Clinical outcome of interprosthetic femoral fractures treated with polyaxial locking plates

IntroductionTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are common procedures in the increasing older population. According to the AAOS, approximately 19,200 Americans are actually living with ipsilateral prosthetic hip and knee leading to 240 interprosthetic fractures annually. Few reviews and case reports give an idea of the obvious problem to achieve consolidation in interprosthetic fractures. Preconfigured plates have been shown to be superior compared with other treatments in patients with stable components. Utilization of internal fixators for interprosthetic fractures might be advantageous.The purpose of this study was to evaluate interprosthetic femoral fractures with polyaxial locking plate treatment in regard to surgical procedure, complications, and clinical outcome.MethodsBetween 2005 and 2012, 143 patients underwent surgical treatment for periprosthetic femur fractures. Thirty-two fractures were identified as interprosthetic fractures. Five patients were excluded. Fractures were classified according to OTA/AO system, Vancouver, Rorabeck, Soenen and Pires. Trauma fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeons performed the surgeries using a NCB-construct (Zimmer Inc., Warshaw, IN). Plate choice was determined according to radiographic classification. Submuscular plate insertion was performed if possible. Complications were recorded concerning infection, union, fixation failure, and revision surgery.ResultsTwenty-seven patients were identified. There were 92.6% females. Follow-up by regular outpatient clinic visits was 24 months. Surface replacements were found in 18 TKA. Nine patients had a stemmed femur component of their TKA. 89% healed after the index procedure. Three patients developed a nonunion with 1 construct leading to hardware failure. Previous revision THA or Pires/modified Vancouver classification did not influence nonunion formation, but all patients with nonunion formation were classified as AO/OTA type B (p = 0.001). These fractures were treated with longer plates (p = 0.015), but with similar working length (p = 0.400). Plate design, additional cerclages, or submuscular insertion did not influence nonunion formation.ConclusionInterprosthetic fracture treatment remains challenging. NCB-locked plating can achieve satisfactory results. Additional soft tissue damage can be prevented by submuscular plate insertion. Treatment of type B fractures resulted in significantly greater nonunion rate. Therefore, consideration of the individual fracture type is essential to determine plate length, plate type, and additional bone grafting or BMP supplementation.     

Ergebnisse und Komplikationen der Behandlung periprothetischer Femurfrakturen mit einem winkelstabilen Plattensystem

Background

Locked plate devices offer advantages in the treatment of periprosthetic femur fractures associated with fixed total hip or total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early results and complications with a locked plate system (NCB-DF®).

Patients and methods

A total of 31 patients (mean age 76 years, 7 males, 24 females) with a femur fracture above a fixed total knee arthroplasty (TKA, n=12) or a total hip arthroplasty (THA, n=19) were treated with a locked plate.

Results

There were 11 complications necessitating revision: 6 implant failures, 2 in patients with a THA and 4 in patients with a TKA, 4 hematomas and 1 infection and 2 patients died. After 6 months all fractures had healed securely but a secondary correction was necessary in one patient.

Conclusion

Fixation of periprosthetic femur fractures with a locked plate system provided satisfactory results in patients with a THA, however, the relatively high implant failure rate in fractures above a stable TKA is a cause for concern.     

A double-plating approach to distal femur fracture: A clinical study

BackgroundLocked plating is one of the latest innovative options for treating supracondylar femur fractures with relatively low failure rates. Single lateral plating was often found to have a relative higher failure rate. No clinical studies of double-plating distal femur fixation have thus far been reported. The aim of this study is to present our clinical experience with this surgical approach.Patients and methodsThirty-two patients (26 females and 6 males, mean age 76 years, range 44–101) were included in the study. Eight of them patients had a periprosthetic stable implant fracture and two patients were treated for a nonunion.ResultsAll fractures, excluding one that needed bone grafting and one refracture, healed within 12 weeks. One patient needed bone grafting for delayed union and one patient needed fixation exchange due to femur re-fracture at the site of the most proximal screw. Two patients developed superficial wound infection and one patient required medial plate removal after union due to deep infection.ConclusionsBased on these promising results, we propose that the double-plating technique should be considered in the surgeon’s armamentarium for the treatment of supracondylar femur fractures, particularly in patients with poor bone quality, comminuted fractures and very low periprosthetic fractures.     

