A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES IN CEMENTED VS. UNCEMENTED HEMIARTHROPLASTY IN FEMORAL NECK FRACTURES IN GERIATRIC AGE.

Abstract

Introduction: The optimum treatment choice for femoral neck fractures is often contested. In this study, we aimed to compare the functional outcome in geriatric patients who underwent either cemented or uncemented hemiarthroplasty in our department. Methods: This prospective study included patients who were scheduled to undergo hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture in the Department of Orthopaedics, Hi-Tech Medical College, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Two study groups were made. One group had patients who underwent uncemented hemiarthroplasty and the second group had patients who underwent cemented hemiarhtroplasty. Surgery related information was collected from the operative notes of the surgeon. Post-operative complications, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and Harris Hip Score (HHS) were noted during the follow up period. Results: There were 30 patients in the uncemented group and 31 in the cemented group. All the baseline demographic and clinical variables were similar in both the study groups. Mean intraoperative blood loss and operative time was significantly higher among the patients who underwent cemented hemiarthroplasty as compared to uncemented group. Mean VAS score at the first month and sixth month follow up was significantly higher among patients in the uncemented group as compared to cemented group. Functional outcome was not significantly different according to the HHS performed 6 months post-operatively. Conclusions: Patients in the cemented group had a higher intra-operative blood loss and longer operative time. However, the pain score on the VAS were significantly lower at first and sixth month follow up. Functional outcomes were not significantly different between the two study groups.