In trochanteric fracture, whatever its anatomic type, internal fixation is currently the standard attitude, with arthroplasty as a relatively unusual option.

Hip implants are an excellent alternative to osteosynthesis in unstable trochanteric fracture in patients aged over 75 years.

A non-randomised prospective multicenter study compared osteosynthesis by trochanteric nailing (n=113) to hip arthroplasty (n=134) in unstable trochanteric fracture (AO types 31 A2.2 and 3 and A3.3) in 247 patients over the age of 75 years. The series was recruited during 2007 in seven centres, four of which included only arthroplasties, two only osteosyntheses and one both. The two groups were comparable in age, sex, preoperative Parker score, pre-fracture place of residence, fracture type, time to surgery and preoperative comorbidity. The sole difference was in operators, with more senior surgeons in arthroplasty (62% versus 27%).

Three-month mortality was identical in the two groups (21.2% versus 21%). General complications did not differ, although mechanical complications were more frequent in the nailing group (12.5% versus 2.8%). Functional results (Parker and PMA scores) were better in the implant than in the nail group.

The present study validated hip arthroplasty in these indications. Cemented stems associated to a dual-mobility acetabular component gave the best results.

Prospective, level of evidence III.