We undertook a randomised controlled trial to
compare bipolar hemiarthroplasty (HA) with a novel total hip replacement
(THR) comprising a polycarbonate–urethane (PCU) acetabular component
coupled with a large-diameter metal femoral head for the treatment
of displaced fractures of the femoral neck in elderly patients. Functional
outcome, assessed with the Harris hip score (HHS) at three months
and then annually after surgery, was the primary endpoint. Rates
of revision and complication were secondary endpoints. Based on a power analysis, 96 consecutive patients aged >
70
years were randomised to receive either HA (49) or a PCU-THR (47).
The mean follow-up was 30.1 months (23 to 50) and 28.6 months (22
to 52) for the HA and the PCU group, respectively. The HHS showed no statistically significant difference between
the groups at every follow-up. Higher pain was recorded in the PCU
group at one and two years’ follow-up
(p = 0.006 and p = 0.019, respectively). In the HA group no revision
was performed. In the PCU-THR group six patients underwent revision
and one patient is currently awaiting
re-operation. The three-year survival rate of the PCU-THR group
was 0.841 (95% confidence interval 0.680 to 0.926). Based on our findings we do not recommend the use of the PCU
acetabular component as part of the treatment of patients with fractures
of the femoral neck. Cite this article:
