Aims. Cemented hemiarthroplasty is an effective form of treatment for most patients with an intracapsular fracture of the hip. However, it remains unclear whether there are subgroups of patients who may benefit from the alternative operation of a modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty – the aim of this study was to investigate this issue. Knowledge about the heterogeneity of treatment effects is important for surgeons in order to target operations towards specific subgroups who would benefit the most. Methods. We used causal forest analysis to compare subgroup- and individual-level treatment effects between cemented and modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty in patients aged > 60 years with an intracapsular fracture of the hip, using data from the World Hip Trauma Evaluation 5 (WHiTE 5) multicentre randomized clinical trial. EuroQol five-dimension index scores were used to measure health-related quality of life at one, four, and 12 months postoperatively. Results. Our analysis revealed a complex landscape of responses to the use of a cemented hemiarthroplasty in the 12 months after surgery. There was heterogeneity of effects with regard to baseline characteristics, including age, pre-injury health status, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption. This heterogeneity was greater at the one-month mark than at subsequent follow-up timepoints, with particular regard to subgroups based on age. However, for all subgroups, the effect estimates for quality of life lay within the confidence intervals derived from the analysis of all patients. Conclusion. The use of a cemented hemiarthroplasty is expected to increase health-related quality of life compared with modern uncemented hemiarthroplasty for all subgroups of patients aged > 60 years with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):656–661

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of cemented hemiarthroplasty (HA) versus hydroxyapatite-coated uncemented HA for the treatment of displaced intracapsular hip fractures in older adults. Methods. A within-trial economic evaluation was conducted based on data collected from the World Hip Trauma Evaluation 5 (WHiTE 5) multicentre randomized controlled trial in the UK. Resource use was measured over 12 months post-randomization using trial case report forms and participant-completed questionnaires. Cost-effectiveness was reported in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained from the NHS and personal social service perspective. Methodological uncertainty was addressed using sensitivity analysis, while decision uncertainty was represented graphically using confidence ellipses and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. Results. The base-case analysis showed that cemented implants were cost-saving (mean cost difference -£961 (95% confidence interval (CI) -£2,292 to £370)) and increased QALYs (mean QALY difference 0.010 (95% CI 0.002 to 0.017)) when compared to uncemented implants. The probability of the cemented implant being cost-effective approximated between 95% and 97% at alternative cost-effectiveness thresholds held by decision-makers, and its net monetary benefit was positive. The findings remained robust against all the pre-planned sensitivity analyses. Conclusion. This study shows that cemented HA is cost-effective compared with hydroxyapatite-coated uncemented HA in older adults with displaced intracapsular hip fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):922–928

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the three-year follow-up for a series of 400 patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip, who were randomized to be treated with either a cemented polished tapered hemiarthroplasty or an uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated hemiarthroplasty.

Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the association of mortality and reoperation when comparing cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty (HA) in hip fracture patients aged over 65 years. Methods. This was a population-based cohort study on hip fracture patients using prospectively gathered data from several national registries in Denmark from 2004 to 2015 with up to five years follow-up. The primary outcome was mortality and the secondary outcome was reoperation. Hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality and subdistributional hazard ratios (sHRs) for reoperations are shown with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. A total of 17,671 patients with primary HA were identified (9,484 uncemented and 8,187 cemented HAs). Compared to uncemented HA, surgery with cemented HA was associated with an absolute risk difference of 0.4% for mortality within the period zero to one day after surgery and an adjusted HR of 1.70 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.38). After seven days, there was no longer any association, with an adjusted HR of 1.07 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.28). This continued until five years after surgery with a HR of 1.01 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.06). There was a higher proportion of reoperations due to any reason after five years in the uncemented group with 10.2% compared to the cemented group with 6.1%. This yielded an adjusted sHR of 0.65 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.75) and difference continued up until five years after the surgery, demonstrating a sHR of 0.70 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.83). Conclusion. In a non-selected cohort of hip fracture patients, surgery with cemented HA was associated with a higher relative mortality during the first postoperative day compared to surgery with uncemented HA, but there was no difference after seven days up until five years after. In contrast, surgery with cemented HA was associated with lower risk of reoperation up to five years postoperatively compared with surgery with uncemented HA. There was a higher relative mortality on the first postoperative day for cemented HA versus uncemented HA. There was no difference in mortality after seven days up until five years after surgery. There were 6.1% reoperations for cemented HA compared to 10.2% for uncemented HA after five years. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):127–133

