intertrochanteric fractures above type A2 in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2006 to June 2009, 54 bipolar hemiarthroplasties were performed in 54 patients in our hospital. The mean age was 78.8 (67-93) years. Of these cases, 13 were male and 41 were female. The fractures were of type A2.1 in 17 cases, type A2.2 in 23 cases and type A2.3 in 14 cases. There was no walking limitation in 45 patients, but 4 of the remaining 9 patients had walking limitations and used walking aids at their residence. A posterolateral approach as well as cementless femoral stems was used in all the patients. Clinical results were evaluated according to operation time, amount of bleeding, time to resume walking, duration of hospital stay, recovery of walking ability, and complications. Prostheses loss was evaluated on the follow-up radiographs. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 39 patients who had medical co-morbidity had more than two medical co-morbidities. Operations were performed at a mean time of 5.5 days after the fracture. The mean operation time was 95 minutes. The average total amount of bleeding was of 715 cc. Patients began walking at an average of 5.9 days after operation and the average duration of hospital stay was 19.2 days. Sixteen patients (29.6%) died at an average period of 1.6 years after their operation. At the time of discharge, 32 patients (59%) had recovered walking ability, but at the last follow-up compared to the pre-injury status, the recovery rate of walking had decreased to 46% (25 patients). Complications included a deep infection in one case, dislocation in 2 cases and hematoma in 2 cases. The cause of revision was deep infection. There were no revisions due to prosthesis loosening. CONCLUSION: Cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty for intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly had some problems due to the prolonged operation time and increased amount of bleeding, but it also had advantages including the early return to walking after the operation and decreased hospital stay. It is one of the treatment options for the elderly with unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for the Femur Neck Fractures in Patients Aged Around Ninety

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional changes, postop delirium and complications after cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty for the femur neck fractures in patients aged around ninety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 1995 and April 2002, of the twenty seven patients, 17 who follow-up for at least one year were included in this study. Walking ability, activity of daily living, mental status, chronic illness, postoperative delirium and complications were evaluated retrospectively using Yoon's walking class, ADL scale, MMSE-K score, ASA classification, DSM IV respectively. RESULTS: The walking ability was decreased to 2.4 from 3.3 tendency of reliance in ADL scale was increased to 8.3 from 4.5, MMSE-K score was decreased to 15.9 from 21.7. There was no significant change in status of chronic illness. Postoperative delirium occurred in eight (47%) cases and all of them recovered completely. complications included bladder problem in eleven (66%) cases, temporary respiratory distress in two (12%) cases, hip dislocation in two (12%) cases, infection in one (6%) case. Overall thirteen (78%) cases were able to walk with supports. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that physicians treation femur neck fractures in patients aged around ninety must anticipate worsening of the functional changes more especially in regard to walking level, activity of daily living and mental status, little changes of chronic disease status, complete recovery of postop delirium and high complication rate

Short-term follow up of bipolar arthroplasties for aged cases with intertrochanteric fractures / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To evaluate the short term effect of bipolar arthroplasties in aged cases with intertrochanteric fractures.Methods There were 23 males and 15 females(at age of 70-93 years, average 76 years)with unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with the third generation cementing techniques and bipolar arthroplasties that were followed up for average 2.4 years.The clinical effect was evaluate with Harris scale,X-ray films and complications.Results Of all,34 cases(89.5%)could walk freely.The average Harris scale was 84.2 points.The average period until walk with full-weight load was 5.6 weeks.The greater trochanters was united in 35 cases(92%)during average 4.2 months.No peri-prothetic ossteolysis and loosening or subsidence occurred.Conclusions Cemented bipolar arthro- plasty has good advantages of reduced laying up period and few complications.The short-term outcome is satisfactory hut the long-term outcome needs deeper observation.