Introduction. Low back pain (LBP) is a worldwide leading cause of disability. This preclinical study evaluated the safety of a combined advanced therapy medicinal product developed during the European iPSpine project (#825925) consisting of mesendoderm progenitor cells (MEPC), derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, in combination with a synthetic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel (NPgel) in an ovine intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) model. Method. IDD was induced through nucleotomy in 4 adult sheep, 5 lumbar discs each (n=20). After 5 weeks, 3 alternating discs were treated with NPgel (n=6) or NPgel+MEPC (n=6). Before sacrifice, animals were subjected to: MRI of lumbar spines (disc height and Pfirmann grading); blood sampling (hematological, biochemical, metabolic and lymphocyte/monocytes immunological). After 3 months the sheep were sacrificed. The spines were processed for: macroscopic morphology (Thompson grading), microscopic morphology (Histological grading), and glycosaminoglycan content (GAG, DMMB Assay). Furthermore, at sacrifice biodistribution of human MEPC was assessed by Alu-sequences quantification (qPCR) from three tissue samples of heart, liver, spleen, brain, lungs, and kidneys, and PBMCs collected to assess activation of systemic immune cells. To each evaluation, appropriate statistical analysis was applied. Result. Flow cytometry showed no induction of systemic activation of T cells or monocytes. Alu quantification did not give detection of any cells in any organ. Disc height index was slightly increased in discs treated with NPgel+MEPC. Pfirmann's and Thompson's classification showed that treatment with NPgel or NPgel+MEPC gave no adverse reactions. Histological grading showed similar degeneration in vertebrae treated with NPgel+MEPC or with NPgel alone. The amount of GAG was significantly increased in the nucleus pulposus following treatment with NPgel+MEPC compared to NPgel alone, in which a decrease was observed compared to untreated discs in both nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. Conclusion. This study showed the safety of both NPgel+MEPC and NPgel treatments

Aims

Hip arthroscopy (HA) has become the treatment of choice for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). However, less favourable outcomes following arthroscopic surgery are expected in patients with severe chondral lesions. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of HA in patients with FAI and associated chondral lesions, classified according to the Outerbridge system.

Aims. Despite multiple trials and case series on hip hemiarthroplasty designs, guidance is still lacking on which implant to use. One particularly deficient area is long-term outcomes. We present over 1,000 consecutive cemented Thompson’s hemiarthroplasties over a ten-year period, recording all accessible patient and implant outcomes. Methods. Patient identifiers for a consecutive cohort treated between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2011 were linked to radiographs, surgical notes, clinic letters, and mortality data from a national dataset. This allowed charting of their postoperative course, complications, readmissions, returns to theatre, revisions, and deaths. We also identified all postoperative attendances at the Emergency and Outpatient Departments, and recorded any subsequent skeletal injuries. Results. In total, 1,312 Thompson’s hemiarthroplasties were analyzed (mean age at surgery 82.8 years); 125 complications were recorded, necessitating 82 returns to theatre. These included 14 patients undergoing aspiration or manipulation under anaesthesia, 68 reoperations (5.2%) for debridement and implant retention (n = 12), haematoma evacuation (n = 2), open reduction for dislocation (n = 1), fixation of periprosthetic fracture (n = 5), and 48 revised stems (3.7%), for infection (n = 13), dislocation (n = 12), aseptic loosening (n = 9), persistent pain (n = 6), periprosthetic fracture (n = 4), acetabular erosion (n = 3), and metastatic bone disease (n = 1). Their status at ten years is summarized as follows: 1,180 (89.9%) dead without revision, 34 (2.6%) dead having had revision, 84 (6.6%) alive with the stem unrevised, and 14 (1.1%) alive having had revision. Cumulative implant survivorship was 90.3% at ten years; patient survivorship was 7.4%. Conclusion. The Thompson’s stem demonstrates very low rates of complications requiring reoperation and revision, up to ten years after the index procedure. Fewer than one in ten patients live for ten years after fracture. This study supports the use of a cemented Thompson’s implant as a cost-effective option for frail hip fracture patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(9):710–715

Aims

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the mortality, morbidity, and functional outcomes of cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of intracapsular hip fractures, analyzing contemporary and non-contemporary implants separately.

