Significant variability exists across orthopedic surgeons in the management of the displaced femoral neck fracture in the elderly patient (>75 years old). These patients tend to be less healthy, have inferior bone quality, and gait instability leading to increased risk of periprosthetic fracture, compromised implant fixation, dislocation, and need for revision. The surgeon’s goals should be to restore mobility while eliminating pain and need for reoperation.
In this review article, we examine the best available evidence in the literature to determine which strategy achieves optimal outcomes. We examine outcome studies comparing use of hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty, unipolar and bipolar hemiarthroplasty, and cemented vs cementless fixation of femoral stems.
For the active, healthy, and lucid patient, or one who has preexisting groin pain, who sustains a displaced femoral neck fracture, the literature supports a total hip arthroplasty. Patients sustaining a displaced femoral neck fracture and who are less active, have decreased bone mass, and are at increased risk of falls would benefit most from a device that optimally balances the need for revision surgery, restores ambulation, and eliminates pain. Thus, the current evidence favors cemented, unipolar hemiarthroplasty for the dependent osteopenic elderly patient with a displaced femoral neck fracture.