The effects of capsular repair on quality of life after hip arthroplasty with the anterolateral approach

Abstract

Background/Aim: Hip fractures, commonly observed worldwide, cause severe functional problems and pose an economic burden. This study investigated the effects of different surgical approaches of joint capsule repair on morbidity and mortality and aimed to increase the quality of life after surgery with the most proper treatment option. Methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted on 186 patients over 65 years of age admitted to our clinic from 2006 to 2012 for displaced femoral neck fracture. All patients were treated via a hemiarthroplasty. The patients (66 males, 110 females with an overall mean age of 80.43 years (70-90)) were followed up regularly. All patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 was treated with capsular repair, and Group 2 without. The groups were compared in terms of pre-and peri-operative data, demographics, concomitant diseases, post-operative complications, mortality rates, pain level, and hip scores. Hospitalization time, average surgical duration, and time from fracture to the operation were also noted. Results: We found no significant differences between the groups in terms of surgery preferences (P>0.05). The survival of patients was significantly higher, blood loss was significantly less, and perioperative mortality rates were insignificantly lower in the noncapsular repair group (p=0.005, p=0.015, and p=0.515, respectively). Conclusion: The use of capsule repair during hip hemiarthroplasty in patients over 65 years of age had no negative impact on mortality or morbidity. Surgical preference changes during hip arthroplasty procedures are essential.