Cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures: A randomized controlled trial with two years follow-up.

objectiveThe aim of this prospective randomized trial was to compare cemented (CHA) and uncemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty (UCH) in patients with femoral neck fractures (FNF).

methodsThe study included 158 patients aged ≥76 years who underwent bipolar HA for displaced FNF. Patients were randomized in two groups: the cemented group (CHA, n=79) was treated with cement and the uncemented group (UCH, n=79) without cement. The groups were compared for operating time, blood loss and peroperative morbidity and mortality rates.

resultsBoth the CHA and the UCH group did not differ significantly in terms of age (86±5 vs. 84±4 years), sex (58.3% male vs. 60.7% female), and comorbidities (p=0.49). The CHA group had a significantly longer operating time (p=0.038) and a greater intraoperative blood loss (p=0.024). In the CHA group there were 8 (10.1%) events of intraoperative drop in the oxygen saturation (SaO2), whereas no such events were noted in the UCH group (p=0.009). Despite no significant difference between these two groups, we found that the CHA group was associated with a higher early postoperative mortality (8.8% in the CHA group versus 3.8% in the UCH group, p=0.009). Intraoperative fracture occurred in two patients (2.5%) of the UCH group. Over a 2-year follow-up period there were no significant differences between the groups regarding the rate of dislocation (p=0.56) or rate of postoperative periprosthetic fracture (p=0.56). There was a trend towards a better postoperative functional recovery at 6 week for the CHA group (77.1±13.1 versus 71.3±16.3), although the mean Harris Hip Score (HHS) at the end of 2 years was comparable (p=0.55).

conclusionBoth CHA and UCH are acceptable methods for treating displaced femoral neck fractures. However, based on our results perioperative cardiovascular disturbances are less frequent and resulting in a potential lower early mortality with UCH. Therefore, UCH is particularly appropriate for elderly patients with pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Randomized Controlled Trial.