Cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a hydroxyapatite-coated long stem for osteoporotic unstable intertrochanteric fractures

Abstract

Treating senile osteoporotic patients with unstable hip fractures remains a challenge. We evaluated the results of 87 cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasties using an extensively hydroxyapatite-coated long stem for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in senile patients. Sixty-one hips were followed for a minimum of 2 years (mean, 36 months) postoperatively. The mean Merle d'Aubigne and Postel hip score was 14.7 points (12-18). Two hips were reoperated because of infection. Of the remaining 59 hips, 48 were included in the radiographic analysis. Although cortical porosis around the stem was seen in 18 hips, there was no loosening or osteolysis. Cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty using an extensively hydroxyapatite-coated long stem is a useful option for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fracture in senile patients with severe osteoporosis.