Outcomes of fixation for periprosthetic tibia fractures around and below total knee arthroplasty

IntroductionThe incidence of periprosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is rising due to an increasing number of TKAs performed annually and the growing elderly population. Like periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur, periprosthetic tibia fractures are primarily treated with operative fixation; however, there is limited scientific literature that has reported outcomes of periprosthetic tibia fractures treated with modern plating techniques. To our knowledge, this is the largest series of non-intraoperative periprosthetic tibia fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) ever reported.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 4557 operatively treated tibia fractures with ORIF over a 16-year period at two Level 1 Trauma Centers.Results38 patients with an average follow-up of 15.3 months (range 3–24) were identified. 11 (28.9%) fractures were in the proximal tibia (four with extension into the plateau (Felix 1A) and seven adjacent to the tibial stem (Felix 2A)), six (15.8%) in the midshaft/diaphysis (Felix 3A), and 21 (55.3%) in the distal 1/3rd (metaphysis, Felix 3A). 76.3% (29/38) of fractures united by 6 months following the index procedure, leaving 9 nonunions. The overall re-operation rate was 31.6% (12/38). There were no significant differences in rates of union (p = 1.00), reoperation (p = 0.66), superficial infection (p = 0.66), or deep infection (p = 0.31) in patients treated with single versus dual plating.ConclusionPeriprosthetic tibia fractures are difficult to treat and have a high risk of nonunion and reoperation even with modern plating techniques. Most patients can be treated to union with operative fixation and do not require revision arthroplasty, if the components are stable initially. We recommend dual plating for fractures in the proximal third, and either single plating or nailing for fractures in the middle and distal thirds depending on bone quality, implant positioning, and fracture morphology.     

What Is the Likelihood of Union After Coronal Limb Realignment Using Revision Osteosynthesis and Concurrent TKA in Patients with Advanced Arthritis and Loss of Fixation After Distal Metaphyseal Femur Fractures?

BackgroundMetaphyseal fracture healing in the distal femur requires a stable biomechanical environment. The presence of arthritis-induced coronal-plane knee deformities can cause deviation of the mechanical axis, which results in asymmetric loading and increased bending forces in fractures of the distal femur metaphysis. This predisposes patients to nonunions or loss of fixation. Concurrent TKA during revision osteosynthesis might facilitate fracture healing, owing to its ability to correct coronal alignment, thereby restoring normal loading patterns at the fracture site, but to our knowledge, this has not been studied.Questions/purposes(1) Does TKA with concurrent revision internal fixation achieve fracture union in patients with coronal-plane deformity from knee arthritis and nonunion or loss of fixation in distal metaphyseal femoral fractures? (2) What is the survivorship and what are the short-term functional outcomes after these reconstructions? (3) What complications occur after these reconstructions?MethodsBetween 2015 and 2018, one surgeon treated 16 patients with a distal metaphyseal femur fracture nonunion and/or loss of fixation using concurrent TKA plus revision internal fixation. Autologous iliac crest bone grafting was performed in five patients with evident gaps at the fracture site. The indications for the procedure included patients older than 55 years of age presenting with a nonunion and/or loss of fixation of a distal metaphyseal femur fracture in the setting of painful Ahlbäck Grade III to V knee arthritis with an associated coronal-plane deformity. All patients meeting these indications were treated with this approach during the study period. Fracture union assessed by radiological bridging of at least three cortices, TKA survival free from revision due to any reason, coronal-plane correction using tibiofemoral angle, and patient mobility status assessed presurgery and at follow-up using the Parker mobility score (scored 0-9 points, with 9 indicating best mobility) were assessed by two surgeons who were not involved in the care of the study patients. Immediate and delayed complications were recorded. Patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months. The median (range) follow-up was 38 months (27 to 52 months).ResultsAll fractures united after concurrent TKA plus revision internal fixation. In all, 14 of 16 fractures healed before 5 months, while the remaining two fractures united by 6 months. Survivorship analysis revealed a TKA component survival of 94% (95% CI 63% to 99%) at 52 months. The median (range) preoperative Parker mobility score of 5 points (3 to 8) improved to 7 points (2 to 9) at 12 months postoperatively and was maintained at last follow-up (p = 0.001). Four patients experienced complications; these were (1) prolonged surgical wound drainage resulting in debridement and polyethylene liner exchange, (2) deep knee infection needing a staged revision, (3) popliteal vein thrombosis, and (4) prolonged graft site pain.ConclusionConcurrent TKA plus revision internal fixation is effective for achieving union in patients with distal metaphyseal femur nonunion and loss of fixation in the setting of coronal-plane deformity induced by knee arthritis. Short-term TKA survival and improvement in patient mobility are excellent, although 4 of 16 patients in this report experienced complications, as one might expect with a procedure of this magnitude. Based on our results, correction of arthritis-induced coronal-plane knee malalignment can be considered part of the surgical strategy when treating such distal metaphyseal femur nonunions. Better preoperative evaluation of the deformity and control-based comparative studies can further validate the utility of this technique.Level of EvidenceLevel II, therapeutic study.     

