Total hip arthroplasty via the direct anterior approach with a dual mobility cup for displaced femoral neck fracture in patients with a high risk of dislocation.

INTRODUCTION: Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) is superior to bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) for displaced femoral neck fracture in terms of hip pain, function and reoperation rate, THA has a higher rate of dislocation. The direct anterior approach (DAA) and a dual mobility cup (DMC) are associated with lower rates of dislocation. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of THA compared with BHA, and in those patients who had a THA we investigated those with a DMC (DMC-THA) and compared them with those had a single conventional cup (Single cup-THA).

MATERIALS: A total of 89 patients living independently were included between 2009 and 2015. We assessed patient characteristics, peri- and post-operative outcomes, walking ability and one-year mortality. Adjusted odds ratios (Adjusted ORs) were estimated for decrease of walking ability and one-year mortality using a logistic regression model with adjustment for potential confounders such as age, neuromuscular diseases with weakness, duration of surgery, perioperative blood loss and preoperative walking ability.

RESULTS: BHA (20 patients) versus THA (69 patients): There was no significant difference in the walking ability in either group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association with one-year mortality in both groups [THA Adjusted ORs 0.088 (95% CI 0.0007-0.69); p = 0.020]. Single cup-THA (36 patients) versus DMC-THA (33 patients): The DMC-THA group had significantly greater age and more patients with neuromuscular diseases with weakness compared with the Single cup-THA group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the decrease of walking ability and in the one-year mortality between the groups. There were no post operative dislocations in any group.

DISCUSSION: THA via the DAA is one of the best treatments for displaced femoral neck fracture with a low risk of dislocation. THA via the DAA with a DMC is a safe and effective treatment for the patients with a high risk of dislocation.