Lower reoperation rate for cemented femoral stem than for uncemented femoral stem in primary total hip arthroplasty following a displaced femoral neck fracture.

INTRODUCTION

Acute displaced femoral neck fractures are often treated with cemented hemiarthroplasty (HA). There is increasing evidence that total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be a better alternative, but the degree to which the fixation of the femoral stem used affects the outcome is not fully known. The aim of this study is to compare rates of operative complications and implant survival following THA treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures with either a cemented or an uncemented femoral stem.

METHODS

The study consists of two groups of patients (N = 334), who were treated for a displaced femoral neck fracture with THA at the Regional Hospital of Viborg during 2007-2012. The first group (50.9%) had uncemented (Corail (®) ) stem while the second group (49.1%) had cemented (Exeter (®) ) stem implanted. Nearly all patients had uncemented dual mobility cup (Saturne (®) ) as acetabular component and were followed up to three months postoperatively. Data regarding rates of implant survival and operative complications were obtained by retrospective review of medical records.

RESULTS

We found a statistically significant difference regarding rates of postoperative reoperation with 1.2% (95% CI 0.005-0.03) for cemented and 5.9% (95% CI 0.02-0.09) for uncemented stem (p = 0.02). The main causes for reoperation were peri-prosthetic fractures and deep infections. There was no difference regarding dislocation or peroperative complications. Rates of dislocation were 4.3% (95% CI 0.012-0.07) for cemented and 3.5% (95% CI 0.008-0.06) for uncemented stem (p = 0.72). Rates of peroperative complications were 6.1% (95% CI 0.024-0.1) for cemented and 8.2% (95% CI 0.04-0.12) for uncemented stem (p = 0.1).

DISCUSSION

Our results indicate that cemented femoral stem is superior to cementless when rates of reoperation are compared.