Objectives

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is a regulatory cytokine that degrades the disc matrix. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) stimulates synthesis of the disc extracellular matrix. However, the combined effects of BMP-2 and IL-18 on human intervertebral disc degeneration have not previously been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the anabolic cytokine BMP-2 and the catabolic cytokine IL-18 on human nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and, therefore, to identify potential therapeutic and clinical benefits of recombinant human (rh)BMP-2 in intervertebral disc degeneration.

Background

Approximately half of all hip fractures are displaced intracapsular fractures. The standard treatment for these fractures is either hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty. The recent National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on hip fracture management recommends the use of ‘proven’ cemented stem arthroplasty with an Orthopaedic Device Evaluation Panel (ODEP) rating of at least 3B (97% survival at three years). The Thompsons prosthesis is currently lacking an ODEP rating despite over 50 years of clinical use, likely due to the paucity of implant survival data. Nationally, adherence to these guidelines is varied as there is debate as to which prosthesis optimises patient outcomes.

We performed a case–control study to compare the rates of further surgery, revision and complications, operating time and survival in patients who were treated with either an uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated Corail bipolar femoral stem or a cemented Exeter stem for a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip. The mean age of the patients in the uncemented group was 82.5 years (53 to 97) and in the cemented group was 82.7 years (51 to 99) We used propensity score matching, adjusting for age, gender and the presence or absence of dementia and comorbidities, to produce a matched cohort receiving an Exeter stem (n = 69) with which to compare the outcome of patients receiving a Corail stem (n = 69). The Corail had a significantly lower all-cause rate of further surgery (p = 0.016; odds ratio (OR) 0.18, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.84) and number of hips undergoing major further surgery (p = 0.029; OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.09). The mean operating time was significantly less for the Corail group than for the cemented Exeter group (59 min [12 to 136] vs 70 min [40 to 175], p = 0.001). The Corail group also had a lower risk of a peri-prosthetic fracture (p = 0.042; OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.42) . There was no difference in the mortality rate between the groups. There were significantly fewer complications in the uncemented group, suggesting that the use of this stem would result in a decreased rate of morbidity in these frail patients. Whether this relates to an improved functional outcome remains unknown.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:299–305.

Following the recommendation of NICE guidelines (CG124) we have recently started using cemented smooth tapered stem hemiarthroplasty as our standard management of intra-capsular neck of femur fractures. Prior to publication of the above guidelines the standard implant utilised was Thompson Hemiarthroplasty prosthesis. The cost implications of this change have not been fully appreciated and the benefit of these changes in ASA grade 3–4 patients has not previously been analysed. We identified a cohort of 89 patients admitted with displaced intra-capsular neck of femur fracture with an ASA grade 3–4. These underwent hip hemiarthroplaties at our centre over a period of 12 months (before and after guideline implementation). Data regarding in-hospital mortality, dislocation, reoperation and place of discharge were retrospectively collected and analysed. Our cohort included 46 patients who underwent a Thompsons Hemiarthroplasty, 30 patients who had a cemented smooth tapered stem hemiarthroplasty and 13 patients who had an Austin-moore Hemiarthroplasty. In-patient mortality rates were highest in the Austin-moore group, followed by the Thompsons group compared to none in the smooth tapered stem group. However, this was not statistically significant. One patient in the Thompsons group and one patient in the smooth tapered group had multiple dislocations and re-operations, compared with none in the Austin-moore group. In terms of percentage of patients who were discharged home from hospital the smooth tapered stem group had a percentage that was more than twice that of the Thompson's which was in turn higher than that found in the Austin-moore group. In conclusion, our data suggests that in patients with an ASA grade of 3–4 there is no significant benefit from using cemented smooth tapper stems when performing a Hip Hemiarthroplasty compared with a well performed Thompsons and that the cost savings of this is significant. We accept that our current numbers are relatively small and further work is needed

We report the results of six trauma and orthopaedic projects to Kenya in the last three years. The aims are to deliver both a trauma service and teaching within two hospitals; one a district hospital near Mount Kenya in Nanyuki, the other the largest public hospital in Kenya in Mombasa. The Kenya Orthopaedic Project team consists of a wide range of multidisciplinary professionals that allows the experience to be shared across those specialties. A follow-up clinic is held three months after each mission to review the patients. To our knowledge there are no reported outcomes in the literature for similar projects.

