Publication:

Functional analysis of cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty with medial calcar augmentation for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly

Background Intertrochanteric fracture is one of the most common fractures among the elderly osteoporotic population, constituting about 50% of hip fractures. These fractures are managed either by fixation using dynamic hip screw (DHS), proximal femur nail (PFN) or by replacement, based on the stability of fracture pattern, age of the patient, quality of bone and associated co-morbid conditions. Prosthetic replacement which is routinely done for femoral neck fractures requires modification when done for trochanteric fractures to improve stability. This study aims to analyse the short term functional outcome of cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty with medial calcar augmentation for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly.

Methods Our study includes 60 patients of age more than 70 years admitted in our institution during June 2012 to September 2016 with unstable intertrochanteric fractures. All patients operated through posterior approach to hip and cemented hemiarthroplasty with medial calcar augmentation with bone graft was done. Patients were followed up for an average of period of 2 years. Functional outcome was evaluated with Harris Hip score.

Results 28% of cases had excellent outcome. 43% of cases had good and 23% of cases had fair outcome. 2% of cases ended with poor outcome. The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.3%. The survival rate of the patients in this study at the end of one year is 85%.

Conclusions Cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty with medial calcar augumentation can be considered as a good primary option for elderly unstable intertrochanteric fracture patients with osteoporotic bones and associated co-morbidities.