Treatment of periprosthetic femoral fracture after cementless total hip arthroplasty with Ilizarov external fixation

A 72-year-old woman with periprosthetic femoral fracture after cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) underwent external fixation using the Ilizarov method. Although open reduction and internal fixation with a condylar plate system were initially attempted, deep infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at the fracture site occurred 2 weeks postoperatively. Six weeks after removal of the plating system, the fracture was stabilized with external fixation using the Ilizarov method and went on to successful fusion at 3 months. To our knowledge, this is the first report in which Ilizarov external fixation has been used for periprosthetic femoral fracture after THA. Although this is a rare situation, where periprosthetic fracture and infection coexist, Ilizarov external fixation is a safe and reliable method for periprosthetic femoral fracture with infection.     

Locked plates combined with minimally invasive insertion technique for the treatment of periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures above a total knee arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE: New locked plate devices offer theoretical advantages for the treatment of supracondylar femur fractures associated with a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). These devices also can be inserted with relative ease by using minimally invasive techniques, provide a fixed angle construct, and improve fixation in osteoporotic bone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of treating periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures above a TKA with a locked plate designed for the distal femur. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive case series. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two consecutive adult patients with 24 (2 bilateral) supracondylar femur fractures (OTA 33A) above a well-fixed non-stemmed TKA were treated with the Locking Condylar Plate. One patient who died before fracture healing and 1 who was lost to follow-up were excluded from analysis. All remaining patients (5 males, 15 females, average age, 73 (range, 50-95) years) were available for follow-up at an average of 15 (range, 6-45) months. According to the OTA classification, there were three 33A1, eight 33A2, and eleven 33A3 fractures. All fractures were closed. Indirect reduction methods without bone graft were used in all cases. RESULTS: Nineteen of 22 fractures healed after the index procedure (86%). All 3 patients with healing complications were insulin-dependent patients with diabetes who also were obese (body mass index >30). Two developed infected nonunions and 1 an aseptic nonunion. Postoperative alignment was satisfactory (within 5 degrees ) for 20 of 22 fractures. Fracture of screws in the proximal fragment occurred in 4 patients. In 3 of these cases, there was progressive coronal plane deformity. There was no change in alignment in any other patient. Fifteen of 17 patients who healed returned to their baseline ambulatory status, with 5 requiring additional ambulatory support compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures with a locking plate provided satisfactory results in nondiabetic patients. Diabetic patients seem to be at high risk for healing complications and infection.     