A total of 211 operations have been performed and 400 patients seen during the projects. Most cases were fractures of the lower limb; we have been able to follow up 163 patients (77%) who underwent surgical treatment. We reflect on the results so far and discuss potential improvements for future missions.

Introduction. Following National patient safety alert on cement use in hip fracture surgery, we investigated the incidence and pattern of 72 hours peri-operative mortality after hip fracture surgery in a District General Hospital. Methods. We reviewed all patients who had hip fracture surgery between 2005-April, 2010. We recorded demographic variables, type of fracture, implant used, medical co-morbidity, seniority of operating surgeon and anaesthetist, peri-operative haemodynamic status, time and cause of death. Results. Over a 64 month period 15 cases were identified. Peri-operative death (PAD) was 1% (15/1402). 4/15 patients died intra-operatively. PAD was highest following Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS) implantation (5/85, 6%) and nil following Bipolar arthroplasty, Austin-Moore arthroplasty (AMA) or Cannulated screw fixation. PAD following total hip arthroplasty was 4% (1/25), Thompson's hemi-arthroplasty 2% (3/191), and Dynamic Hip Screw fixation 1% (6/695). Overall mortality after cemented implant was 2%. ETS implantation led to significantly increased peri-operative mortality compared to AMA (p=0.004). Operations were performed by both trainees (12) and Consultants (3). Both trainees (9) and Consultants (6) anaesthetised the patients. None of the patients belonged to ASA I or II (ASA III 6 and IV 9). All patients had significant cardio-vascular or pulmonary co-morbidity (Ca Lung 2, pulmonary fibrosis 1, end stage COAD 1, AF 6). Cemented implant insertion was followed by immediate haemodynamic collapse and death in 4/15, intra-operative haemodynamic instability in 1/15 and peri-operative instability in 5/15. Post-mortem was performed in 5/15: 2/5 were Pulmonary Embolism (PE), 2/5 bronchopneumonia and 1/5 Myocardial infarction (MI). 4/15 had suspected MI and 1/15 suspected PE. Conclusion. There was 1% risk of peri-operative death after hip fracture surgery. This risk was increased following cemented hemiarthroplasty and highest after ETS implantation. Risk was exacerbated in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular morbidity and independent of the seniority of the surgeon or the anaesthetist

Current evidence suggests that we should be moving away from Thompson's hemiarthroplasties for patients with intracapsular hip fractures. Furthermore, the use of cement when inserting these prostheses is controversial. This study aims to show the Inverness experience. We performed a retrospective review of all NHS Highland patients who underwent a hemiarthroplasty for an intracapsular neck of femur fracture over the last 15 years. Demographics and the use of cement were documented. Further analysis of this group was performed to identify any of these patients who required revision of their prosthesis. Patients requiring revision had their case-notes reviewed to identify the cause for further surgery. From 1996 until present 2221 patients from the Highland area had a hemiarthroplasty for an intracapsular neck of femur fracture. 1708 where female (77%) and 513 male (23%). The ages ranged from 28 years to 104 years (mean 80 years, median 81). 2180 of this group had their operations in Raigmore Hospital with the remaining 41 at various centres throughout Scotland. 623 (28%)had a cemented hemiarthroplasty, with the remaining 1578 (72%) having an uncemented Thompson's hemiarthroplasty. The revision rate for the cemented group was 2% (13 of 623 patients). In the uncemented group it was 0.4% (6 of 1578). Reasons from revision included dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, infection and pain. Current evidence from some joint registers regarding the use of Thompson's hemiarthroplasty in the elderly is discouraging. The use of bone cement in this group with multiple co-morbidities is not without it's risks. Our data suggests that uncemented Thompson's hemiarthroplasties in low demand elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities can yield excellent results with less risk to the patients

