High comorbidity index is not associated with high morbidity and mortality when employing constrained arthroplasty as a primary treatment for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients.

AIM: The aim of our study is to investigate the results of constrained total hip arthroplasty as a primary treatment of intertrochanteric fractures (ITF) in elderly patients with high comorbidities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total hip replacement (THR) with a retentive cup was performed on 73 patients with ITF over the age of 54 years who had high comorbidities and a Charlson score above five. Short- and long-term complications were determined by follow-up. Bivariate analysis was conducted in order to determine the possible determinants of mortality and factors associated with comorbidity as measured by the Charlson comorbidities index.

RESULTS: Patient demographics that consisted of females (58.9%) (p < 0.04) with the mean age of both males and females demonstrated no statistical significance. The mean hospitalization time and weight bearing time were 11 and 2.67 days, respectively. Only 4.1% needed re-intervention due to re-fracture and none due to prosthesis failure. There was a statistical significance between the comorbidity index and the mortality rate. However, no statistical significance was identified between the comorbidity index and the functional status after constrained THR.

CONCLUSION: High comorbidity index is not associated with high morbidity and mortality when employing constrained arthroplasty as a primary treatment for ITF in elderly patients.