This study reviews Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) in the subcapital femoral neck fracture population looking at early complications.

Primary THA’s performed in our institution for femoral neck fractures between 1999 and 2001 were reviewed. The case records were obtained from the hospital patient information database. Medical charts, including operation and outpatient notes, were used to obtain information on the level of experience of the surgeon, supervision and complications.

Sixty five THA’s were performed on 65 patients with the average age of 77. Trainee Registrars performed 62%, 15% with a consultant assistant and consultants performed 38%. There were 19 (30%) medical complications giving a total complication incidence of 38%. All of the procedures were performed via the Hardinge direct lateral approach. There were 6 (9%) surgical complications, including one deep infection requiring revision. There were no dislocations or peri-operative deaths. The one-year mortality was 9% (equal to expected mortality of age related population without fracture).

Primary THA’s for displaced subcapital fracture in “community ambulators” is a safe and reliable procedure with an acceptable rate of surgical complications. Although there were a large number of minor medical complications documented, the 12-month mortality for this group remained the same as the population normal.