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. Methods. PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched to 2 February 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the primary outcome, mortality, and secondary outcomes of function, quality of life, reoperation, postoperative complications, perioperative outcomes, pain, and length of hospital stay. Relative risks (RRs) and mean differences (with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)) were used as summary association measures. Results. A total of 18 studies corresponding to 16 non-overlapping RCTs with a total of 2,819 intracapsular hip fractures were included. Comparing contemporary cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty, RRs (95% CIs) for mortality were 1.32 (0.44 to 3.99) perioperatively, 1.01 (0.48 to 2.10) at 30 days, and 0.90 (0.71 to 1.15) at one year. The use of contemporary cemented hemiarthroplasty reduced the risk of intra- and postoperative periprosthetic fracture. There were no significant differences in the risk of other complications, function, pain, and quality of life. There were no significant differences in perioperative outcomes except for increases in operating time and overall anaesthesia for contemporary cemented hemiarthroplasty with mean differences (95% CIs) of 6.67 (2.65 to 10.68) and 4.90 (2.02 to 7.78) minutes, respectively. The morbidity and mortality outcomes were not significantly different between non-contemporary cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty. Conclusion. There are no differences in the risk of mortality when comparing the use of contemporary cemented with uncemented hemiarthroplasty in the management of intracapsular hip fractures. Contemporary cemented hemiarthroplasty is associated with a substantially lower risk of intraoperative and periprosthetic fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1113–1121

Aims. Debate continues about whether it is better to use a cemented or uncemented hemiarthroplasty to treat a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip. The aim of this study was to attempt to resolve this issue for contemporary prostheses. Methods. A total of 400 patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip were randomized to receive either a cemented polished tapered stem hemiarthroplasty or an uncemented Furlong hydroxyapatite-coated hemiarthroplasty. Follow-up was conducted by a nurse blinded to the implant at set intervals for up to one year from surgery. Results. A total of 115 patients died in the year after surgery. There was a tendency towards a slightly higher mortality in those treated with the uncemented prosthesis after one year (64 vs 51; p = 0.18). For the survivors, there was no significant difference in pain score at any of the time intervals. Patients treated using the cemented hemiarthroplasty recovered mobility better than those treated with the uncemented hemiarthroplasty (mean decrease in mobility score at one year: 1.7 vs 1.1, SD 1.9; p = 0.008). There was a tendency to more periprosthetic fractures in the uncemented group (five vs two cases; p = 0.45), but overall the need for further surgery was similar in both groups (nine vs seven cases). There were four perioperative deaths in the cemented group. Conclusion. These results indicate that a contemporary cemented hemiarthroplasty gives better results than an uncemented hemiarthroplasty for patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip. When the condition of the patient permits, a cemented hemiarthroplasty should be used. Cite this article: Bone Joint J. 2020;102-B(1):11–16

Continued controversy exists between cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty for an intracapsular hip fracture. To assist in resolving this controversy, 400 patients were randomised between a cemented polished tapered stem hemiarthroplasty and an uncemented Furlong hydroxyapatite coated hemiarthroplasty. Follow-up was by a nurse blinded to the implant used for up to three years from surgery. Results indicate no difference in the pain scores between implants but a tendency to an improved regain of mobility for those treated with the cemented arthroplasty (1.2 score versus 1.7 at 6 months, p=0.03). There was no difference in early mortality but a tendency to a higher later mortality for the uncemented implants (29% versus 24% at one year, p=0.3). Later peri-prosthetic fracture was more common in the uncemented group (3% versus 1.5%). Revision arthroplasty was required for 2% of cemented cases and 3% of uncemented cases. Surgery for an uncemented hemiarthroplasty was 5 minutes shorter but these patients were more likely to need a blood transfusion (14% versus 7%). Three patients in the cemented group had a major adverse reaction to bone cement leading to their death. These results indicated that a cemented stem hemiarthroplasty give marginally improved regain of mobility in comparison to a contemporary uncemented hemiarthroplasty. An uncemented hemiarthroplasty still has a place for those considered to be at a high risk of bone cement implantation syndrome

Aim. This paper describes the methods applied to assess the cost-effectiveness of cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty among hip fracture patients in the World Hip Trauma Evaluation Five (WHiTE5) trial. Methods. A within-trial cost-utility analysis (CUA) will be conducted at four months postinjury from a health system (National Health Service and personal social services) perspective. Resource use pertaining to healthcare utilization (i.e. inpatient care, physiotherapy, social care, and home adaptations), and utility measures (quality-adjusted life years) will be collected at one and four months (primary outcome endpoint) postinjury; only treatment of complications will be captured at 12 months. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted to assess the robustness of the results. Conclusion. The planned analysis strategy described here records our intent to conduct a within-trial CUA alongside the WHiTE5 trial

