Elliptical head hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of femoral neck and head fractures--preliminary report.

BACKGROUND The aim of his study is to evaluate efficacy of elliptical head hemiarthroplasty in treatment of femoral neck and head fractures and related complications in young patients under 55 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS Uncemented elliptical head hemiarthroplasty was performed in 14 patients aged 28-55, mean age of 46,7 years, out of whom 12 diagnosed with a femoral neck fracture or related complications and 2 with a femoral head fracture. Mean follow-up period was 4,5 years, range from 10 months to 6 years. The Harris Hip Score was applied for evaluation of functional results. The radiographic analysis was based on standard anteroposterior and axial radiographic projections. Acetabular cartilage erosion was assessed according to the Wetherell et al radiographic method of measurement. RESULTS The functional results ranged from 58 to 97 points, mean 85,28 points (according to the HHS). The radiographs revealed no signs of stem loosening. No cartilage erosion or migration of the prosthesis were observed in the study. CONCLUSION An elliptical shape of the prosthetic head reflects the anatomy of the hip reducing the risk of acetabular cartilage erosion and migration of the prosthesis. We conclude that modular elliptical head hemiarthroplasty can be a useful method of management of femoral neck or head fractures and related complications in younger patients.