Summary
Evidence from five randomized controlled trials suggests that treatment of proximal
femoral fractures with unipolar versus bipolar hemiarthroplasty (HA) leads to comparable
results with respect to functional outcomes, short and long-term mortality, and risk
of dislocation and infection. Only one study had a follow-up rate of 85% or greater.
Low rates of follow-up lead to possible selection bias. Additional methodologically
rigorous randomized controlled trials with higher follow-up rates are necessary to
establish the long-term safety and to compare the efficacy of these two operative
treatments.
