Treatment of femoral neck fractures with bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a modified minimally invasive posterior approach in patients with neurological disorders.

Abstract

Bipolar hemiarthroplasty is a useful treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. Although uncommon, dislocation is problematic, particularly in older patients, and those with neurologic disorders are at an increased risk for this complication. Recently, a modified posterior approach to the hip intended to enhance hip joint stability by preserving the short external rotators was described. Therefore, the dislocation rate was compared after bipolar hemiarthroplasty using the modified or standard minimally invasive posterior approach.A retrospective analysis was performed of 67 patients older than 65 years with displaced femoral neck fractures and neurological disorders who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty using the modified and standard approaches in 28 and 39 hips, respectively. Follow-up averaged 19.3 months. Dislocation rates for the treatment and control groups were 0% and 7.7%, respectively (P<.01). No significant difference existed in postoperative bleeding, operative time, or length of hospital stay between groups. These data suggest a lower dislocation rate after bipolar hemiarthroplasty via the modified, short external rotator-sparing approach for treating displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients with neurological disorders.