RESUMO
PURPOSE: To compare the short-term clinical outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with a large diameter femoral head (36 mm) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BA) in physiologically active elderly patients with femoral neck fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This non-concurrent clinical trial included 169 patients with femoral neck fractures, who had been treated with prosthetic replacement from February 2004 and June 2007. Eighty-nine and 80 cases underwent BA and THA, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 36 months (18-52). The clinical outcomes were analyzed, and the latest follow-up radiographs were assessed to determine the number of complications. RESULTS: The mean operation time was longer in the THA group. The pain, mobility, and walking ability factors were better in the THA group than in the BA group. There was no limitation in the range of motion in the early post-operative period and no dislocations were encountered in either group. CONCLUSION: THA with a large diameter femoral head is recommended for the management of patients with femoral neck fractures.