The aim of this study was to determine the utility of cementless extensively porous coated femoral stem in the patients older than 70 years, who had received a bipolar hemiarthroplasty.

From June 1996 to June 2001, this study reviewed the clinical and radiographic results of 31 femoral neck fracture patients (31 hips, 9 men and 22 women), who underwent a bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a cementless extensively porous coated femoral stem, were 70 years or older and were followed up more than 2 years. The mean age at surgery was 79.3 (70-84). The mean follow up period was 31.2 months (range, 24 to 52). The clinical and radiological results were evaluated by the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the serial X-ray findings, respectively.

Clinically, the mean HHS at the last follow up was 84.1 (69-92). Radiographically, there was no evidence of subsidence, pedestal and osteolysis of the femoral stem. A radiolucent line was observed in 11 cases, but there was no evidence of progression. Therefore, all femoral stems were confirmed to be stable. Stress shielding was observed in 22 cases, mild in 20 cases and moderate in 2 cases.

Bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a cementless extensively porous coated femoral stem inpatients 70 years or older showed good clinical and radiological results. Therefore it is a useful prosthesis for bipolar hemiarthroplasty in patients 70 years or older.