TREATMENT OF FEMORAL NECK FRACTURES IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE BY CEMENTED HEMIARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

The use of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in orthopaedic reconstructive surgery can increase the possibility of cardiovascular dysfunction remains a debate. This study was undertaken to determine if cemented hemiarthroplasty is safe in treatment of femoral neck fracture in patients with ischemic heart disease. Between March 1999 and February 2004, we performed cemented hemiarthroplasties for displaced femoral neck fractures on 158 consecutive patients. This retrospective study consisted of 44 patients with ischemic heart disease(group 1) and 58 patients of age matched control(group 2). We compared the mortality rate, the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular disease, dislocation, deep infection, the amount of postoperative blood loss, and the grade of cementation by Barrack in radiograph between two groups.

No difference was found in perioperative mortality rate, deep infection rate, the incidence of DVT or pulmonary embolism, the newly developed heart ischemic event or brain hemorrhagic lesion between the two groups. But there were more incidence of dislocation related to weakness by past brain ischemic lesion and the newly developed brain ischemia in patients of group 1 than group 2(p < 0.05). More importantly, six patients in group 1 had transient symptoms of dyspnea, signs of hypotension, and bradycardia during two days postoperatively, which is suspicious of embolic phenomenon, even though it was not confirmed.

More closer and careful observations for the occurrence of dislocation related to previous brain ischemia, or newly developed brain ischemic lesion or embolic phenomenon and appropriate thromboprophylaxis are necessary in patients with ischemic heart disease after a cemented hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fracture.