Comparison of bipolar implants with fixed-neck prostheses in femoral-neck fractures.

A retrospective study of 76 Bateman universal proximal femoral endoprostheses with a mean follow-up period of 32 months was compared to a group of 36 Thompson endoprostheses and 16 Moore endoprostheses, with a mean follow-up period of 35 months and 31 months, respectively. Harris hip scores, when corrected for preoperatively impaired function, yielded a mean score of 85 for the Bateman group, compared to a mean of 77 for both the Thompson and Moore groups. Fifteen patients received the Bateman device for reconstructive purposes and had a mean Harris hip score of 90. Morbidity was comparable between the Bateman and Thompson groups. The deep-infection rate was 3.9%, and the 32-day perioperative mortality was 4.6%, rising to 29% at the time of review. Preselection factors placed younger, more functional patients in the Bateman group (mean age, 65 years; mortality, 11%), compared to the Thompson group (mean age, 72 years; mortality, 39%) and the Moore group (mean age, 73 years; mortality, 41%). Continued evaluation of the Bateman endoprosthesis is required to better define its potential to lessen the long-term problems of pain, loosening, and acetabular wear.