Current evidence suggests that we should be moving away from Thompson's hemiarthroplasties for patients with intracapsular hip fractures. Furthermore, the use of cement when inserting these prostheses is controversial. We aim to show the Inverness experience. We performed a retrospective review of all NHS Highland patients who underwent a hemiarthroplasty for an intracapsular neck of femur fracture over the last 15 years. Demographics and the use of cement were documented. Further analysis of this group was performed to identify any of these patients who required revision. Patients requiring revision had their case-notes reviewed to identify the cause for further surgery. 2221 patients from the Highland area had a hemiarthroplasty for an intracapsular neck of femur fracture since 1996. 1708 female (77%) and 513 male (23%). Ages ranged from 28 years to 104 years (mean 80). 2180 of this group had their operations in Raigmore with the remaining 41 at various centres throughout Scotland. 623 (28%)had a cemented hemiarthroplasty, with the remaining 1578 (72%) having an uncemented Thompson's hemiarthroplasty. The revision rate for the cemented group was 2% (13 of 623 patients). In the uncemented group it was 0.4% (6 of 1578). Reasons from revision included dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, infection and pain. Current evidence from some joint registers regarding the use of Thompson's hemiarthroplasty in the elderly is discouraging. The use of bone cement in this group with multiple co-morbidities is not without it's risks. Our data suggests that uncemented Thompson's hemiarthroplasties in low demand elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities can yield excellent results with less risk to the patients

The cement in cement technique for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) has shown good results in selected cases. However, results of its use in the revision of hemiarthroplasty to THA has not been previously reported. Between May 1994 and May 2007 28 (20 Thompson's and 8 Exeter bipolar) hip hemiarthroplasties were revised to THA in 28 patients using the cement in cement technique. All had an Exeter stem inserted at the time of revision. Clinical and operative data were collected prospectively. Clinical evaluation was by the Charnley, Harris and Oxford. Hip scores and radiographs were analysed post-operatively and at latest follow up. The mean age at time of hemiarthroplasty revision was 80 (35 to 93) years. The reason for revision was acetabular erosion in 12 (43%), recurrent dislocation in eight (29%), aseptic stem loosening in four (14%), periprosthetic fracture in two (7%) and infection in a further two (7%) patients. No patient has been lost to follow up. Three patients died within three months of surgery. The mean follow up of the remainder was 50 (16 to 119) months. Survivorship with revision of the femoral stem for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 100%. Three cases (11%) have since undergone further revision, one for recurrent dislocation, one for infection, and one for periprosthetic fracture. The cement in cement technique can be successfully applied to revision of hip hemiarthroplasty to THA. It has a number of advantages in this elderly population including minimising bone loss, blood loss and operative time

The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is one of the most common locations of degenerative arthritis. Surgical options include trapezio-metacarpal fusion, replacement or resection arthroplasty with or without interposition. We report the medium term results of a Modified Thompson's suspensionplasty. The radial half of the APL tendon was looped around the FCR tendon to create the suspension. The remainder of the tendon is then used for interposition. We carried out a retrospective review of 50 patients (67 hands) who underwent this procedure from January 1999 to December 2005. There were 41 female (52 hands) and 9 male (15 hands). The average age at the time of surgery was 62 years (range 41 years – 79 years). The average follow up was 5.33 years (1-9 yrs). 22 patients also had a concurrent second procedure to the same thumb and a further three had a third procedure. The average PRWHE score was 25 (0 – 80) and the average DASH score was 40 (24 – 100). There were eight complications which included four persistent radial sided wrist pain. Two of these underwent tenotomy of FCR, whilst two responded to conservative measures. Two patients had symptoms related to scapho-trapezoid arthritis, which responded to an injection. One patient had superficial infection which settled with oral antibiotics, whilst another patient had early chronic regional pain syndrome. Overall the satisfaction rate was 90% with 48 patients (96%) willing to undergo the same procedure again. We conclude that the modified Thompson's suspensionplasty gives excellent medium term results