抗生素骨水泥被覆重建钢板治疗感染性骨盆前环骨折

目的：探讨抗生素骨水泥被覆重建钢板治疗感染性骨盆前环骨折的临床疗效。方法：自2017年1月至2022年3月应用抗生素骨水泥被覆重建钢板治疗感染性骨盆前环骨折患者11例,男7例,女4例;年龄27~49岁;骨盆骨折Tile分型:C1型4例,C2型4例,C3型3例。2例前环内固定术后感染,9例患者均因早期清创不彻底导致前环感染,按创伤严重度评分标准(injury severity score,ISS)评分为24~38分。前环经扩大清创、冲洗、抗生素骨水泥被覆重建钢板内固定,后环骨折均采用闭合复位,骶髂螺钉内固定。结果：11例均获得随访,时间13~20个月。2例术后感染复发,1例经再次清创更换抗生素骨水泥涂层内固定,1例感染较轻,未累计髓腔,清创后保留钢板仅更换抗生素骨水泥,感染得到控制。2例出现切口渗液,术后3个月取出内固定后愈合。所有患者在随访期内未见骨盆骨折再移位、再发感染。最终11例均骨性愈合。末次随访,按照Matta骨折复位标准,优6例,良4例,可1例;按照Majeed功能评分,优6例,良3例,可2例。结论：抗生素骨水泥被覆重建钢板有效治疗感染性骨盆前环骨折,具有术中安全性高和感染复发率低的特点,有利于术后早期康复锻炼,明显缩短病程。     

The Outcome and Complications of the Locked Plating Management for the Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures after a Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background

The osteosynthesis of the periprosthetic fractures following a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be technically difficult with the relatively small satisfactory outcomes and the high complication rates. The purpose of the study is to analyze the mid-term radiological and functional outcomes following the locked plating of the distal femur periprosthetic fractures after a TKA.

Methods

Records of 20 patients with a periprosthetic distal femur fracture following TKA treated by the locked plate osteosynthesis were retrospectively evaluated. The union rate, complications and functional outcome measures were analyzed.

Results

Successful union was achieved in 18 of the 19 patients available for the follow-up. The mean follow-up was 39 ± 10 months. Significant reductions (p < 0.05) in the range of motion and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were evident in the follow-up. Secondary procedures were required in 5 patients to address the delay in union and the reduced knee range of motion. The osteosynthesis failed in 1 patient who underwent a revision TKA.

Conclusions

The satisfactory union rates can be achieved with the locked plate osteosynthesis in the periprosthetic distal femur fractures after TKA. Prolonged rehabilitation coupled with the un-modifiable risk factors can decrease the activity and satisfaction levels, which can significantly alter the functional outcome.     

Does Time to Surgery Affect Outcomes for Periprosthetic Femur Fractures?

Background

Periprosthetic femur fractures around total hip (THA) and total knee (TKA) arthroplasties are difficult complications to manage. With native hip fractures, delay to fixation has been correlated with an increase in postoperative mortality. The effect of time to definitive fixation of periprosthetic femur fractures around THA and TKA is not well established. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of time to definitive fixation on postoperative length of stay and mortality for patients with periprosthetic femur fractures around THA and TKA.

Treatment of periprosthetic femur fractures with the non-contact bridging plate: a new angular stable implant

Objectives

We report the application of a new fixed angle plate (NCB DF^®, Zimmer inc. USA, Warsaw, IN) in the treatment of periprosthetic femur fractures. The NCB DF^® combines conventional plating technique with polyaxial screw placement and angular stability.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

A single level-1 trauma center.

Patients

From May 2003 to December 2005, a total of 24 patients with periprosthetic femur fractures were treated. The NCB DF^® femur plate was used in all cases. The average follow-up period was 12 months (3–31 months). Twelve patients had a periprosthetic fracture after total knee replacement (TKA) and 12 patients after total hip replacement (THA). The mean period from primary joint replacement to periprosthetic fracture was 8.2 years for the THA group and 7.2 years for the TKA group.

Intervention

A combined conventional/locking surgical technique was performed in all the cases.

Main outcome measures

Union, non-union, mal-union, duration of surgery, range of motion, postoperative mobility, subjective patient satisfaction and complications.

Results

The union rate was 90%, the mal-union rate 5% and the re-operation rate 15%. Postoperative mobility reached the preoperative level in all but for two patients. Three complications occurred relating to the implant or the procedure: one fatigue failure of the plate (non-union), one screw breakage, and one wound infection.

Conclusions

The NCB DF^® combines conventional plating technique with polyaxial screw placement and angular stability. This combination technique shows promising results regarding union and mal-union rates in periprosthetic fractures in elderly and osteoporotic patients.

