Comparing total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fracture in the active elderly over 75 years old: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials

Abstract Background: Displaced femoral neck fractures (DFNF) are increasingly common in elderly patients. Repair of DFNF can be completed using two methods, hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total hip Arthroplasty (THA). However, there is much controversy regarding whether HA or THA is superior in active elderly patients over 75 years old. Methods: We conducted the literature search by searching PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science from the inception dates to June 1, 2019. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included studies were analysed according to Cochrane review methods. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria totalling 631 participants (301 THA and 330 HA）. Four of the studies conducted were identical to a previous study but look at different follow up measures. The analysis of previously collected data revealed that the THA group had a lower erosion rate, higher total pain and function HHS, and higher EQ-5Dindex. The re-operation rate was significantly lower in the THA group after five years of follow up after adding the patients with painful symptoms to the group of patients revised. However, THA had longer operative time and a higher dislocation rate in the first three years compared to the HA procedure. Moreover, there was an insignificant difference in mortality rate, general complications, wound infection, duration of hospital stay, and VTE prevalence among the two procedures. Conclusions: THA may be a preferred management option for active elderly patients over 75 years old, after careful evaluation of patients’ general condition and tolerance of surgery. Strict management and follow up protocols should be followed to prevent dislocation within the first three years following a THA. Trial registration: This study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42019139135). The date of registration is 16-06-2019. Keywords: displaced femoral neck fractures; total hip arthroplasty; hemiarthroplasty;