The Outcomes of Treating Femoral Neck Fractures Using Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty

Femoral neck fractures (FNF) are a challenging orthopedic problem, and their appropriate treatment remains controversial. Nowadays, bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) is increasingly used to treat FNF.

In the current retrospective study, we investigated the outcomes of treating FNF with BHA.

There were 55 patients with FNF enrolled in the current retrospective study. The variables measured were mortality in the first postoperative year, returning to the pre-injury activity level, the harris hip score (HHS) and pain intensity based on a visual analogue scale (VAS) at the last visit. The correlation between a delay in surgery, and mortality and HHS were investigated.

Sixteen patients died within the first postoperative year (29%). HHS and VAS averaged 83.5±15.5 and 0.7±0.9, respectively. Patients who achieved good or excellent outcomes were 72% and 74% returned to their previous activity level. Of the study group, 95% of patients ambulated with or without using assistive devices. Although we found no significant correlation between delay in surgery, and mortality or HHS, HHS decreased with increased time interval between injury and surgery.

The rate of mortality in the first postoperative year was high; however, functional outcomes were satisfactory. Most of the patients could return to their previous activity levels. In the current study, we found no significant correlation between delay in surgery, and mortality at the first postoperative year and HHS.