The results of a consecutive series of 120 bipolar replacements of the
femoral head that had been done for the treatment of a fracture of the
femoral neck were reviewed. Ninety patients were followed for a minimum of
two years. At the latest follow-up, eighty-two (91 per cent) of the
patients were free of major pain, and eighty-three (92 per cent) were
considered to have satisfactory motion and muscle power. Postoperative
function often was limited by underlying medical problems. Seventy-five
patients (83 per cent) either returned to the level of function that they
had had before the fracture or used only a cane, which they had not needed
previously. There was no important deterioration of the results with time.
For twenty-six of the prostheses, roentgenograms were made with the patient
bearing weight in order to determine the relative motion at the two sites
of articulation of the bipolar prosthesis. The roentgenograms demonstrated
the presence and maintenance of motion at both bearing surfaces.