Undisplaced Femoral Neck Fractures in the Elderly: A Trial Comparing Internal Fixation to Hemiarthroplasty

Clinical research during the last ten years has revealed that elderly patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture should be treated with arthroplasty instead of closed reduction of the fracture followed by internal fixation with pins or screws. Few clinical trials have addressed undisplaced or minimally displaced fractures of the femoral neck. These fractures have been associated with a good prognosis and likewise a good functional outcome. However, recent articles present far less favorable results, with high re-operation rates (10-15%), reduced function, and pain on walking after internal fixation. Indirect comparing studies, suggest that hemiarthroplasty may yield better functional outcomes and lower re-operation rates. Approximately 20% of all femoral neck fractures in patients aged 70 years or older are minimally displaced or undisplaced. Hence the investigators call for a randomised controlled trial comparing pain, function, walking ability, quality of life, re-operation rates and complications after internal fixation versus hemiarthroplasty in patients aged 70 years and older.