The cement in cement technique for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) has shown good results in selected cases. However results of its use in the revision of hemiarthroplasty to THA has not been previously reported. Between May 1994 and May 2007 28 (20 Thompson’s and 8 Exeter bipolar) hip hemiarthroplasties were revised to THA in 28 patients using the cement in cement technique. All had an Exeter stem inserted at the time of revision. Clinical and operative data were collected prospectively. Clinical evaluation was by the Charnley, Harris and Oxford hip scores and radiographs were analysed post-operatively and at latest follow up. The mean age at time of hemiarthroplasty revision was 80 (35 to 93) years. The reason for revision was acetabular erosion in 12 (43%), recurrent dislocation in 8 (29%), aseptic loosening in 4 (14%), periprosthetic fracture in 2 (7%) and infection in 2 (7%) patients. No patient has been lost to follow up. 3 patients died within 3 months of surgery. The mean follow up of the remainder was 50 (16 to 119) months. Survivorship with revision of the femoral stem for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 100%. 3 cases (11%) have since undergone further revision, 1 for recurrent dislocation, 1 for infection, and 1 for periprosthetic fracture. The cement in cement technique can be successfully applied to revision of hip hemiarthroplasty to THA. It has a number of advantages in this elderly population including minimizing bone loss, blood loss and operative time

In 2006 the standard prosthesis for hip hemiarthroplasty in our unit was changed from the traditional Thompson prosthesis used for over 20 years to the monobloc Exeter Trauma Stem (ETS). The principle anticipated advantages were ease of stem implantation, improvement of orientation positioning and a consistency with modern proven femoral THR stem design. All patients selected for hemiarthroplasty replacement for a displaced subcapital fracture of the hip were eligible for inclusion. Failed previous surgical cases were excluded. The last 100 Thompson’s prostheses used before and the first 100 Exeter Trauma Stems undertaken after the changeover date were studied. Outcomes measured included surgical complications including infection, dislocation, fracture, necessity to ream etc. and technical adequacy of implant positioning based upon post-operative radiographs. Surgeon grade was recorded. There were no changes in surgical personnel. 206 consecutive patients were included in the study (age range 76–96); 67 men and 139 women. Data were collected prospectively as part of a comprehensive hip fracture audit. Initial results show that the rate of surgical complications is similar in both prosthesis groups. Radiographs demonstrate the presence of a learning curve in the use of the new prosthesis. On six occasions after December 2006 the Thompson prosthesis was used – this was due to unavailability of ETS prosthesis or where a very large femoral head (56mm) was required. The introduction of the ETS for hip hemiarthroplasty was successful. Initial conversion problems involved maintaining sufficient stock of the most commonly used size of prosthesis. Advantages were a low dislocation rate despite the greater potential for erroneous implant version and a reduction in the amount of femoral preparation required including reaming. Limitations of this study are the lack functional outcome and long term survivorship analysis

Between 1987 and 2006 we performed a modified Thompson’s quadricepsplasty on 40 fracture-related stiff knees and followed the patients for a mean of 7.9 years (2 to 11.1). The factors affecting the final gain of movement were investigated. A total of 15 knees required lengthening of the rectus femoris. The mean flexion gain was 70.2° (42.3° to 112.5°). According to Judet’s criteria, the results were excellent in 30 knees, good in seven, and fair in three. The range of movement which was achieved intra-operatively was related to the gain of knee flexion on univariate analysis. Five patients had complications: deep infection in one, recurrent patellar dislocation in one, and rupture of the extensor mechanism in three. This modified technique gives satisfactory results. Achieving maximum knee flexion intra-operatively seems to be the most important factor in enhancing the outcome in patients with stiffness of the knee following fracture

