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Background: A hip hemiarthroplasty is the treatment of choice for a displaced femoral neck fracture in elderly patients not eligible for total hip arthroplasty. There is continuing debate about the optimal surgical approach for this operation, with the most commonly used approaches being posterior and lateral. Objective: To compare the outcomes of the posterior and the lateral approaches in patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture treated by hemiarthroplasty. Method: A retrospective study was carried out in two high-volume teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. Electronic patient records were searched for patient characteristics, the operative approach and adverse outcomes. Results: A total of 1009 patients with a median age of 86 years were included. The posterior approach was used in 51.1% of patients. There were no differences in surgical site infection and periprosthetic fracture rates. There was a trend towards more dislocations in the posterior approach (2.9% vs. 1.4% with an OR of 2.1, 95% CI 0.8–5.1). An uncemented hemiprosthesis was used in 62.7% of patients. Deep surgical site infections and periprosthetic fractures occurred more often in the uncemented group (OR 2.9 and 7.4, respectively). Conclusion: No differences in adverse outcomes between both approaches could be shown. This study did confirm the relatively high incidence of post-operative complications in uncemented prostheses. Therefore, the cemented prosthesis should be the treatment of choice, with the approach dependent on surgeon preference and experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the total medical costs for treating displaced femoral neck fractures with hemi- or total hip arthroplasty in fit elderly patients. The mean total costs per patient at 2 years of follow-up were €26,399. These results contribute to cost awareness. Introduction: The absolute number of hip fractures is rising and increases the already significant burden on society. The aim of this study was to determine the mean total medical costs per patient for treating displaced femoral neck fractures with hemi- or total hip arthroplasty in fit elderly patients. Methods: The population was the Dutch sample of an international randomized controlled trial consisting of femoral neck fracture patients treated with hemi- or total hip arthroplasty. Patient data and health care utilization were prospectively collected during a total follow-up period of 2 years. Costs were separated into costs for hospital care during primary stay, hospital costs for clinical follow-up, and costs generated outside the hospital during rehabilitation. Multiple imputations were used to account for missing data. Results: Data of 141 participants (mean age 81 years) were included in the analysis. The 2-year mortality rate was 19 %. The mean total cost per patient after 10 weeks of follow-up was €15,216. After 1 and 2 years of follow-up the mean total costs were €23,869 and €26,399, respectively. Rehabilitation was the main cost determinant, and accounted for 46 % of total costs. Primary hospital admission days accounted for 22 % of the total costs, index surgery for 11 %, and physical therapy for 7 %. Conclusions: The main cost determinants for hemi- or total hip arthroplasty after treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures (€26,399 per patient until 2 years) were rehabilitation and nursing homes. Most of the costs were made in the first year. Reducing costs after hip fracture surgery should focus on improving the duration and efficiency of the rehabilitation phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of hip fractures is increasing. Elderly patients with a hip fracture frequently present with comorbidities, which are associated with higher mortality rates. Clinical studies regarding long-term functional outcome and mortality in hip fractures are rare. The aim of this study was to analyse the functional outcome and the mortality rate after a follow-up of 5 years in elderly patients with a hip fracture.Materials and Methods: This combined retrospective and cross-sectional study included patients aged 65 years or older with a low energy hip fracture who underwent surgery in the Maastricht University Medical Center+, the Netherlands. Data such as demographics and mortality rates were retrospectively collected and functional outcome (i.e. mobility, pain, housing conditions and quality of life) was assessed by a questionnaire.Results: Two hundred and sixteen patients were included in this study (mean age 82.2, SD ± 7.5). No significant differences were found in pain before hip fracture and after 1-year and 5-year follow-ups. Long-term functional outcome deteriorated after a hip fracture, with a significant increase in the use of walking aids (p < 0.001), a significant decrease of patients living in a private home (p < 0.001), and a low physical quality of life (SF-12 PCS = 27.1). The mortality incidences after 30-day, 1-year and 5-year follow-ups were 7.9%, 37.0% and 69.4%, respectively.Conclusion: Long-term functional outcome in elderly patients with hip fractures significantly deteriorated, with an increased dependency for mobility and housing conditions and a decreased physical quality of life. In addition, hip fractures are associated with high mortality rates at the 5-year follow-up.Level Of Evidence: Level III, a retrospective cohort study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]