Long-term results after operative treatment of femoral neck fractures with ceramic head prostheses.

From 1985-1990, a total of 277 elderly patients underwent hemiarthroplasty using a ceramic head prosthesis. Average patient age was 81.7 years. Of these, 77 patients were available for follow-up examination in 1993. A standardized score was calculated assessing activity, gait, and hip pain; the average score was 58 out of 78 possible points. Three patients had hip pain, and in 4 patients, radiographic examination revealed protrusio acetabuli. Two of 4 patients underwent revision surgery for replacement of the cup, leaving the stem in situ. Because of the small number of prosthetic-related complications, hemiarthroplasty using a ceramic head prosthesis is the recommended surgical treatment for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. In the rare patient with protrusio acetabuli, revision surgery can be performed to replace the cup, leaving the stem in situ.