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Publications and source records attributed to Cecilia Rogmark.
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BACKGROUND: The treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures has long been debated. 14 randomized controlled studies (RCTs) comparing internal fixation with primary arthroplasty may give material for evidence-based decision making. METHODS: Computerized databases were searched for RCTs published between 1966 and 2004. 14 RCTs containing 2,289 patients were included in a metaanalysis regarding complications, reoperations and mortality. The analysis was performed with software from the Cochrane collaboration. RESULTS: Primary arthroplasty leads to significantly fewer major method-related hip complications and reoperations, compared to internal fixation. There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups at 30 days and 1 year. Most of the studies found better function and less pain after primary arthroplasty. INTERPRETATION: Primary arthroplasty should be used in most patients with displaced femoral neck fracture. The healthy, lucid individual, 70-80 years old, should be given a total hip arthroplasty. The older, impaired or institutionalized patient would benefit from a hemiarthroplasty.
We included in a prospective, randomized study 68 patients aged 70 years or older, with displaced cervical hip fractures. The patients were randomized to internal fixation with hook-pins (36) or primary arthroplasty (32) (total or hemiarthroplasty due to their prefracture status) and followed for 2 years. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, mental confusion and/or residence in an institution were excluded. The postoperative stay in hospital, rehabilitation wards or nursing homes were recorded as well as complications and the costs of surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the accumulated costs of each method, during the first 2 years after the fracture. In the internal fixation group, 15/36 were considered failures, as compared to 1/32 in the arthroplasty group. As regards primary treatment of the fracture, the durations of surgery and hospital stay were shorter after internal fixation, but the total need for hospitalization/institutionalization was somewhat longer in these patients. The mean 2-year cost for a patient with internal fixation was USD 21,000 and of one with primary arthroplasty USD 15,000. We conclude that primary arthroplasty is a cost-efficient treatment. Considering the very much higher failure rate after internal fixation--leading to increased suffering for these patients--primary arthroplasty stands out as the best method for displaced fractures of the femoral neck.
103 patients with displaced femoral neck fractures (Garden 3-4) treated with primary hemiarthroplasty in the Department of Orthopedics, Malmö University Hospital, Sweden 1998-1999 were followed in a prospective, consecutive study for 1 year. Inclusion criteria were age of at least 80 years, signs of mental changes and/or residence in an institution. The control group consisted of 69 patients with internal fixation (Hansson hook pins). The arthroplasty group required more blood transfusions, a longer operation and had more superficial infections. No differences were detected as regards other complications, length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality or ability to return home. The 1-year mortality rates were similar in the arthroplasty (29/103) and control groups (28/69). Within 1 year, we found a lower failure rate in the arthroplasty group (6/103) than in the control group (18/69). In the arthroplasty group, 2/103 had dislocations. Of the surviving arthroplasty patients at 12 months, 31/74 could walk as well as before the fracture and 55/74 had no pain. We recommend primary hemiarthroplasty for demented and/or institutionalized patients over 80 years with displaced femoral neck fractures.
PURPOSE AND METHOD: A review article concerning orthopaedic treatment and rehabilitation of displaced femoral neck fractures, focusing on evidence-based knowledge. RESULTS: Properly performed randomized controlled studies comparing internal fixation and primary arthroplasty provides the best basis to decide which method should be used. During the last decade, several such studies have been published, in addition to a few earlier works. After internal fixation with pins, screws or sliding hip screw and plate, the failure rate was 21 - 57% and re-operations were performed in 14 - 53% of all the cases. In the studies using THA, the failure rate was 4 - 11% and the re-operation rate 2 - 8%. The corresponding numbers for hemi-arthroplasty were 3 - 23% and 0 - 24%. A primary arthroplasty tends to result in better function and less pain during the rehabilitation period. CONCLUSION: With support in evidence-based literature, an elderly patient with displaced femoral neck fracture should be treated with a primary arthroplasty. If the individual is healthy, active and mentally intact, a total hip arthroplasty should be performed, otherwise a hemi-arthroplasty. This rationale ensures fewer failures and re-operations, as well as better function and less pain during the rehabilitation.