Investigating the reliability of digital templating for hip hemiarthroplasty for neck of femur fracture

Abstract

Aims and objectives: Hip hemiarthroplasty is commonly performed for intracapsular neck of femur fractures in the elderly. Digital templating is commonly used in elective arthroplasty however its use is less well established in the setting of trauma. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of digital templating in hip hemiarthroplasty for stem-femur compatibility and head size. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort study using prospective departmental database. Preoperative radiographs and templating reports were reviewed along with operative notes. The digitally templated implant type and size was compared with the actual implant as documented in the operation note. Results: 90 consecutive patients identified. 42 patients (46.6 %) had preoperative templating performed. 4 patients (9.5 %) of those templated preoperatively had an intraoperative conversion to bipolar system due to stem-femur incompatibility. There were no incidences of stem-femur incompatibility in patients that did not have preoperative templating. Head size was correctly templated in 20 % of cases and 75 % within 2 head sizes. Conclusion: Digital templating for the Thompson hemiarthroplasty stem does not reliably predict stem-femur compatibility or implant head size.

Keywords

• Arthroplasty
• Digital templating
• Hemiarthroplasty
• Hip fracture
• Neck of femur fracture