Cable plate fixation for Vancouver Type-B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures-Our experience and identification of a subset at risk of non-union

Atypical Vancouver B1 periprosthetic fracture of the proximal femur in the United Kingdom: a case report challenged by myeloma, osteoporosis, infection, and recurrent implant failures

The indications for total hip replacement are increasing and not limited to osteoarthritis. Total hip replacement may also be done for trauma and pathological fractures in patients otherwise physiologically fit and active. This trend has led to an inevitable rise in complications such as periprosthetic femoral fracture. Periprosthetic femoral fracture can be challenging due to poor bone quality, osteoporosis, and stress fractures. We present a case of periprosthetic femoral fracture in a 71-year-old woman with some components of an atypical femoral fracture. The fracture was internally fixed but was subsequently complicated by infection, implant failure needing revision, and later stress fracture. She was on a bisphosphonate after her index total hip replacement surgery for an impending pathological left proximal femur fracture, and this may have caused the later stress fracture. Unfortunately, she then experienced implant breakage (nonunion), which was treated with a biplanar locking plate and bone grafting. The patient finally regained her premorbid mobility 13 months after the last surgery and progressed satisfactorily towards bony union.

Closed Reduction and High-Strength Sutures for Transverse Patella Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of closed reduction high-strength sutures combined with Nice knots in treating transverse patella fractures.

Method

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 28 patients who underwent surgery for transverse patella fractures from January 2019 to January 2020. Twelve cases of the study group were treated with closed reduction high-strength sutures combined with Nice knots, and 16 cases in the control group were treated with tension band wiring. Observations included patellar healing, follow-up knee mobility with Böstman score, Lysholm score, surgical data, postoperative complications, and secondary surgery rate.

Result

No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in the Patient demographic data, with a mean follow-up of 13.14 ± 1.58 months. There was no delayed healing or deep infection in the two groups. In the control group, 2 cases of internal fixation failure and 1 case of superficial infection were observed. The differences in mean fracture healing time, follow-up Böstman score, Lysholm score and knee mobility between the two groups were not statistically different. However, the differences were statistically significant for the duration of surgery, Incision length, intraoperative bleeding and the secondary surgery rate was lower in the study group.

Conclusion

Closed reduction high-strength sutures have good clinical efficacy in treating transverse patella fractures, with the advantages of shorter duration of surgery and Incision length,less intraoperative bleeding and no secondary removal.

Mortality and clinical outcomes of Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures : a multicentre retrospective study

AIMS

The objectives of this study were to investigate the patient characteristics and mortality of Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) subgroups divided into two groups according to femoral component stability and to compare postoperative clinical outcomes according to treatment in Vancouver type B2 and B3 fractures.

METHODS

A total of 126 Vancouver type B fractures were analyzed from 2010 to 2019 in 11 associated centres' database (named TRON). We divided the patients into two Vancouver type B subtypes according to implant stability. Patient demographics and functional scores were assessed in the Vancouver type B subtypes. We estimated the mortality according to various patient characteristics and clinical outcomes between the open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and revision arthroplasty (revision) groups in patients with unstable subtype.

RESULTS

The one-year mortality rate of the stable and unstable subtype of Vancouver type B was 9.4% and 16.4%. Patient demographic factors, including residential status and pre-injury mobility were associated with mortality. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients treated with ORIF and Revision in either Vancouver B subtype. Patients treated with revision had significantly higher Parker Mobility Score (PMS) values (5.48 vs 3.43; p = 0.00461) and a significantly lower visual analogue scale (VAS) values (1.06 vs 1.94; p = 0.0399) for pain than ORIF in the unstable subtype.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with Vancouver type B fractures, frail patients, such as those with worse scores for residential status and pre-injury mobility, had a high mortality rate. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients treated with ORIF and those treated with revision. However, in the unstable subtype, the PMS and VAS values at the final follow-up examination were significantly better in patients who received revision. Based on postoperative activities of daily life, we therefore recommend evision in instances when either treatment option is feasible.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(1):38-46.

The race for the classification of proximal periprosthetic femoral fractures : Vancouver vs Unified Classification System (UCS) - a systematic review

Background

Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) represent a major cause for surgical revision after hip arthroplasty with detrimental consequences for patients. The Vancouver classification has been traditionally used since its introduction in 1995. The Unified Classification System (UCS) was described in 2014, to widen the spectrum by aiming for a more comprehensive approach. The UCS also aimed to replace the Vancouver classification by expanding the idea of the Vancouver classification to the whole musculoskeletal apparatus. After introduction of the UCS, the question was raised, whether the UCS found its place in the field of analysing PFFs. Therefore, this systematic review was performed to investigate, the use of the UCS compared to the established Vancouver classification.

