Modern cemented Furlong hemiarthroplasty: Are dislocations rates better?

BackgroundDislocation following hip hemiarthroplasty is a major complication with increased mortality and morbidity. Data looking at dislocation following contemporary bipolar stems are lacking in literature. MethodsRetrospective review of our prospective national hip fracture database over a two-year period. Group 1 comprised of consecutive patients receiving bipolar Furlong prosthesis (N222) while Group 2 was made up of a historical cohort (uncemented; N254). Clinical and radiological records were reviewed to determine dislocation rates, causes and associative factors of dislocations. Data were analysed using SPSS. ResultsFollowing 476 hemiarthroplasties performed during the study period, 12 (2.5%) dislocations were reported (eight in Group 1; four in Group 2). There was no significant difference in dislocation rates (3.6% vs 1.6%) between groups (p = 0.159). Subgroup analysis of Group 1 demonstrated a significant difference in dislocations with Furlong cemented (6%) as compared with Furlong uncemented (0%) hemiarthroplasties (p = 0.024). Following dislocation, death rates increased to 8.3% from 1.7% in both groups. ConclusionThere is a statistically significant increase in dislocation rate following use of cemented Furlong prosthesis when compared to similar uncemented prosthesis at the same treatment period. However, when compared to traditional uncemented prosthesis, there is no difference in dislocation rates.

Automated summary

Dislocation is a common and serious complication following hip hemiarthroplasty, and there is a lack of data on dislocation rates with contemporary bipolar stems. A retrospective review of a national hip fracture database found a significant difference in dislocation rates with cemented Furlong prostheses compared to uncemented prostheses. However, there was no difference in dislocation rates compared to traditional uncemented prostheses.