To perform comparative analysis between the results of internal fixation using compression hip screw and cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty in unstable intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients.

From January 2001 to October 2006, we reviewd 73 patients, who were treated surgically for unstable intertrochanteric fractures, with a minimum of 2 years follow up. The patient's age was older than 60 year old. The patients were divided into two groups and evaluated, retrospectively. One group was treated with cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty (Group A, 34 cases), and the other group was treated with compression hip screw (Group B, 39 cases). We evaluated the amount of intraoperative bleeding, operative time, clinical results and complications between the two groups.

The amount of intraoperative bleeding and operative time were no statistically significant between the two groups. Group A showed a better result than Group B for clinical outcome using Johnson Daily Activity of Life. Complications in the group A were comprised of dislocation (1 case), nonunion of greater trochanter (1 case), infection (1 case) and loosening (1 case), and those in the group B were comprised of loss of fixation (8 cases) and infection (1 case).

We found that short-term outcomes of cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric fractures were satisfactory. However, a longer-follow up period is necessary to clarify the efficacy of cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty.