Original scientific paper
Hemiarthroplasty is an Effective Surgical Method to Manage Unstable Trochanteric Fractures in Elderly People
Zdravko Jotanović
Hari Jurdana
Branko Šestan
Saša Rapan
Vladimir Boschi
Gordan Gulan
Abstract
Trochanteric femoral fractures are a major problem in the elderly because of higher bone fragility due to osteoporosis.
Numerous chronic illnesses, which usually affect the elderly, aggravate and complicate their surgical treatment. Trochanteric
femoral fractures results in high morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. The aim of our study is to evaluate
the effectiveness of hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of unstable trochanteric femoral fractures in elderly patients.
Between 2000 and 2005, 50 patients with unstable trochanteric femoral fractures (41 women) aged 75 to 92 years (mean
86 years) underwent cemented hemiarthroplasty. The surgical procedure was performed within first 48 hours after the
fracture (out of which 14 in the first 12 hours, 27 in the first 24 hours and 9 in the first 48 hours), with minimal blood
loss. Hemiarthroplasty was indicated in patients where stability was important to allow early mobilization. In forty patients
(80%) early ambulation with full weight bearing was achieved during the short period of hospitalization (9–14
days). Given that the affected population is predominantly the elderly, who are less mobile and demanding and thus put
less strain on the endoprosthesis, we believe that this kind of treatment is the treatment of choice for unstable trochanteric
femoral fractures in these patients. This assumption is corroborated by the fact that we did not have any endoprosthesis
luxation, apparent acetabular protrusion or instability during the mean follow up period of 15 months (range 12–18
months).
Keywords
trochanteric fractures; elderly; hemiarthroplasty
Hrčak ID:
69119
URI
Publication date:
24.6.2011.
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