A STUDY ON SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF UNSTABLE INTERTROCHANTERIC FRACTURES TREATED WITH CEMENTED BIPOLAR HEMIARTHROPLASTY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

Aims: Most intertrochanteric fractures in elderly are osteoporotic and extensively comminuted, making them extremely unstable. Conservative treatment with traction and immobilisation causes several complications that add morbidity. Although managed with internal xation, failure rates have been found to be signicant. This study emphasizes effectiveness of cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty in treating elderly individuals with unstable intertrochanteric fractures making early mobilisation possible with rapid rehabilitation. Design: A prospective observational study. Thirty patients (16 males and 14 females- all were 65 years old or above) wer Methods And Material: e considered, who underwent cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Patients were followed up on 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively for functional and radiological assessment. Mean age of patients was 75. Results: 5 years, 25 cases were of type 2 fractures, 4 were of type 3, 1 was of type 4 according to Boyd and Grifn classication. The average Harris hip score was 78. Excellent to fair results were obtained in 27 cases and poor in 3 cases. Average hospital stay was 12 days. None of the cases had any surgical site infection, implant loosening or sinking. Elderly patients wit Conclusions: h severe osteoporosis require a different management course for unstable intertrochanteric fractures. Instead of internal xation, cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty is a preferable option. It provides mobile, stable hips with early ambulation and shorter hospital stay to avoid complications of immobilisation.