Patient’s age — single best predictor for success after hemiarthroplasty of the hip joint

The aims of this study were to evaluate the results of hemiarthroplasty of the hip to establish the best predictors of good functional survival. The reported postoperative 5-year survival ranges from 20–40%. In this study, 93 patients aged 63 to 98, who underwent hemiarthroplasty of the hip joint after sub-capital fractures were followed-up for 5 years. Statistical analysis of 40 different parameters was performed to establish the best predictor for good functional survival in these patients. The results of this multivariant analysis demonstrate with statistical significance that only age at surgery (P < 0.002) and less significantly, preoperative mental status, influence the outcome of surgery. In conclusion, we believe that the treatment and results of hemiarthroplasty for sub-capital fractures present a specific subtype of the proximal femoral fractures so common in our ageing society. Prevention of these fractures deserves greater efforts.