Surgical treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly: a survey of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

Abstract

A survey was distributed to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) membership to evaluate surgical treatment preferences for displaced femoral neck fractures (DFNFXs). Of 718 members, 381 (54%) responded to the 16-question survey that was an adjunct to a multicenter, randomized study (funded by AAHKS/OREF) designed to prospectively evaluate efficacy of hemiarthroplasty vs total hip for treatment of DFNFXs. Hemiarthroplasty (85%) was the most preferred treatment option for DFNFXs (reduction with internal fixation 2%, total hip arthroplasty 13%). Prefracture hip pain/osteoarthritis, poor bone quality, and fracture comminution were the main reasons why arthroplasty was chosen over reduction with internal fixation. Ambulatory status and dislocation risk after arthroplasty were the main factors in choosing between unipolar (48%) and bipolar (52%) hemiarthroplasty. Total hip arthroplasty is used by 88% of responders. Dislocation risk and ambulatory status were influential factors against performing total hip arthroplasty. Arthroplasty is the preferred method of surgical intervention for the treatment of DFNFXs for AAHKS members.