Methods

Medline was searched for reports published between 1 January 2016 and 31 November 2020, without language restriction. Included were original articles, irrespective of the level of evidence and case reports reporting on a PFF and using either the Vancouver or the UCS to classify the fractures. Excluded were reviews and systematic reviews.

Results

One hundred forty-six studies were included in the analysis. UCS has not been used in a single registry study, giving a pooled cohort size of 3299 patients, compared to 59,178 patients in studies using the Vancouver classification. Since 2016, one study using UCS was published in a top journal, compared to 37 studies using the Vancouver classification (p=0.29). During the study period, the number of yearly publications remained stagnant (p=0.899).

Conclusions

Despite valuable improvement and expansion of the latter UCS, to date, the Vancouver system clearly leads the field of classifying PFFs in the sense of the common use.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-022-05240-w.

Mortality After Postoperative Periprosthetic Fracture of the Femur After Hip Arthroplasty in the Last Decade: Meta-Analysis of 35 Cohort Studies Including 4841 Patients

BACKGROUND

Postoperative periprosthetic fracture of the femur (POPFF) is associated with increased mortality. There is a lack of general estimates of mortality after POPFF and a need for higher-level evidence in this area. The aim of this study was to estimate mortality after POPFF using data reported in cohort studies from the last decade.

METHODS

Literature search was conducted using Medline and Embase. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality during time as an inpatient, within 30 days, within 90 days, and within one year of POPFF. Mortality (95% confidence interval [CI]) was estimated using metaregression.

RESULTS

A total of 4841 patients from 35 cohort studies were included. Study quality was generally low. The weighted mean follow-up was 2.3 years, and the most common POPFF was Vancouver B. The pooled mortality as an inpatient was 2.4% (95% CI 1.6% to 3.4%). The pooled mortality within 30 days was 3.3% (95% CI 2.0% to 5.0%). The pooled mortality within 90 days was 4.8% (95% CI 3.6% to 6.1%). The pooled mortality within one year was 13.4% (95% CI 11.9% to 14.8%). Mortality after POPFF was like that of neck of femur fracture up to 30 days, but better at one year.

CONCLUSION

Mortality is like that experienced by patients after neck of femur fracture up to 30 days, but better at one year, which may represent the lower underlying risk of death in the POPFF cohort. These results may form the basis for evaluation of services treating POPFF in the future.

Combined Surgical and Medical Treatment for Vancouver B1 and C Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures: A Proposal of a Therapeutic Algorithm While Retaining the Original Stable Stem

INTRODUCTION

There is lack of consensus regarding best operative fixation strategy for periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) around a stable stem. Evidence exists that some patterns of fracture around a stable stem are better treated with revision surgery than with standard fixation. Anyway, a more aggressive surgical procedure together with medical treatment could allow for stem retention, and reduced risk of nonunion/hardware failure, even in these cases.

SIGNIFICANCE

This paper is placed in a broader context of lack of studies on the matter, and its aim is to shed some light on the management of PFFs around a stable stem, when peculiar mechanical and biological aspects are present.

RESULTS

Based on our casuistry in the treatment of nonunions after PFF successfully treated with original stem retention, and on review of Literature about risk factors for fixation failure, an algorithm is proposed that can guide in choosing the ideal surgical technique even for first-time PFFs with a stable stem, without resorting to revision. Mechanical (major and minor) and biological (local and systemic) factors that may influence fracture healing, leading to nonunion and hardware failure, and subsequent need for re-operation, are considered. The proposed surgical technique consists of rigid fixation with absolute stability (using a plate and structural allograft) plus local biological support (structural allograft and autologous bone marrow concentrate over a platelet-rich plasma-based scaffold) at fracture site. Systemic anabolic treatment (Teriparatide) is also administered in the post-operative period.

CONCLUSION

Mechanical factors are not the only issues to be considered when choosing the surgical approach to PFFs over a stable stem. Systemic and local biological conditions should be taken into account, as well. A therapeutic algorithm is proposed, given the prosthetic stem to be stable, considering mechanical and biological criteria.

Comparison of double-strand braided polyester sutures tension band (Nice knot) with cable tension band in transverse patellar fractures

BACKGROUND

The tension band technique is the most common method for internal fixation of transverse patellar fractures. Titanium cable and high-strength sutures have been successfully applied in this treatment; however, few studies have compared the Nice knot technique using sutures with the standard cable technique. Whether the suture technique (Nice knot) provides preferable results compared with those of the cable technique is unclear.

