The effectiveness of primary bipolar arthroplasty in treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients

BACKGROUND The treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly patient is still controversial. Traditionally, internal fixation using a dynamic hip screw was of choice. Recently, some authors advocated the use of cemented bipolar arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty which results in better functional outcome. AIM The aim of this study is to find out which of these treatment options can lead to the best clinical and functional outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred and two patients admitted to Makassed General Hospital between 2002 and 2007 with a diagnosis of unstable intertrochanteric fracture of femur were selected. Preoperative and operative data was retrieved from inpatient hospital files. Postoperative radio clinical data at follow up visits was collected from outpatient department files. Functional outcomes were assessed with use of Harris hip score. The main clinical measures were early postoperative full weight bearing, postoperative complications and functional outcome. RESULTS The time to full weight bearing, the rate of postoperative complications, and the functional outcomes was significantly better in the cemented bipolar arthroplasty group. CONCLUSION According to our results, we believe that cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty is of choice in freely mobile elderly patients above seventy years of age with an intertrochanteric femoral fracture.