Prosthetic replacement in treatment of subcapital femoral neck fractures in the elderly

Objective: To compare the results of femoral head replacement (FHR) and total hip replacement (THR) in treatment of subcapital femoral neck fractures (SFNF). Methods: Between May 1987 and July 1998, 56 elderly patients (65-90 years; average 73.5 years) with SFNF were treated with prosthetic replacement. Six cases were treated with unipolar FHR, 18 cases with Bateman bipolar FHR, and 32 cases with Bateman bipolar THR. All domestic prostheses were installed with cement. Results: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in operating time and blood transfusion. Forty-nine patients were followed-up for an average of 5 years and 10 months. No wound infection or death was related to surgery. Complications in Group FHR were significantly higher than that in Group THR. Conclusions: Since FHR is difficult to fit the bony acetabulum, it is only indicated for senile cases with poor conditions. However, the bipolar THR installed with cement is indicated for most elderly patients. Since the femoral head and acetabulum can fit each other completely, it is more stable for taking weight-bearing earlier with less complications.