Bipolar hemiarthroplasty in degenerative arthritis of the hip. 100 consecutive cases

This retrospective study represents the authors' experience with bipolar hemiarthroplasty in 100 consecutive patients with degenerative arthritis. Seventy of 100 patients were available for follow-up assessment. Mean follow-up interval was 4.3 years (range, two to 13.5 years). Mean modified Harris hip score was 78.8. Good-to-excellent results were obtained in 75.8% (excellent, 22.9%; good, 52.9%). Revision was required in six cases (8.6%). Subgroup analysis revealed comparable outcome in 50 patients with at least three years of follow-up assessment (mean, 5.1 years), indicating no deterioration of results. Anterior thigh pain, attributed to femoral component loosening, was the predominant patient complaint. Use of proportionately sized femoral components and use of cement when indicated should decrease the incidence of anterior thigh pain. This intermediate-term follow-up study suggests a role for bipolar hemiarthroplasty in the primary surgical treatment of osteoarthritis.