Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Lateral vs Posterior Hemiarthroplasty

Overview

This prospective, single-center, randomized clinical trial compared the clinical and functional outcomes of hemiarthroplasty performed via lateral versus posterior surgical approaches in elderly patients with displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures. The primary objective was to compare prosthetic dislocation and intraoperative femoral fracture rates between the two approaches. Secondary outcomes included functional scores, radiological parameters, complications, and mortality.

This study is a prospective, single-center, randomized clinical trial designed to compare the clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes of hemiarthroplasty performed via lateral and posterior surgical approaches in elderly patients with displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures. Between March 2016 and June 2019, eligible patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo hemiarthroplasty using either the lateral or posterior approach. Randomization was performed using a computer-generated sequence. All procedures were performed or supervised by experienced orthopedic surgeons following standardized surgical and postoperative protocols. Clinical parameters, perioperative data, and radiological indices including cortical index, Singh index, and Dorr classification were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Parker and Palmer Mobility Score (PPMS) and the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. The primary outcome measure was the prosthetic dislocation rate within 12 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture rate, functional scores, complications, and mortality. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, with approval obtained from the local ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants or their legal representatives.