MATCHETT BROWN HEMIARTHROPLASTY FOR DISPLACED SUBCAPITAL FRACTURES OFTHE HIP

Background: Matchett Brown hemiarthroplasty has been routinely perform ed at Middlemore Hospital in elderly patients following subcapital fra cture of the hip. The outcome of patients undergoing Matchett Brown he miarthroplasty was evaluated. Methods: Matchett Brown hemiarthroplasti es performed at Middlemore Hospital during 1987 were retrospectively r eviewed. Medical records were reviewed and where possible patients wer e interviewed, examined and radiographs of their hip taken. Results: T he overall survival at follow up was 34%, with the greatest predictor of survival being whether the patient had been living alone prior to t he accident. The majority of patients who survived the 4 year follow u p had excellent mobility at the time of fracture. At follow up most pa tients had little or no pain from their hip, but three complained of c onstant pain. Conclusions: Hemiarthroplasty proved to be a satisfactor y form of replacement in this group. If one were to select a patient f or total hip replacement, rather than hemiarthroplasty, then age alone is not as important as other factors such as degree of mobility and i ndependence of living.