Malaysian Orthopaedic Journal (Mar 2011)

Is there a Significant Difference in Surgery and Outcomes between Unipolar and Bipolar Hip Hemiarthroplasty? A Retrospective Study of a Single Institution in Singapore

  • WL Loo,
  • SY Loh,
  • HC Lee

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 1
pp. 3 – 7

Abstract

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OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare outcomes differences between unipolar and bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty in one institution for the local geriatric population. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective review of 291 patients aged 70 and above who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty for neck of femur fracture from February 2004 to November 2006 was performed. RESULTS: Operative time was lower in the unipolar group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of superficial wound infection, deep implant infection and hip dislocation. Patients who underwent unipolar hip hemiarthroplasty tended to be older and have a higher Charlson Comorbidity Score. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a bipolar endoprosthesis in the management of displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly was associated with a shorter length of stay but higher hospitalisation bill, which was not statistically significant. However, the unipolar group were significantly older with a higher CCS score.