A comparison of hemiarthroplasty with total hip replacement for displaced fracture of femoral neck in the elderly

Introduction: Globally about 70% of the hip fractures are due to the neck of femur fracture. Surgical management has proved to be clinically and functionally superior to conservative immobilization. Hence the study is to assess the optimal treatment modality for the treatment of neck of femur fractures. Materials and Methods: The present study is an analytical cross-sectional study. About 70 patients diagnosed with unstable neck of femur fractures who were treated with total hip replacement as 35 cases (Group 1) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty as 35 cases (Group 2). The study duration was from April 2016 to September 2018. Results: The female population was also found to be more prone for fractures in both -THR group (65%) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty group (60%). The mean duration of stay in the hospital is lower in the THR group (6 days) when compared with the bipolar hemiarthroplasty group (8 days). The mean time till full weight bearing walking (days) was observed to be significantly reduced in the THR group (2.73 days) when compared with the bipolar hemiarthroplasty group (3 days). The mean mortality rate in the THR group (3.3%) was observed to be lower than the bipolar hemiarthroplasty group (5.5%). Conclusion: Total hip replacement, however is observed to be superior to bipolar hemiarthroplasty in terms of duration of hospital stay, immediate full-weight bearing walking and better functional outcomes with fewer complications.