INTERNAL-FIXATION OR HEMIARTHROPLASTY FOR UNDISPLACED FRACTURES OF THE FEMORAL-NECK IN OCTOGENARIANS

We compared the reoperation rate after internal fixation for minimally displaced or impacted intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck in patients aged 80 years and above with that in similar patients aged 65 to 79 years. We also compared the results of internal fixation with t hose of hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular fracture in an ag e- and sex-matched group of elderly patients. We found that a signific antly greater proportion of the older patients treated by internal fix ation required reoperation than either the younger group or the age-ma tched group treated by hemiarthroplasty. Our results indicate that int ernal fixation may not be the best treatment for extremely elderly pat ients with minimally displaced or impacted intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck