Four hundred forty-seven patients with 451 displaced fractures of the femoral neck were treated with Bateman bipolar hemiarthroplasty (190 cemented and 261 uncemented) between 1985 and 1990 in the authors' institution. During a follow-up period of at least two years, the authors found less thigh pain (13% versus 46.2%) and higher Harris hip scores (86 versus 79) in the cemented group in comparison with the uncemented group. Radiographic examination showed less radiolucent zones and subsidence in the cemented group. Heterotopic ossification was more common in the cemented group. Despite the fact that the cemented group had longer operative times (average, 20 minutes) and more blood loss (average, 160 ml) during the operation, there was no significant difference in the early mortality rate observed between these two groups. The cemented prostheses provided better functional and radiographic results and fewer failures in the early stage. In addition, the cemented prostheses did not lead to more complications and higher mortality rates. Thus, for elderly patients who need early ambulation and functional recovery, the cemented Bateman bipolar prosthesis appears to be a better choice than the uncemented Bateman prosthesis.