Introduction and Objectives: The registry of total hip replacements shows that 11% of THRs are performed due to hip fracture; it is the second most frequent cause for these procedures. As has been seen in different studies, THRs secondary to fracture have had a large complication rate and a lower rate of implant survival.

Materials and Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of 304 THRs performed in our center between 2000 and 2002; 32 of these were due to fracture (10.5%). We assessed demographic variables, pre and postoperative function using the HSS Hip Score, surgical variables, including operation time, intra and postoperative complications, angle and inclination of the acetabulum, bleeding and postoperative pain.

Results: we found no differences in HSS Hip Scores after surgery; or in the rate of intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications. In the study group we found more elderly patients, more women and a greater need for transfusions, as also a greater number of dislocations. We found no differences in the incidence of aseptic loosening, or in the incidences of periprosthetic fractures or infections.

Discussion and Conclusions: Patients with a THR due to hip fracture had a poorer evolution than those that underwent THR for other reasons, due to a greater frequency of dislocation.