J Korean Hip Soc.  2009 Dec;21(4):327-333. 10.5371/jkhs.2009.21.4.327.

The Relationship between Limb-Length Discrepancy on Function, Dislocation, Pain and Acetabular Wear after Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture

• Yoon HK
• Kim BK
• Chung JH
• Han SC

• KMID: 1465816
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5371/jkhs.2009.21.4.327

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the relationship between a limb-length discrepancy and the clinical and radiological outcomes after bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femur neck fractures in elderly patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between August 2004 and January 2007, 60 out of 80 cases over 65 years who underwent cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femur neck fractures with a more than 2 years follow-up were evaluated retrospectively by dividing the patients into two groups, > 5 mm (group 1) and < 5 mm (group 2) of limblengthening. Harris hip score, the activity of daily living(ADL), dislocation rate, pain by a visual analogue scale (VAS) and acetabular wear by radiographic measurements were analyzed.
RESULTS
For each group, the Harris hip score in group 1 and 2 was 80.0 and 76.2, respectively. The ADL in group 1 and 2 was respectively, 36 and 29 preoperatively, 56 and 52 postoperatively. The visual analogue scale in group 1 and 2 was 3.53 and 2.23 (P=0.002), respectively, and acetabular wear was encountered in 6 and 8 cases in group 1 and 2, respectively. The VAS score was significant. There was no difference in acetabular wear and dislocation between the two groups (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Limb-lengthening by hemiarthroplasty may be a cause of pain but with little effect on the overall functional outcome.

Keyword

Femoral neck fracture; Bipolar hemiarthroplasty; Limb-length discrepancy

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Aged
Dislocations
Femoral Neck Fractures
Femur Neck
Follow-Up Studies
Hemiarthroplasty
Hip
Humans
Retrospective Studies