OBJECTIVETo analyze the complications of bipolar hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures.

METHODSFrom Jan. 2004 to Dec. 2007, 62 patients over 80 years old with unstable interthochanteric fracture were treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty, included 34 males and 28 females with an average age of 86.3 years ranging from 81 to 97 years. According to the Evans classification, there were 29 cases of Evans III, 26 of Evans IV and 7 of Evans V. The systemic and operation related complications were investigated.

RESULTSAmong all the cases, 59 were followed up in outpatient department for 24 to 70 months (33 months on average). Systemic complications were found in 19 cases with no death during preoperative period and 5 deaths after leaving hospital. Operation related complications were found in 9 cases, included 3 cases of thigh pain, 1 iatrogenic fracture of proximal femur, 2 hip dislocations, 2 delayed union of fractures and 1 superficial infection. There were no aseptic loosening, peri-prosthetic infections,ectopic ossification or injuries of nerves and vessels.

CONCLUSIONBipolar hemiarthroplasty is indicated for patients over 80 years old with intertrochanteric fracture, thus the organic or systemic malfunctions should be corrected during perioperative period. Meanwhile, retaining of lesser trochanter and reconstruction of calcar femorale are important for improving periprosthetic biomechanics and reducing local complications.