Intramedullary strut substitution and impaction allografting cemented revision for the treatment of a periprosthetic fracture in a severely compromised femur

Treatment of Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures

PURPOSE

Stem loosening in both cemented and uncemented total hip arthroplasty is the hallmark of the Vancouver type B2 classification of periprosthetic hip fractures.

METHODS

We discuss the technique we use at our institution for treating these fractures.

RESULTS

Periprosthetic femoral-shaft fractures are associated with a relatively high mortality rate, approximating that of patients with hip fractures. Outcomes are directly associated with early mobilisation and construct stability.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend performing the procedure only when the surgeon is proficient in revision hip surgery and trauma care. A well-selected portfolio of different stem designs and an array of osteosynthesis devices should be available, as well.

Impaction bone grafting for periprosthetic fractures around a total hip arthroplasty

The incidence of periprosthetic fractures has been reported to be between 1 and 20.9% and appears to be on the rise. Fractures that occur around the femoral stem, particularly when the stem is loose or there is a loss of bone stock pose a technical challenge. These are rare injuries and there is considerable debate regarding their optimal treatment. Reconstruction with large segment endoprosthetic replacement is an acceptable solution for elderly patients who have limited functional demands and where the prosthesis is expected to outlive the patient. The younger patient poses a much greater challenge, the bone must be reconstituted and the femoral canal geometry must sufficiently restored to allow the stable insertion of a prosthesis. There are very few techniques that exist in this scenario. One such technique is impaction bone grafting and revision to a long smooth tapered cemented stem. This allows the restoration of bone stock and the stable insertion of a prosthesis. The aim of this article is to discuss the theory behind impaction bone grafting, the technical aspects and challenges of this technique, including fracture reduction methods, and to appraise all the literature available on impaction bone grafting for periprosthetic fractures.

Polyaxial Locked Implants in the Treatment of Type Vancouver B1 Periprosthetic Fractures of the Femur: Retrospective Clinical Examination in 58 Cases with Review of the Literature

We concluded a retrospective study of the outcomes of a consecutive series of Vancouver B1 and C femoral injuries using two specific locked implants. The study center is a dedicated trauma hospital with a large catchment area. Over a five-year period we treated 58 patients with a periprosthetic fracture of the femur with an angular stable plate, defined as the index procedure. The mean age at the index procedure was 72.4 years; 40 patients were female (69%). In 32 cases (55.2%) we saw a hip endoprosthesis, in 21 cases (36.2%) a knee endoprosthesis, and in five cases both (8.6%). Outcome measures were intra- and postoperative complications, bony union, degree of mobility and social status with comparison to the preoperative status, Barthel index, and timed ''up and go'' test. Union occurred in 56 cases (96.5%) after the index procedure. Three patients were bedridden before the injury; the remainder regained full weight-bearing status. The mean duration until full weight-bearing status in these patients was 8.6 weeks (4-13). Early implant failure with proximal dislocation of the screws occurred in two cases (3.5% revision rate). At follow up, 78% had maintained the same social status as before the injury. Fifty-two patients (89%) had regained their previous level of mobility. The mean Barthel index was 85 points (70-100) out of a possible 100, and improved from a mean of 35 points at the start of rehabilitation. It decreased on average by ten points compared to the preoperative status. The mean ''up and go'' time was measured as 21.4 s. In conclusion, polyaxial plates can achieve excellent surgical results. On the other hand, patients with this type of injury exhibit a clear deterioration in their social status, especially regarding lower limb motor function and self-independence.