Introduction. The treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients is under debate. Hemiarthroplasty is a recognised treatment for elderly patients with reduced capacity for mobilisation. Controversy exists around cemented or uncemented implants for hemiarthroplasty in this population. The aim of this study is to investigate outcomes of cemented vs uncemented hemiarthroplasty implants to two years post operation. Methods. All elderly patients presenting to one institution with a displaced subcapital neck of femur fracture were offered inclusion. One hundred and sixty patients (mean age, 85 years) with acute displaced femoral neck fractures were randomly allocated to be treated with cemented Exeter, or uncemented Zweymüller Alloclassic Hemiarthroplasty. Clinical and radiologic follow-up to two years with the main outcome measurements being pain, mortality, mobility, complications, reoperations, and quality of life using validated scores recorded by a blinded outcome assessor. Results. Complication rates were more frequent in uncemented implants (p< 0.016). Subsidence and perioperative fracture were significantly higher with uncemented components (p< 0.05). Visual analogue pain scores at rest were not significantly different between each group. Mortality rates were not significantly different at any time point. Oxford Hip scores at 6 weeks favoured cemented implants (p< 0.05). These trends persist but are not significant at later follow-up. Mobility measured by a timed up-and-go score favoured cemented at 6 weeks (p< 0.01), 6 months (p< 0.05) and 1 year (p< 0.005). A trend towards less dependence on walking aids also favoured cemented implants. Multifunctional assessment index and Mini-mental scores were similar in each group. Conclusion. Cemented hemiarthroplasty provides a better outcome for elderly patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture when compared with uncemented hemiarthroplasty. Complication rates were significantly lower and function and pain scores were improved at multiple time points following surgery

Purpose: The appropriate means of fixation for hemiarthroplasty of the hip is a matter of ongoing debate. Proponents of uncemented components cite the risk of perioperative mortality with cement implantation as justification for avoiding cement in certain patients. Because cement-related mortality is rare, we wished to compare the incidence of perioperative mortality in patients receiving cemented versus uncemented hemiarthroplasty using a large national database. Further, we wished to compare overall revision rate between fixation methods to assess their role in implant survivorship. Method: All recorded hemiarthroplasty cases from the AOA National Joint Replacement Registry were cross-referenced to the Australian mortality data, and deaths at 1d, 7d, 28d, and one year were compared between groups. Further, subgroup analysis of monoblock, modular, and bipolar hemiarthroplasty were compared as a surrogate measure of different patient populations. Results: Comparing all hemiarthroplasty procedures as a group, there was a a significantly increased mortality rate at day one post-operatively (p = 0.0005) when cement was used. By day 7, this trend reversed, revealing a reduced mortality risk with cement (p = 0.02). This trend reversal persisted at day 28 and one year post-operatively (p = 0.028 & p < 0.0001, respectively). With subgroup analysis, monoblock hemiarthroplasty revealed a similar trend reversal in early versus late mortality. Modular and bipolar hemiarthroplasty procedures failed to reveal a significant difference in mortality when cemented and uncemented components were compared at all time points. When fixation method was compared in different age groups, a favourable mortality rate was seen at one year when cemented monoblock components were used in patients aged 71–80, and in patients ≥81 years old (p = 0.005 & < 0.001, respectively). The opposite was true with cemented modular implants at one year in patients < 70 years old (p = 0.009). There was no significant difference in mortality between cemented and uncemented implants in any other age investigated. Revision rates were significantly higher in patients treated with uncemented hemiarthroplasty regardless of prosthesis type. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a higher overall success rate, and comparable or reduced long-term mortality risk when cement is used in hip hemiarthroplasty

Background. In 2011 20% of intracapsular fractured neck of femurs were treated with an uncemented hemiarthroplasty in the English NHS. National guidelines recommend cemented implants, based on evidence of less pain, better mobility and lower costs. We aimed to compare complications following cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty using the national hospital episode statistics (HES) database in England. Methods. Dislocation, revision, return to theatre and medical complications were extracted for all patients with NOF fracture who underwent either cemented or uncemented hemiarthroplasty between January 2005 and December 2008. To make a ‘like for like’ comparison all 30424 patients with an uncemented impant were matched to 30424 cemented implants (from a total of 42838) in terms of age, sex and Charlson co-morbidity score. Results. In patients with an uncemented implant, 18-month revision (1.62% versus 0.57% (OR 2.90 [2.44–3.45], p< 0.001)), 4-year revision (2.45% vs 1.11% (OR 2.28 [1.45–3.65], p< 0.001)) and 30-day chest infection (8.14% versus 7.23% (OR 1.14 [1.08–1.21], p=0.028)) were significantly higher. Interestingly, 4-year dislocation rate was higher in cemented implants (0.60% versus 0.26% (OR 0.45 [0.36–0.55], p< 0.001). No significant differences were seen in 30-day return to theatre, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular event or 90-day pulmonary embolus. Discussion. In this national analysis of matched patients short and medium term revision rate, and perioperative chest infection was significantly higher in the uncemented group. This supports the published evidence and national guidelines recommending cement fixation of hemiarthroplasty

