Cementless modular hip arthroplasty as a salvage operation for failed internal fixation of trochanteric fractures in elderly patients.

Failure of internal fixation of trochanteric fractures requires repeat surgery in order to avoid the risks of complications affecting bedridden patients. This study was conducted to assess the results of hemi- or total hip arthroplasty with a cementless modular femoral stem, as a salvage operation following early mechanical failure of internal fixation. Twenty nine patients with a mean age of 81.1 years (70-91) were included in the study. Fractures extending into the diaphysis and pathological fractures were excluded, as well as patients who presented late complications. A cementless modular stem designed for metaphyso-diaphyseal anchorage was used in all cases. Twenty-two patients underwent hemiarthroplasty and seven total hip arthroplasty. Four patients died within one year and two were lost to follow-up. The remaining 23 patients were followed for a mean of 20 months (range: 6-89). At the time of last follow-up, 20 were ambulatory with (11 cases) or without support (9 cases) and three were bedridden. There were no intra- or postoperative femoral fractures. Two patients presented an early dislocation after bipolar hemiarthroplasty. One was successfully treated by closed reduction; the other underwent revision with a dual mobility acetabular component because of recurrent dislocation. All the patients reported significant pain relief and functional improvement. Subsidence of the stem greater than 5 mm was noted in three cases, without clinical consequences. The cementless modular femoral stem used in this study appeared as a reliable implant. Primary arthroplasty with such an implant could be considered in selected cases such as markedly unstable fractures and in osteoporotic elderly patients.