Ten-year patient and prosthesis survival after unipolar hip hemiarthroplasty in female patients over 70 years old.

We found that 162 unipolar hemiarthroplastics of the hip were performed between 1989 and 1995 on women over 70 years of age in our institution. The mean age was 84 years (70 to 99). Cumulative survival of the prostheses was 98% at 1 year and 94% after 5 and 10 years. Of the original patients, 137 have died. Survival rate for patients was 73% at 1 year, 23% at 5 years, and 6% at 10 years. Eighteen patients could be accounted for, with a mean follow-up time of 7.7 years (5.5-11.3 years). The mean Harris hip score was 80 points (55-100). Protrusion was observed in 3 patients. The treatment of cervical neck fracture with unipolar hip prostheses is a valuable method, with a low complication rate, particularly in women over 70 years for whom life expectancy may be short.