In this study, we reviewed the records of 881 patients with fracture neck of femur over 5 years. Of these, 372 patients underwent hemiarthroplasty (231 cemented and 141 uncemented). The aim was to analyse the factors, which may contribute towards the mortality in cemented versus uncemented group. The mean age in the cemented and uncemented group was 82 and 81 years respectively. 136 (58.8%) patients were operated within 24 hours of admission in the cemented group as compared to 63 (44.6%). The mean operative time was 81minutes for cemented hemiarthroplasty and 61 minutes for uncemented hemiarthroplasty. 77% of the cemented hemiarthroplasty was performed by Registrar grade as compared to 69% in the uncemented group. Of the 231 patients in the cemented group, 52% received general and 48% received spinal anaesthesia. Of the 141 patients in the uncemented group, 30% received general and 70% received spinal anaesthesia. There was an 8% 30-day mortality compared to 11% 30-day mortality in uncemented group (p< 0.05). The mean age of patients in the mortality group was age 86 yrs in cement and 84 yrs in uncemented group. Most operations were done within 24–48 hours. There was significant co morbidity in patients who died. The average operative time of patients who died in both groups was same. There was an increased mortality rate in the uncemented group as compared to the cemented group (p< 0.05). Based on our study, we conclude that cement is not a risk factor. Duration and timing of surgery is not associated with increased mortality. There was no difference in 30-day mortality rates between patients receiving general or spinal anaesthesia. Significant co morbid factor is associated with increased mortality

We undertook a prospective randomised controlled trial involving 400 patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the hip to determine whether there was any difference in outcome between treatment with a cemented Thompson hemiarthroplasty and an uncemented Austin-Moore prosthesis. The surviving patients were followed up for between two and five years by a nurse blinded to the type of prosthesis used.

The mean age of the patients was 83 years (61 to 104) and 308 (77%) were women. The degree of residual pain was less in those treated with a cemented prosthesis (p < 0.0001) three months after surgery. Regaining mobility was better in those treated with a cemented implant (p = 0.005) at six months after operation. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to mortality, implant-related complications, re-operations or post-operative medical complications.

The use of a cemented Thompson hemiarthroplasty resulted in less pain and less deterioration in mobility than an uncemented Austin-Moore prosthesis with no increase in complications.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines from 2011 recommend the use of cemented hemi-arthroplasty for appropriate patients with an intracapsular hip fracture. In our institution all patients who were admitted with an intracapsular hip fracture and were suitable for a hemi-arthroplasty between April 2010 and July 2012 received an uncemented prosthesis according to our established departmental routine practice. A retrospective analysis of outcome was performed to establish whether the continued use of an uncemented stem was justified. Patient, surgical and outcome data were collected on the National Hip Fracture database. A total of 306 patients received a Cathcart modular head on a Corail uncemented stem as a hemi-arthroplasty. The mean age of the patients was 83.3 years (sd 7.56; 46.6 to 94) and 216 (70.6%) were women. The mortality rate at 30 days was 5.8%. A total of 46.5% of patients returned to their own home by 30 days, which increased to 73.2% by 120 days. The implant used as a hemi-arthroplasty for intracapsular hip fracture provided satisfactory results, with a good rate of return to pre-injury place of residence and an acceptable mortality rate. Surgery should be performed by those who are familiar with the design of the stem and understand what is required for successful implantation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1538–43.

The two commonest types of hemiarthroplasty used for the treatment of a displaced intracapsular fracture are the uncemented Austin Moore Prosthesis and cemented Thompson hemiarthroplasty. To determine if any difference in outcome exists between these implants we undertook a prospective randomised controlled trial of 300 patients with a displaced intracapsular hip fractures.

All operations were performed or supervised by one orthopaedic surgeon and all by a standard anterolateral approach. Patients were followed by a nurse blinded in the type of prosthesis to assess residual pain and mobility.

