Closed reduction and internal fixation versus total hip arthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects between closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) for displaced femoral neck fracture.

METHODS: In this prospective randomized study, 285 patients aged above 65 years with hip fractures (Garden III or IV) were included from January 2001 to December 2005. The cases were randomly allocated to either the CRIF group or THA group. Patients with pathological fractures (bone tumors or metabolic bone disease), preoperative avascular necrosis of the femoral head, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hemiplegia, long-term bed rest and complications affecting hip functions were excluded.

RESULTS: During the 5-year follow-up, CRIF group had significantly higher rates of complication in hip joint, general complication and reoperation than THA group (38.3% vs. 12.7%, P<0.01; 45.3% vs. 21.7%, P<0.01; 33.6% vs. 10.2%, P<0.05 respectively). There was no difference in mortality between the two groups. Postoperative function of the hip joint in THA group recovered favorably with higher Harris scores.

CONCLUSION: For displaced fractures of the femoral neck in elderly patients, THA can achieve a lower rate of complication and reoperation, as well as better postoperative recovery of hip joint function compared with CRIF.