Background:Displaced sub-capital fractures of the femur are traditionally treated by hip arthroplasty (hemi or total joint replacement). Total hip arthroplasty (THA) was formerly disfavored due to presumed higher peri-operative complications, higher costs and higher incidence of dis-location. Lately, this procedure regained acceptance as a suitable solution for active elderly patients. The use of monopolar hemi-arthroplasty implants (Austin-Moore’s, Thompson’s and others) is losing favor due to high rates of hip pain caused by gradual stem subsidence and metallic head protrusion. The bipolar hemi arthroplasty is thought to lower the rates of hip-pain due to its modular cemented or cementless stem and the bi-articular bearing-surface. Numerous patient-oriented scores have been suggested; evaluating the old-patient’s pre-fracture function while predicting his/her post-operative demands. Such score should optimize the use of hip implants: reducing operative risks while improving long term function. Since the beginning of 2005 we have used a modification of a score suggested by Rogmark et al. (JBJS-A, 84:2002). We have evaluated the pre-fracture activity of patients sustaining displaced sub-capital femur fractures. The score contains 4 items: Mobility (with/without a cane vs. walker support or more). Residence (at home vs. a nursing home), Mental Status (preserved vs. confused) and age (less or over 80 years). Each item is scored 5 or 2 points. We have used this score for the selection of appropriate surgical procedure: an Austin-Moore hemi-arthroplasty (less than 15 points), a bipolar cementless hemi-arthroplasty (15–17 points) or a Total Hip Arthro-plasty (20 points). Objectives: To evaluate the application of score, and accuracy of implant selection. To evaluate outcome of those cases where an improved implant was chosen. Methods: All patients who sustained displaced sub-capital femur fracture during the 2005 were evaluated. We collected data of pre-fracture mental status, mobility, residence and other demographic data and re-calculated each patient’s score. Factors evaluated were: correct fulfillment of the modified score (use of correct implant), peri-operative complications, radiographic results (immediate and after 3 months), post-rehabilitation function and mortality within one year of surgery. Results: During the 2005 we managed surgically 60 patients with displaced sub-capital femur fractures. There were 39 females (65%) and 21 males. Mean age was 82 (range 67–96) years. Two independently functional patients had total hip arthroplasty (1 female, 1 male aged 67, 69 years, Rogmark score 20 in both). Eighteen patients underwent implantation of cementless bipolar hemi-arthroplasty (11 females, 7 males, mean age 78 years mean Rogmark score 18.3). Forty patients had hemi-arthroplasty with an Austin-Moore prosthesis (29 females, 11 males, mean age 84 years, mean Rogmark score 13.7). The application of Rogmark recommendations proved accurate in 17q18 patients with bipolar prosthesis (1 patient was found to be not-eligible for this prosthesis) but in the Austin Moore implants only 33 of 40 (82%) patients were accurately selected to receive this implant while the other 7 patients should have received the bipolar implant. Total incorrect use of the score guidelines was 13%. Detailed review of cases where an improved prosthesis was implanted (THA and bipolar prostheses, 20 patients), revealed no case of dislocation, 1 case of late peri-prosthetic fracture, one case of deep infection, and one death during 1 year of follow-up. All patients were able to walk with a cane at 3 months. Discussion: Selection of surgical procedure for displaced sub-capital femur fracture is a compromise between an improved hip implant (necessitating longer operative time & higher peri-operative risks) or a hemi-arthroplasty (with shorter operation & presumed lower peri-operative risks). The current study demonstrates the use of a tool for hip implant selection. Operating surgeons were tended to underscore patient’s function thus selecting the simple Austin-Moore implants in some of the patients who would have benefited from an improved implant. The group of patients who received bipolar or THA implants showed low rates of dislocation, and acceptable rates of other complications. The aforementioned score could serve as a guiding tool for other treatment aspects such as surgical risk and rehabilitation period. Conclusion: We hereby present our experience in the use of a mental-functional score for the selection of hip implant for displaced sub-capital femur fractures in elderly patients. This score enabled us to estimate postoperative demands of patients and select the correct operative procedure and implant. We believe this score is applicable and useful in the Israeli medical system. It will limit the use of simple hemi-arthroplasty to those patients whose ambulatory needs are limited, while enabling patients with higher needs to receive improved implants

We have performed a prospective review of 590 consecutive patients treated for a displaced intracapsular femoral neck fracture with a Thompson hemiarthroplasty. 113 patients had the prosthesis cemented, 477 had no cement. The outcome at 12 months was obtained for every patient still alive as regards to pain, mobility, re-operation rate and residential status. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups as regards pain (p = 0.482), decrease in mobility or re-operation rate (p = 0.168). The main determination of poor outcome was increasing age at time of injury and whether the patient was already in institutional care at the time of the injury. The use of cement had no bearing on outcome.

This study is of clinical interest because patients who have undergone uncemented hemiarthroplasty have been shown to have similar out come to cemented hemiarthroplasty in terms of function. In addition possible but preventable complications associated with cementing can be minimized. We now believe there is no primary indication to cement the Thompsons hemiarthroplasty in this group of patients.

There have been smaller studies looking at this, but we believe this to be the largest and most comprehensive to date.