Early Functional Outcome of Hemiarthroplasty in the Elderly with Neck of Femur Fracture: A Single Centre's Experience

INTRODUCTION: Neck of femur fractures in the elderly population are common and often a devastating condition. The optimal treatment has been a subject of debate. Arthroplasty has been shown to be the most viable treatment option. The high cost of total hip replacement makes hemiarthroplasty a suitable option in our environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed to measure the outcome of hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fracture using Harris hip score in patients aged 60 and above at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano, Nigeria. RESULTS: Twenty-five consecutive patients 60 years and above with femoral neck fracture who met the inclusion criteria and gave consent were enrolled into the study. The mean Harris hip score at the pre-operative period was 16.92. Fourth week after the surgery, the mean Harris hip score was 69.96. The score rose further to 75.24 and 80.96 at 12 weeks and 6 months post-operatively. The difference between the mean pre-operative and post-operative scores at 4th week, 12th week, and 6th month was statistically significant. During the pre-operative period, all patients had a poor Harris hip score grade. Six months after the surgery, 7 patients (28%) had an excellent Harris hip score grade, 12 patients (48%) had good grades, and 1 patient (4%) had a fair Harris hip score grade. Five patients (20%) had a poor Harris hip score grade at 6 months. CONCLUSION: From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that early functional outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture in the elderly are good and satisfactory.