METHODS

Forty patients with transverse patellar fractures participated in this study. Twenty patients underwent sutures tension band fixation (Nice knot), and the others were managed with cable tension bands. All patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Pain was measured by VAS scores, flexion and extension of the knee were measured in degrees by goniometry, and knee function was evaluated using the Böstman clinical grading scale.

RESULTS

The two groups had equal distributions in age, gender, injured side, and fracture classification. The mean operation time in the suture group was shorter (55.75±9.77 minutes versus 64.25±9.63 minutes). The VAS score was comparable in the two groups at the 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups; however, the score was lower at 12 months postoperatively in the suture group (P=0.037). No significant difference was found in flexion, extension, Böstman score, or fracture healing time in either group (P>0.05). Postoperative complications were higher in the cable group (9 versus 2) (P = 0.031) but were mostly related to symptomatic soft tissue irritation.

CONCLUSION

The suture tension band technique using braided polyester nonabsorbable sutures tied with Nice knot was as effective as the cable tension band technique for transverse patellar fracture management. However, more convenient operations, less cost and fewer complications were found in suture fixation (Nice knot).

Reliability and validity of the Unified Classification System for postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures around cemented polished taper-slip stems

AIMS

This aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Unified Classification System (UCS) for postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) around cemented polished taper-slip (PTS) stems.

METHODS

Radiographs of 71 patients with a PFF admitted consecutively at two centres between 25 February 2012 and 19 May 2020 were collated by an independent investigator. Six observers (three hip consultants and three trainees) were familiarized with the UCS. Each PFF was classified on two separate occasions, with a mean time between assessments of 22.7 days (16 to 29). Interobserver reliability for more than two observers was assessed using percentage agreement and Fleiss' kappa statistic. Intraobserver reliability between two observers was calculated with Cohen kappa statistic. Validity was tested on surgically managed UCS type B PFFs where stem stability was documented in operation notes (n = 50). Validity was assessed using percentage agreement and Cohen kappa statistic between radiological assessment and intraoperative findings. Kappa statistics were interpreted using Landis and Koch criteria. All six observers were blinded to operation notes and postoperative radiographs.

RESULTS

Interobserver reliability percentage agreement was 58.5% and the overall kappa value was 0.442 (moderate agreement). Lowest kappa values were seen for type B fractures (0.095 to 0.360). The mean intraobserver reliability kappa value was 0.672 (0.447 to 0.867), indicating substantial agreement. Validity percentage agreement was 65.7% and the mean kappa value was 0.300 (0.160 to 0.4400) indicating only fair agreement.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the UCS is unsatisfactory for the classification of PFFs around PTS stems, and that it has considerably lower reliability and validity than previously described for other stem types. Radiological PTS stem loosening in the presence of PFF is poorly defined and formal intraoperative testing of stem stability is recommended. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(8):1339-1344.

Atypical periprosthetic femoral fractures after arthroplasty for fracture are at high risk of complications

It is difficult to investigate clinical features in a single-center study because atypical periprosthetic femoral fracture (APFF) is rare. This study aims to perform a nationwide survey of APFF to investigate the characteristics of this fracture and compare the clinical outcome with that of typical periprosthetic femoral fracture (typical PFF). A nationwide survey was performed asking for cooperation from 183 councilors of the Japanese Society for Fracture Repair. The subjects were patients with APFF injured between 2008 and 2017. The control group was comprised of patients with typical PFF of our facility injured in the same period. A total of 43 patients met the APFF definition. The control group was comprised of 75 patients with typical PFF. The rate of bisphosphonate use was significantly higher in the APFFs group than in the typical PFF group (62.8% and 32%, p < 0.02). The rate of cemented stem was significantly higher in the APFFs group than in the typical PFF group (30.2% and 6.7%, p < 0.001). In the patients with arthroplasty for hip fracture, multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that APFF was an independent risk factor of complications following the initial management (Odds ratio 11.1, 95% confidence interval 1.05–117.2, p = 0.045). However, no significant association between PFF and APFF was observed in the patients with arthroplasty for other hip diseases. The risk of complications was higher in the APFF group than in the typical PFF group in the patients with arthroplasty for fracture. When AFPP after arthroplasty for the fracture is suspected, it may be necessary to add not only internal fixation with a normal plate but also some additional treatment.

