Hemiarthroplasty for Unstable Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures: A Matched Cohort Study

Geriatric intertrochanteric fractures remain a major public health concern due to the considerable disability, morbidity, mortality, and health care costs associated with these injuries. The underlying poor bone quality and unstable nature of these fractures makes them difficult to treat. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of hemiarthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures when compared to the traditional treatment options of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).

A retrospective 1:1 matched cohort of 150 patients who had intertrochanteric fractures treated with either hemiarthroplasty or ORIF was developed using a local institutional database. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative variables were collected with at least 1 year of patient follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed with use of Student's t-tests, chi-square tests, and analysis of variance.

Unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with ORIF were associated with significantly more blood loss and an increased need for revision surgery. This effect was most pronounced in Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification type 31.A3 fractures, as patients treated with ORIF experienced significantly slower postoperative mobilization, increased blood loss, increased readmission, and revision surgery rates. Hemiarthroplasty was associated with an increased risk of greater trochanter escape, which did not appear to effect outcomes in this subset of patients.

Hemiarthroplasty may improve outcomes for patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures. The benefit of this technique is likely maximized in Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 31.A3 fractures. It remains a good option in the hands of experienced surgeons.