Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for the Femoral Neck Fractures in Elderly Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of bipolar hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients more than 65 years of age with a femoral neck fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six bipolar hemiarthroplasties in 43 patients more than 65 years of age which could be followed more than 3 years were included in this study. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using Harris hip score, pain score and support score. The radiological results were analyzed by femoral stem loosening and bipolar cup migration. RESULTS: The average Harris hip score was 88.7 (62~96) points. An excellent score was recorded in 34 cases, good in 7 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 2 cases. The average pain score was 39.3 points and there were no pain in 20 cases, slight pain in 17 cases, mild pain in 6 cases and moderate pain in 2 cases. The average support score was 9.6 points and 32 patients could walk without the use of any assistive devices. Two cases were converted to total hip arthroplasty due to femoral stem loosening with or without bipolar cup migration. CONCLUSION: For the early ambulation and functional recovery of elderly patients with femoral neck fracture, bipolar hemiarthroplasty was considered as one of recommendable methods.