Plain films are not accurate in planning internal fixation in vancouver type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures and in distinguishing between subtypes B1 And B2

BACKGROUND

While few studies analysed the diagnostic validity of preoperative radiographs in distinguishing between Vancouver type B1 and B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs), no investigation has been conducted to assess the degree of diagnostic validity of preoperative radiographs in identifying the fracture course and planning the most appropriate treatment. We analysed the diagnostic validity of radiographs in detecting the fracture course and stem stability in Vancouver type B PFFs.

METHODS

Vancouver type B PFFs with different fracture courses were randomly performed in 36 dried cadaveric femurs in which a femoral broach had previously been implanted. Radiographic images, taken in the coronal and sagittal views, were analysed by 5 orthopaedic surgeons and 2 radiologists who were asked to reproduce the fracture course and to evaluate stem stability. A scoring system was used to determine the injured femoral cortex correctly identified by the examiners.

RESULTS

The identification of the fracture course was scored as poor in 52.4% and 56.%, fair in 23% and 23.4% and good in 24.6% and 19.8%, The identification of the fracture course in the coronal and axial vies radiographs was scored in coronal and axial view radiographs respectively. There was no significant difference in the average score obtained by senior and young examiners. In the coronal plane, the fracture course was poorly identified by all examiners in 11 (30.5%) femurs and by 5 or more examiners in 17 (47%). The fracture course was correctly identified by 5 or more examiners in 8 femurs (22%). A vertical fracture involving an emidiaphysis was found in 8 of the 11 femurs in which the PFF was poorly diagnosed by all examiners. Stem instability was correctly diagnosed in 45% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In type B PFFs preoperative radiographs show a reduced diagnostic validity in identifying the fracture course and, hence, in planning a correct treatment. Potentially unstable vertical fractures involving an emidiaphysis are likely to be poorly diagnosed since most of the fracture course is hidden by the femoral stem. In cementless stems the diagnostic validity of radiographs in diagnosing between Vancouver type B1 and B2 seems to be lower than that reported for cemented stems.

The management of Vancouver B1 and C periprosthetic fractures: radiographic and clinic outcomes of a monocentric consecutive series

INTRODUCTION

Periprosthetic fractures (PFs) are a main complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA), with rising incidence. The optimal treatment of PFs is still being debated in the literature. Historically, high failure and reoperation rates are reported, although the introduction of locking plates has led to improved results. In this study we report clinical and radiographic outcomes of a consecutive series of Vancouver B1 and C fractures, treated with a novel type of locking plate. We also aim to identify the variables associated with healing time.

METHODS

Between June 2013 and May 2019, 47 patients were consecutively admitted to the Emergency Department of our Hospital with a diagnosis of PF around a well-fixed THA stem. 31 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. All patients underwent osteosynthesis with a novel type of plate ("Ironlady" Intrauma, Rivoli, Italy) through a distally extended posterolateral approach. All surgical procedures were performed with the aim of reducing the rigidity of the fixation construct and preserving periosteal vitality. Demographic data, type of fracture, type of stem and its fixation, surgical details, and clinical and radiographical outcomes were recorded. Each variable was investigated to assess its relationship with fracture healing and healing time.

RESULTS

31 patients were included in the study. 4 patients died before the minimum follow-up of 6 months and were excluded from the series. The final sample consisted of 27 patients. Their median age at operation was 84.8 years (range 65.3-95.4 years); 21 were female. The median follow-up after surgery was 2.36 years (range 6 months-4.7 years). In the cohort there were 22 type Vancouver B1 fractures (81.5%) and 5 type C (18.5%). All fractures occurred postoperatively (no acute intraoperative fractures). Fracture union was achieved in 26 patients (96.3%). The following variables were found to be associated with increased healing time: Vancouver type of fracture, pattern of Vancouver B1 fracture type, age and male gender.

CONCLUSIONS

On the base of our results, the management of Vancouver B1 and C type of PFs by locking plate osteosynthesis appears to be a safe and effective procedure. To enhance healing and reduce complication rate, accurate surgical technique is required, aiming to implement the proximal fixation, avoid stress rising, reduce rigidity of the osteosynthesis construct and preserve the plate-to-bone gap.

