Hemiarthroplasty or osteosynthesis in cervical hip fractures: matched-pair analysis in 892 patients

Our aim was to compare hemiarthroplasty (HA) and osteosynthesis (OS) in the treatment of cervical hip fractures using matched-pair analysis, especially with regard to different age groups. Data concerning all hip fractures (excluding pathological fractures) at the University Hospitals of Lund in Sweden, where osteosynthesis with LIH hook-pins was used exclusively, and of Oulu in Finland, using mainly cementless Austin-Moore hemiarthroplasty, were registered during 1989-1996 using the same standardized hip fracture forms filled in preoperatively and at 4 months follow-up. Altogether 446 pairs matched for age, sex, place of residence and walking ability at the time of fracture were found. Patients aged 55-80 years seemed to benefit more, with regard to function, from OS than older patients. At 4 months follow-up, 38% of HA and 48% of OS patients lived in their own homes, 16% and 27% were able to walk alone outdoors, and 11% versus 16% were able to walk without any aids, respectively. At 1 year follow-up, mortality was significantly lower among the OS patients, but the reoperation rate was significantly higher. In conclusion, OS is associated with a better function and lower mortality than HA, especially in younger patients, and it is recommended as the primary treatment for cervical hip fractures in patients younger than 80 years and with good ambulatory capacity, whereas the oldest patients can also be safely treated by HA.