Matchett Brown hemiarthroplasty for displaced subcapital fractures of the hip.

BACKGROUND

Matchett Brown hemiarthroplasty has been routinely performed at Middlemore Hospital in elderly patients following subcapital fracture of the hip. The outcome of patients undergoing Matchett Brown hemiarthroplasty was evaluated.

METHODS

Matchett Brown hemiarthroplasties performed at Middlemore Hospital during 1987 were retrospectively reviewed. Medical records were reviewed and where possible patients were interviewed, examined and radiographs of their hip taken.

RESULTS

The overall survival at follow up was 34%, with the greatest predictor of survival being whether the patient had been living alone prior to the accident. The majority of patients who survived the 4 year follow up had excellent mobility at the time of fracture. At follow up most patients had little or no pain from their hip, but three complained of constant pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemiarthroplasty proved to be a satisfactory form of replacement in this group. If one were to select a patient for total hip replacement, rather than hemiarthroplasty, then age alone is not as important as other factors such as degree of mobility and independence of living.