Prosthetic replacement in femoral neck fractures.

Despite refinement of the guidelines for the use of an endoprosthesis in the management of femoral neck fractures and for the use of bone cement, no universally accepted treatment regimen currently exists. In order to collect statistically significant data about the "unsolved fracture," prospective studies from several centers must be undertaken. However, until such data are available, we submit the following conclusions about the patient with a cemented endoprosthesis for a femoral neck fracture. The early results are satisfactory--patients experience relatively little pain. Femoral fixation is enhanced--loosening occurs less frequently. The complications of prosthetic replacement are not increased by the use of cement fixation.