Comparison of the Exeter Trauma Stem and the Thompson hemiarthroplasty for intracapsular hip fractures.

A planned change in the prosthesis used for hip hemiarthroplasty in one orthopaedic trauma unit from the Thompson prosthesis to the Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) was studied. We completed a prospective continuous audit study comparing outcomes for patients undergoing the procedure before (766 patients) and after (388 patients) the change of practice. Outcomes measured included surgical complications (including infection or dislocation) and a postoperative radiographic review. There was no difference in the incidence of surgical complications between the groups, and no difference in ratings given to postoperative radiographs between both groups. In theory, the ETS may be easier to revise, should this be required in future, but in other respects the devices are comparable.