High Failure Rates of Locking Compression Plate Osteosynthesis with Transverse Fracture around a Well-Fixed Stem Tip for Periprosthetic Femoral Fracture

This study investigated the incidence of failure after locking compression plate (LCP) osteosynthesis around a well-fixed stem of periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs). We retrospectively evaluated outcomes of 63 Vancouver type B1 and C PFFs treated with LCP between May 2001 and February 2018. The mean follow-up duration was 47 months. Only patients with fracture fixation with a locking plate without supplemental allograft struts were included. We identified six periprosthetic fractures of proximal Vancouver B1 fractures with spiral pattern (Group A). Vancouver B1 fractures around the stem tip were grouped into seven transverse fracture patterns (Group B) and 38 other fracture patterns such as comminuted, oblique, or spiral (Group C). Vancouver C fractures comprised 12 periprosthetic fractures with spiral, comminuted, or oblique patterns (Group D). Fracture healing without complications was achieved in all six cases in Group A, 4/7 (57%) in Group B, 35/38 (92%) in Group C, and 11/12 (92%) in Group D, respectively. The failure rates of transverse Vancouver type B1 PFFs around the stem tip were significantly different from those of Vancouver type B1/C PFFs with other patterns. For fracture with transverse pattern around the stem tip, additional fixation is necessary because LCP osteosynthesis has high failure rates.

Contribution of the remaining attachment index in the management of Vancouver B1 periprosthetic hip fracture

INTRODUCTION

Implant fixation assessment following Vancouver B1 periprosthetic hip fracture is a major decision factor for internal fixation and/or implant revision. The main aim of the present study was to assess the correlation between radiographic Remaining Attachment Index (RAI) and risk of implant loosening at last follow-up following internal fixation of Vancouver B1 periprosthetic hip fracture.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A multicentre retrospective study included 50 patients with Vancouver B1 periprosthetic hip fracture with uncemented femoral stem between 2013 and 2019. Preoperative radiographs were analysed independently by 2 senior orthopedic surgeons, distinguishing 2 groups: RAI>2/3 versus<2/3. Postoperative and last follow-up radiographs were then screened for signs of complete femoral component loosening.

RESULTS

Median age was 89 years (range: 36-99 years). Two RAI>2/3 patients showed implant loosening (8%) versus 9 RAI<2/3 patients (36%), disclosing a significant correlation between early loosening and RAI<2/3 (p=0.005). Interobserver agreement for both radiographic RAI and radiographic loosening assessment at last follow-up was 98% with kappa correlation coefficient 0.96 [range: 0.88-1].

CONCLUSION

Remaining Attachment Index<2/3 in Vancouver B1 periprosthetic hip fracture was a risk factor for early implant loosening after isolated internal fixation. In these often frail elderly patients, first-line implant exchange is to be considered in the light of the risk/benefit ratio. The present results confirm the need for rigorous preoperative radiographic work-up of the remaining attachment area in Vancouver B1 fracture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Postoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture around total hip replacements: current concepts and clinical outcomes

The rising incidence of postoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) presents a significant clinical and economic burden.

A detailed understanding of risk factors is required in order to guide preventative strategies.

Different femoral stems have unique characteristics and management strategies must be tailored appropriately.

Consensus regarding treatment of PFFs around well-fixed stems is lacking, but revision surgery may provide more predictable outcomes for unstable fracture patterns and fractures around polished taper-slip stems.

Future research should focus on implant-related risk factors, treatment of concurrent metabolic bone disease and the use of large endoprostheses.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:558-567. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200003

Feasibility of the Inner-Side-Out Use of the LC-DCP for Periprosthetic Femoral Fracture in Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The optimal technique for plate fixation to treat type B and C periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) is unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the radiographic results of inner-side-out limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) to treat PFFs during or after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

This retrospective study comprised of four men and six women with an average age of 64.7 years who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with an inner-side-out LC-DCP technique to treat PFFs; the reduction was maintained preliminary with the use of contoured plate and cables, and the grooves on the undersurface of LC-DCP for limited contact was used to hold and prevent the cables from slippage during tightening the cables. There were five intraoperative and five postoperative PFFs after THA. According to the Vancouver classification, the intraoperative PFFs included type B2 in two, B3 in one and C3 in two patients while postoperative PFFs were categorized into type B1 in one, type B2 in two and type C in two patients. The mean follow-up duration was 5.9 years (range 1-10.4). We evaluated radiographic union and complications after index operation.

RESULTS

All patients demonstrated radiographic bone union at an average follow-up duration of 4.4 months (range 3-8). Two patients showed stem subsidence after revision THA and one patient demonstrated a subsequent peri-implant fracture around the distal end of plate after union of the initial PPF; one patient underwent re-revision THA for stem loosening while another patient went through refixation for the peri-implant fracture. There was no nonunion, infection, nerve injury, or dislocation.

CONCLUSION

The inner-side-out LC-DCP technique showed satisfactory radiographic outcome. In certain situations where locking plates are not available, this technique might be a useful alternative for treating type B and C PFFs.