[Clinical experience of hemiarthroplasty with Bateman bipolar endoprosthesis]

Between April 1985 and August 1986, 97 patients (101 hips) were treated with Bateman bipolar hemiarthroplasty after diagnosis of femoral neck fracture and ischemic necrosis of the femoral head at Veterans' General Hospital, Taichung. Seventy hips were followed up for an average of 44 months (range from 36 to 53 months). 58.6% of the patients had excellent or good results, 21.4% had fair results and 20% poor results. Twelve cases (17.1%) with thigh pain were diagnosed as have loosening of the stem and this was verified by X-ray and 99m Tc-MDP bone scan examination. 2 of these twelve cases received revisional total hip replacement. Wearing of the acetabulum was noted in only 2 patients (2.9%). From the short-term follow-up study, we would suggest that good results can be obtained with improved cementing technique or a special stem design to fit the different indications.