Primary bipolar hemiprosthesis for unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

Between 1997 and 2001 we treated 54 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures by primary hemiarthroplasty using a cemented bipolar prosthesis. Mean patient age was 75.6 (64-91) years and mean follow-up was 22.3 (5-48) months. Seven patients died before the fourth post-operative month. Thirty-three patients were able to walk with a walker in the first post-operative week. There were no dislocations or aseptic loosening. One deep infection was encountered after 1 year. Acetabular erosion was seen in one patient and non-union of the greater trochanter was seen in four. Five patients experienced leg-length discrepancy. We obtained 17 excellent and 14 good results after 12 months according to the Harris hip-scoring system. We observed that the inner motion of the bipolar head decreased over time.