RESUMO
Introduction: Neck of femur fractures in the elderly population are common and often a devastating condition. The optimal treatment has been a subject of debate. Arthroplasty has been shown to be the most viable treatment option. The high cost of total hip replacement makes hemiarthroplasty a suitable option in our environment. Materials and Methods: This study was designed to measure the outcome of hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fracture using Harris hip score in patients aged 60 and above at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano, Nigeria. Results: Twenty-five consecutive patients 60 years and above with femoral neck fracture who met the inclusion criteria and gave consent were enrolled into the study. The mean Harris hip score at the pre-operative period was 16.92. Fourth week after the surgery, the mean Harris hip score was 69.96. The score rose further to 75.24 and 80.96 at 12 weeks and 6 months post-operatively. The difference between the mean pre-operative and post-operative scores at 4th week, 12th week, and 6th month was statistically significant. During the pre-operative period, all patients had a poor Harris hip score grade. Six months after the surgery, 7 patients (28%) had an excellent Harris hip score grade, 12 patients (48%) had good grades, and 1 patient (4%) had a fair Harris hip score grade. Five patients (20%) had a poor Harris hip score grade at 6 months. Conclusion: From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that early functional outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture in the elderly are good and satisfactory.
RESUMO
Background: Fracture neck of femur in the elderly population, are common and often a devastating condition leading to morbidity and sometimes even mortality if not treated or appropriately addressed. The optimal treatment has been a subject of debate. Arthroplasty or surgical fixation gives good outcome among others. Health related quality of life is a useful tool in assessing the outcome of hemiarthroplasty. This study compared the quality of life of elderly patient before and after hemiarthroplasty using EQ-5D and EQ-VAS health questionnaire as a tool. Methodology: This was a prospective descriptive study done over 18 months on elderly people with fracture neck of femur who had hemiarthroplasty at the national orthopedic hospital, Dala, Kano, Nigeria. This study was designed to measure the outcome of hemiarthroplasty using health related quality of life with EQ-5D and EQ-VAS health questionnaire as a tool. Result: There was a significant change in the quality-of-life indices observed during the pre-operative period and six months after surgery (P<0.05). This significant change was seen using both the EQ-5D descriptive system and the EQ-VAS. Conclusion: Hemiarthroplasty improves the health-related quality of life among elderly patients with fracture neck of femur. The EQ-5D and EQ-VAS health questionnaire are a valuable tool in assessing the health related Qol following hemiarthroplasty.
