[Treatment results after cemented hemiprosthesis for care of unstable pertrochanteric femoral fractures in the elderly]. / Behandlungsergebnisse nach zementierter Hemiprothese zur Versorgung instabiler pertrochantärer Femurfrakturen alter Patienten.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment strategy for unstable trochanteric fractures in the elderly is still controversial because of the frequent failure of osteosynthesis. METHODS: A cohort of patients with unstable trochanteric fractures who were treated with cemented hemiarthroplasty and presented in our department during the period 2003-2009 was analyzed. Complications, reoperations, walking ability and full weight bearing were documented. RESULTS: A total of 91 patients were included (mean age 87.7±6.8 years) and predominantly 31A2 fractures (89%) were treated. There were 3.3% reoperations in the cohort and the 30 day mortality was 5.5%. At least 1 general complication occurred in over 50% of the patients. However, 30% of the patients had lower urinary tract infections, disturbances of electrolyte balance or transitory psychotic symptoms. On average full weight bearing could be performed at 3.5 (±3) days after the operation. CONCLUSION: Cemented hemiarthroplasty is a safe treatment strategy for unstable trochanteric fractures in the elderly, which allows early full weight bearing. Because of frequent general complications, more interdisciplinary units and centres of excellence are needed to handle this challenging cohort.