[Large variation in indications for internal fixation or arthroplasty in displaced femoral neck fracture; results of a questionnaire distributed among general surgeons in 20 hospitals].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the treatment protocols for displaced femoral neck fractures in all 8 university hospitals (UH) and 12 general hospitals (GH).

DESIGN:

Descriptive; questionnaire.

METHOD:

Questionnaires were distributed to general surgeons who also perform traumatology surgery. They were requested to give succinct answers to questions about local protocol for the maximum permissible time interval between hip trauma and operation, indications for internal fixation and arthroplasty, operative technique and postoperative degree of weight-bearing in patients over 60 years of age with a displaced femoral neck fracture.

RESULTS:

Internal fixation and arthroplasty were performed within 24 and 48 hours respectively in 95% of all hospitals. A biological upper age limit of between 65 and 80 years old was the most commonly quoted indication for internal fixation in 70% of all hospitals. In 83% of GH dementia was considered an indication for arthroplasty as opposed to 0% in UH. Poor bone quality, immobility, comminution and inadequate reduction were incidentally quoted indications for arthroplasty. Rheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis and pathological fracture were contra-indications for internal fixation in all hospitals. Operative techniques for internal fixation and arthroplasty were similar in both UH and GH. After internal fixation, full weight-bearing was recommended in all UH and partial weight-bearing in 7 (58%) of GH. Following arthroplasty all protocols prescribed full weight-bearing.

CONCLUSION:

The variation in indications for internal fixation or arthroplasty reflects the lack of studies that demonstrate clearly which patient can be treated optimally with which treatment modality. There were few differences in the operative techniques of internal fixation and arthroplasty between the hospitals.

• Authors: M J Heetveld, J C Goslings, E L F B Raaymakers, J S K Luitse, D J Gouma
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd) Vol. 149 Issue 18 Pg. 984-91 (Apr 30 2005) ISSN: 0028-2162 [Print] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Grote variatie in indicaties voor interne fixatie of artroplastiek bij de gedislokeerde mediale collumfractuur; enquête onder algemeen chirurgen in 20 ziekenhuizen.
• PMID: 15903040 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Age Factors
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip (methods)
• Female
• Femoral Neck Fractures (surgery)
• Fracture Fixation, Internal
• Hospitals, General (statistics & numerical data)
• Hospitals, University (statistics & numerical data)
• Humans
• Knee Joint (physiology)
• Male
• Netherlands
• Quality of Life
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome
• Weight-Bearing