Prospective study of hemiarthroplasty for intracapsular fracture neck of femur using modular bipolar prosthesis

Abstract

Fracture neck of femur is a leading cause of hospital admissions in elderly age group. The number of such admissions is on a rise because of increased longevity, osteoporosis and sedentary habits. Conservative methods of treatment is not acceptable because it results in nonunion with unstable hip and limitation of hip movement as well as complications of prolonged immobilization like bed sores, deep vein thrombosis and respiratory infections. Hemiarthroplasty remains the most common modality of treatment in our country. The time-tested unipolar prosthesis is being slowly replaced by bipolar prosthesis which is claimed to have a lower incidence of complications. Aim: This study was conducted to analyze the results of surgical management of fracture neck of femur using modular bipolar hemiarthroplasty. Methodology: The present study was a prospective study of fracture neck of femur admitted to Bapuji Hospital, and Chigateri General Hospital attached to J.J.M. Medical College, Davangere, treated with modular bipolar prosthesis. Results: In our series of 20 cases there were 8 males and 12 females, with a maximum age of 92 yrs, minimum age of 50yrs and an average age of 65 years. At the final one year follow up assessment with Harris Hip Score, 75% of the patients achieved an excellent or good result. Conclusion: Modular Bipolar hemiarthroplasty for fractures of the femoral neck provides better range of movement, freedom from pain and more rapid return to unassisted activity with an acceptable complication rate. Though out of the purview of the present study our experience with modular bipolar prosthesis have been significantly better than that with Austin Moore's Prosthesis.