Displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly are normally treated with 2 screws/pins (IF) or bipolar hemiarthroplasty (HA). The aim of this study was to compare IF and HA as treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures using reoperations and functional result (patient satisfaction, pain, and quality of life) as outcome. From January 2005 all hip fractures in Norway are reported to the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register. At 4, 12, and 36 months postoperatively a questionnaire assessing satisfaction (VAS 0-100), pain (VAS 0-100), and quality of life (EQ-5D) is sent to the patients. To ensure more than 3 years follow-up, only patients operated in 2005 were included in the present study. Consequently 1,968 patients over 70 years of age operated with IF (n = 958) or HA (n = 1,010) due to displaced femoral neck fractures were included in the analyses on reoperations. Of these, 280 patients responded to all questionnaires and were included in the analyses on functional results (IF: n = 135, HA: n = 145). The patients remained in the same treatment group according to the intention-to-treat principle.Introduction
Material and Methods
The treatment of trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures remains controversial, and new implants are constantly being developed trying to improve outcome and minimize the number of complications in these fractures. In Norway the Sliding Hip Screw(SHS), with or without a Trochanteric Stabilizing Plate (TSP), is still the most commonly used implant, but worldwide nailing of these fractures is increasing. This trend, however, has not been supported by documentation of better clinical results compared to the SHS in well designed studies. Therefore, in the present study we compared the recently launched Trigen Intertan nail (Smith and Nephew) with the SHS in the treatment of trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures. In a prospective, randomized multicenter study with 697 patients, we compared the Trigen Intertan nail with the SHS regarding postoperative pain, functional mobility, complications, and reoperation rates. Patients older than 60 years with trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures were included in 5 hospitals. At day 5, and 3 and 12 months postoperatively, pain was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Timed Up and Go-test (TUG-test) was performed to evaluate functional mobility. Complications and reoperations were recorded at discharge, and after 3 and 12 months.Introduction
Patients and Methods