[Thompson's endoprosthesis in the treatment of recent fractures of the femoral neck. Long-term results].

This paper provides a long-term review of 38 elderly patients with fracture of the neck of the femur. They had been discharged well and ambulant after application of Thompson's intra-articular prosthesis. Death supervened in 5 within an interval of 3-6 years after the operation. Twenty-six complained of pain in the joint. Another three had reduced mobility from ossification around the prosthesis. It is concluded that the insertion of an intra-articular prosthesis for fractures of the femoral neck does not give good long-term results and is not the ideal treatment for this injury in elderly patients.