Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty for Healed Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures. A Matched Retrospective Cohort Study

Many studies have analyzed the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) after failed intertrochanteric fracture fixation, but not after healed fracture. The objective is to investigate the influence of a prior healed intertrochanteric fracture fixation on the outcomes of a subsequent THA for osteoarthritis.

This is a matched retrospective cohort study of THA between 43 patients who suffered a prior intertrochanteric fracture successfully managed with internal fixation and 43 patients without prior hip fracture. Mean age was 73.6 vs 74.2 years. A conventional cementless THA was used in both groups. Functional outcome was assessed by the Harris hip score (HHS) and reduced Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire. Radiological assessment was also performed.

Mean follow-up was 6.6 (range, 5-8) years. The mean operative time and blood transfusion rate were significantly higher in the fracture group ( P = .001), but there was no significant difference in the length of stay. HHS significantly improved in both groups. At final follow-up, HHS was significantly higher in nonfracture group ( P = .008), but the rate of patients with excellent and good outcomes was similar ( P = .616). Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score at the final follow-up was not different between groups ( P = .058). Complication rate was similar between groups. There were no revisions, dislocations, or loose implants in the study group.

Cementless THA provided successful functional outcomes and implant durability at medium term in patients treated for osteoarthritis following healed intertrochanteric fracture fixation, comparable to those without prior fracture who underwent primary THA. Surgical complexity and complication rate were low.