[Variable head endoprosthesis in the treatment of femoral neck and trochanteric fractures].

UNLABELLED: During 1978 to 1987 361 patients (312 female, 49 male) were treated with Variokopf-prosthesis (a bipolar hip prosthesis with a variable head) after femoral neck fracture, per- or subtrochanteric fracture. The mean age was 83 years. During postoperative treatment 73 patients (20.2%) died. 288 could be discharged. 98 of these died before the follow-up examination. The follow-up was possible in 103 cases. A good to satisfactory result was found in 91 cases (88%). A poor result in twelve cases (12%) (Score by Merle d'Aubigne et al.).

CONCLUSIONS

1. The Variokopf-prosthesis is a favourable alternative to a normal hip prosthesis (e.g. Moore), 2. The implantation of a Variokopf-prosthesis was found to be indicated as well in the treatment of medial femoral neck fractures as in special cases in the treatment of per- or subtrochanteric fractures. 3. The operation should be performed soon after the trauma--after a two to three days treatment. 4. The dorsal approach is superior to the lateral in the treatment of hip fractures because of short operating time and the possible early mobilisation of the patients.