The average age of the patients was 83 years and 23% were male. 73% came from their own home with the remainder from institutional care. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between groups, with 34/151 having died at one year in the cemented group and 45/149 in the uncemented group. Pain scores (grade 1-6) were less for those treated by a cemented prosthesis (mean score 1.8 versus 2.4, p value <0.00001). Mobility change was also less for those treated with a cemented implant (p=0002). No difference was found in hospital stay. Operative complications are as listed. One case of non-fatal intraoperative cardiac arrest occurred in the cemented group.

In summary a cemented Thompson Hemiarthroplasty causes less pain and less deterioration in mobility compared to uncemented Austin Moore hemiarthroplasty, without any increase in complications. The continued use of an uncemented Austin Moore cannot be recommended.

Aim: To clarify the issue of whether or not to cement the hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of displaced intra-capsular femoral neck fractures in the elderly. Method: All patients with displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty between January 1997 and May 1998, in 2 hospitals within the same Deanery, were reviewed. The same prosthesis was used; in hospital A they were uncemented, and in B cemented. There were 121 patients in hospital A and 123 in hospital B; all patients alive at follow-up (50 and 56 respectively) were interviewed for pre-fracture and current assessments of pain and functional ability using validated scoring systems. Follow-up was 32–36 months. Results: Patient demographics were similar. Cemented procedures took 15 minutes longer. In-patient stay was the same. Signiþcantly fewer of the cemented group had been revised or were awaiting revision (p=0.036). There was no difference in mortality rates at any point. Prospective assessment of surviving patients revealed highly statistically signiþcant greater deterioration in pain (p=0.003), walking ability (p=0.002), use of walking aids (p=0.003) and activities of daily living (p=0.009) in the uncemented group. The trend for more dependent accommodation in the uncemented group failed to reach statistical signiþcance (p=0.14). Conclusions: Our þndings support the use of cemented hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures in the elderly.

We performed transoesophageal echocardiography on 20 patients with femoral neck fractures randomly treated with an uncemented Austin-Moore or cemented Hastings hemiarthroplasty. Cemented arthroplasty caused greater and more prolonged embolic cascades than did uncemented arthroplasty. Some emboli were more than 3 cm in length. In some patients the cascades were associated with pulmonary hypertension, diminished oxygen tension and saturation, and the presence of fat and marrow in aspirates from the right atrium.

Two of commonest types of hemiarthroplasty used for the treatment of a displaced intracapsular fracture are the uncemented Austin Moore Prosthesis and cemented Thompson hemiarthroplasty. We performed this trial to determine if any difference in outcome exist between these implants.

We undertook a prospective randomised controlled trial of four hundred patients with a displaced intra-capsular hip fracture. All operations were performed or supervised by one orthopaedic surgeon and all by a standard anterolateral approach. Patients were followed by a nurse blinded in the type of prosthesis to assess residual pain and mobility.

The average age of the patients was eighty-three years and 23% were male. 73% came from their own home with the remainder from institutional care. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between groups. Pain scores were less for those treated by a cemented prosthesis (p value < 0.00001). Mobility change was also less for those treated with a cemented implant (p=0002). No difference was found in hospital stay, implant related complications, re-operations or post-operative medical complications between the two groups. One case of non-fatal intraoperative cardiac arrest occurred in the cemented group.

In summary a cemented Thompson Hemiarthroplasty causes less pain and less deterioration in mobility compared to the uncemented Austin Moore hemiarthroplasty, without any increase in complications. The continued use of an uncemented Austin Moore cannot be recommended.

Introduction: Two of commonest types of hemiarthroplasty used for the treatment of a displaced intracapsular fracture are the uncemented Austin Moore Prosthesis and cemented Thompson hemiarthroplasty.

Methods: To determine if any difference in outcome exists between these implants, we undertook a prospective randomised controlled trial of 400 patients with a displaced intracapsular hip fracture. All operations were performed or supervised by one orthopaedic surgeon and all by a standard anterolateral approach. Patients were followed by a nurse blinded in the type of prosthesis to assess residual pain and mobility.

Results: The average age of the patients was 83 years and 23% were male. 73% came from their own home with the remainder from institutional care. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between groups. Pain scores were less for those treated by a cemented prosthesis (p value < 0.00001). Mobility change was also less for those treated with a cemented implant (p=0002). No difference was found in hospital stay, implant related complications, re-operations or post-operative medical complications between the two groups. One case of non-fatal intraoperative cardiac arrest occurred in the cemented group.

Discussion: In summary a cemented Thompson Hemiarthroplasty causes less pain and less deterioration in mobility compared to the uncemented Austin Moore hemiarthroplasty, without any increase in complications. The continued use of an uncemented Austin Moore cannot be recommended.

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.