Should We Use Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty in Patients ≥70 Years Old With a Femoral Neck Fracture? A Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Bipolar (BHA) and unipolar hemiarthroplasties (UHA) are interchangeably used in elderly patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture. We ask if there is a difference between BHA and UHA with regards to hip function, in elderly patients.

Systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of randomized controlled trials comparing BHA to UHA. The primary outcome was postoperative hip function scores. Secondary outcomes were overall health-related quality of life patient-reported outcomes, acetabular erosion, and postoperative complications. Data sources, last searched on June 1, 2020, were MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.

Fourteen randomized controlled trials were eligible for meta-analysis. There was no difference in hip function scores between BHA and UHA (standardized mean difference 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.06 to 0.71, n = 1084, I² = 87%). Patients with BHA with more than 2-year follow-up had better hip function scores (standardized mean difference 0.68, 95% CI 0.18-1.18, n = 700, I² = 87%). There was no difference in European Quality of life- five dimensions scores with BHA (mean difference 0.08, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.17, n = 967, I² = 82%). The use of BHA decreased the risk of acetabular erosion (relative risk 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.83, n = 1239, I² = 0%). There was no difference for revision, mortality, infection, and dislocation (I² = 0%).

There seems to be no difference between BHA and UHA with regards to hip function at 2 years. BHA might decrease the risk of acetabular erosion. There is a need for a large randomized controlled trial with a follow-up >2 years and better measurement tools to assess clinical benefits.

II.