Clinical Practice Guidelines in Action: Differences in Femoral Neck Fracture Management by Trauma and Arthroplasty Training

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to survey trauma and arthroplasty surgeons to investigate associations between subspecialty training and management of geriatric femoral neck fractures and to compare treatments with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: Five hundred fifty-six surgeons completed the online survey consisting of two sections: (1) surgeon demographics and (2) two geriatric hip fracture cases with questions regarding treatment decisions. RESULTS: In both clinical scenarios, arthroplasty surgeons were more likely than trauma surgeons to recommend total hip arthroplasty (THA) (case 1: 96% versus 84%; case 2: 29% versus 10%; P ≤ 0.02) and spinal anesthesia (case 1: 70% versus 40%; case 2: 62% versus 38%; P < 0.01). Surgeons who have made changes based on clinical practice guidelines (n = 96; 21% of surveyed) cited more use of THA (n = 56; 58% of respondents) and cemented stems (n = 28; 29% of respondents). CONCLUSION: Arthroplasty surgeons are more likely to recommend THA over hemiarthroplasty and have a higher expectation for spinal anesthesia for the management of geriatric femoral neck fractures.