Trochanteric fractures in the elderly: the influence of primary hip arthroplasty on 1-year mortality

Abstract

For stable fractures a dynamic hip screw (DHS) and for unstable fractures a short proximal femoral nail (PFN) can be recommended. The mortality risk of primary cemented arthroplasty did not differ significantly from the other treatment groups and because of its low complication rate it is a viable treatment option for trochanteric fractures if osteoporosis prevents from full weight bearing or if osteoarthritis makes further operations likely. Primary total hip replacement should be handled with care due to its significantly higher dislocation rate compared with hemiarthroplasty especially in unstable fractures.