RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are becoming an increasing public health issue due to an ageing population (1). Total hip replacements (THR) produce better outcomes in certain patients who were functioning independently before the injury (2). We aimed to assess whether the management of intracapsular hip fracture is carried out in accordance with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) hip fracture guidance (1) and the outcomes with regards to performing THRs on those patients who fulfil the described criteria. METHOD: Data was collected retrospectively from the 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2013 from all fractured neck of femur patients admitted to our hospital. RESULTS: Of the 382 patients fit for an operation, 78 (20.4%) met with the NICE hip fracture guidance for a total hip replacement. Of those eligible, 32 (41.0%) did receive a THR and 4 (2.8%) patients of the 142 not eligible for a total hip replacement also received a THR. DISCUSSIONS: Of those eligible for a THR, the patients who underwent that procedure had a significantly lower mortality rate compared to those who underwent a hemiarthroplasty (0% versus 19.6% at 1 year, p = 0.007). However, those who did not meet the NICE criteria but underwent a THR had the worst mortality rate (50% at 30 days and 1 year). The provision rate of THR in displaced intracapsular hip fracture is low at 41.0% for those who met the NICE criteria. The results suggest that the decision process when determining if a patient should undergo THR for a fractured neck of femur is multifactorial.