LARGE DIAMETER FEMORAL HEAD UNCEMENTED TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT TO TREAT FRACTURED NECK OF FEMUR

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of large diameter head THR to treat fractured neck of femur, and to demonstrate if this conferred greater stability.

46 independent, mentally alert patients with displaced intracapsular fractures underwent THR. Mean age was 72.1 years. Outcome measures were dislocation, reoperation/ revision rate, Oxford hip score (OHS), Euroqol (EQ-5D) and residential status. Data was collected prospectively, with review being carried out at 3 months and 1 year.

At mean follow-up (12.5 months) there were no dislocations. Reoperation, revision and infection rate were all 0%. Two patients died (4.3%). Mean pre-injury and postoperative OHS were 12.1 and 17.9 respectively. Mean pre-injury and postoperative EQ-5D index scores were 0.97 and 0.83 respectively. Mean postoperative walking distance was 2.5 miles. There were no changes in residential status.

This is the first published series utilising 36-mm diameter metal-on-metal THR for the treatment of fractured neck of femur. We have demonstrated that it affords patients excellent stability with no recorded dislocations.