The Thompson prosthesis in the treatment of subcapital fractures of the neck of the femur.

One hundred and fifty four patients with a displaced subcapital fracture of the neck of the femur were treated by primary replacement with a cemented Thompson prosthesis. The average age of the patients was 74.8 years and most had evidence of generalised disease. Two patients had the procedure performed on both sides. The operation was carried out through an antero-lateral approach. Mobilisation began on the day following operation and patients were encouraged to walk on the fifth day. No dislocations were seen. The important early complications were not at the site of operation but were secondary to associated diseases. Following early unrestricted weight bearing 111 patients (71.1%) were discharged within three weeks of the operation. Twenty three (14.7%) died during the six weeks following the procedure. At follow up between one and seven years after operation (mean 3.9 years), fifty patients had died, but of the 63 survivors contacted 78% had a good to excellent result whilst only 5% were classified as poor.