Cementless Transtrochanteric Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty vs. Proximal Femoral Nailing for Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures in the Elderly: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

Background/

Objectives

Unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures (IFFs) in geriatric patients are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality due to poor bone quality, multiple comorbidities, and limited functional capacity. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) performed via a transtrochanteric approach and proximal femoral nailing (PFN) in elderly patients with unstable IFFs.

Methods

This retrospective comparative study included 131 patients aged ≥70 years who underwent surgery for AO/OTA 31-A2 and 31-A3 unstable fractures between January 2021 and July 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. 64 patients received cementless BHA and 67 underwent PFN. Eligible patients were ambulatory prior to fracture (independently or with a cane/walker); patients with pathological fractures/malignancy, alternative procedures (cemented or posterolateral BHA, total hip arthroplasty, tumor prosthesis, or other osteosynthesis methods), incomplete records, or <6 months of follow-up were excluded. Demographics, perioperative variables, mechanical complications, revision requirement, time to mobilization, and 1- and 6-month mortality rates were analyzed. Primary outcomes were mortality and perioperative clinical parameters.

Results

The two groups were comparable in age, sex, ASA scores, and fracture patterns. Intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were significantly higher in the BHA group (both p < 0.001). Mobilization was observed earlier in patients treated with BHA (1 [1,2] vs. 3 [2,3] days; p < 0.001). Mechanical complications were more frequently observed after PFN, which was associated with a higher revision requirement (17.9% vs. 4.7%; p = 0.018). Operative time, hospital stay, and 1- and 6-month mortality rates showed no significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions

In geriatric patients with unstable IFFs, cementless BHA performed via a transtrochanteric approach may be considered a viable surgical option with appropriate patient selection, taking into account its association with earlier mobilization and the observed mechanical complication profile. PFN offers advantages of reduced blood loss and lower transfusion needs. Surgical decision-making should be individualized based on fracture morphology, bone quality, and the patient's overall medical condition. Given the heterogeneity of unstable fractures within the AO/OTA classification and the retrospective nature of the present study, larger, multicenter prospective investigations incorporating functional outcomes are warranted to further clarify optimal treatment strategies.