To compare clinical outcomes of cemented and cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.

From January 2013 to January 2017, 94 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures were treated by cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty (the cemented group, n=51) or cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty (the cementless group, n=43) in the First People′s Hospital of Liangshan. All the patients were followed up for 12 months or until the death of the patients. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared by t test or chi-square test.

There was no significant difference in preoperative characteristics between the two groups (all P>0.05). The amount of postoperative drainage(t=3.964, P<0.05) and blood transfusion(t=5.245, P<0.05) in the cemented group were significantly lower, when compared with those in the cementless group. The operative time was significantly longer in the cemented group (t=3.535, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative bedtime, postoperative complications, hip function, or postoperative mortality in three and 12 months between the two groups (all P>0.05). None of the prosthesis was loosening or needed the revision.

The use of hemiarthroplasty in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients, can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes. The cemented prosthesis can reduce postoperative drainage and the blood transfusion, while increasing the operation time.