Total Hip Arthroplasty in fracture neck of femur: A review of the literature

Abstract

Fracture Neck of Femur (FnF) is a major cause of loss of independence, morbidity and mortality in a vulnerable group of elderly patients; as well as a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems across the world. An increasingly ageing population has resulted in a rise in incidence and prevalence of FnF. Over 76,000 patients were admitted with FnF in the United Kingdom in 2018, with the resulting health and social costs estimated to be in excess of £2 billion. It is therefore important that the outcomes of all management options be evaluated to ensure constant improvement as well as allocation of resources as appropriate. It is widely agreed that patients presenting with displaced intracapsular FnF injuries are managed operatively; with options including internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty or Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). The volume of THA performed for FnF has significantly increased in recent years. However, compliance with national guidelines on FnF patient selection for THA has been shown to be inconsistent. The aim of this study was to review current literature with regards to the use of THA in management of FnF patients.

The literature describes managing FnF in ambulant and independent patients by THA with dual-mobility acetabular cup and cemented femoral component via the anterolateral approach. There is scope for further research in assessing the outcomes of different prosthetic femoral head sizes and choice of bearing surfaces (tribiology) used for THA as well as cementation of the acetabular cup component specifically in FnF patients.