     

Use of a long distally fixed intramedullary stem to treat a periprosthetic femoral fracture following total hip arthroplasty using a thrust plate hip prosthesis: A case report

IntroductionThe thrust plate hip prosthesis (TPP; Zimmer, Winterthur, Switzerland) is a hip prosthesis that is no longer in production. Few reports have focused on periprosthetic fractures following total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the use of a TPP.Presentation of caseWe report a 57-year-old woman with a periprosthetic femoral fracture 13 years after THA with the use of a TPP. A plain radiograph showed a displaced subtrochanteric fracture of the right femur just below the distal tip of the lateral plate without implant loosening. She underwent revision surgery with a long distally fixed intramedullary stem in conjunction with a plate and cable system. Three months after surgery, bone union was confirmed using radiography and the patient was clinically asymptomatic.DiscussionWe encountered three major problems while planning surgical treatment, these being, discontinuation of the TPP system, loss of proximal femoral cancellous bone, and difficulties with the type of subtrochanteric fracture. After considering these problems, we planned revision surgery using a long distally fixed intramedullary stem in conjunction with a plate and cable system.ConclusionThis case shows that sufficient implant preparation based on precise preoperative planning is necessary to obtain good clinical results for the surgical treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures following THA with the use of a TPP.     

What Factors Affect Whether Patients Return to the Same Surgeon to Replace the Contralateral Joint? A Study of Over 200,000 Patients

BackgroundPatients with hip and knee arthritis often undergo bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a staged or simultaneous fashion. However, when staged, the incidence and factors associated with having both procedures performed by the same surgeon or different surgeon are not well studied.MethodsAll patients undergoing nonsimultaneous bilateral THA or TKA for osteoarthritis were abstracted from the 2010 to 2020 PearlDiver Mariner administrative database. The National Provider Identifier number was used to determine whether the same surgeon performed both surgeries. Demographics, comorbidities, and 90-day complications after the first joint replacement were assessed as possible independent predictors of utilizing a different surgeon for the contralateral joint.ResultsOf 87,593 staged bilateral THAs, the same surgeon performed 40,707 (46.5%) arthroplasties. Of 147,938 staged bilateral TKAs, the same surgeon performed 77,072 (52.1%) arthroplasties. Notably, older cohorts of patients had independent, stepwise, and significantly greater odds of changing surgeons for the contralateral THA and TKA. Those patients who were insured by Medicare and Medicaid had significantly lower odds of changing surgeons. For both THA and TKA, surgical and implant-related adverse events (surgical site infection/periprosthetic joint infection, periprosthetic fracture, dislocation, manipulation) carried the greatest odds of undergoing the contralateral replacement with a different surgeon.ConclusionPatients covered by Medicaid and sicker patients were significancy less likely to switch surgeons for their contralateral THA or TKA. Additionally, patients experiencing a surgery-related adverse event within 90 days of their first THA or TKA had significantly, increased odds of switching surgeons for their subsequent TJA.     

Outcome of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures following knee arthroplasty

IntroductionThe majority of periprosthetic fractures around the knee occur at the supracondylar region of the distal femur. Fixation of distal femoral fractures in osteoporotic bone with short segment remains a challenge, especially after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Internal fixation of these fractures using locking plates has become popular. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a consecutive series of periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures treated with locked periarticular plate fixation with regard to surgical procedure, complications and clinical outcome.Materials and methodsFrom two academic trauma centres, 55 consecutive periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association, AO/OTA 33) were retrospectively identified as having been treated with locked plate fixation. Of these, 36 fractures in 35 patients (86.1% female) met the inclusion criteria. Patients had an average age of 73.2 years (range 54–95 years). Fixation constructs for plate length and working length were delineated. Nonunion, infection and implant failure were used as complication variables. Demographics were assessed. Outcome was addressed radiographically and clinically according to Kristensen et al.¹ by range of motion and pain.ResultsTwenty-five of 36 fractures (69.4%) healed after the index procedure. Eight of 36 fractures (22.2%) developed a nonunion with three fractures (8.3%) leading to hardware failure. Nine of the 36 patients (25%) were radiographically diagnosed with notching of the anterior femoral cortex. Regarding technical aspects, distance from the anterior flange of the femoral component to fracture was significantly shorter in patients with compared to without anterior notching (t = 3.68, p = 0.02). Patients who underwent submuscular plate insertion compared to an extensive lateral approach had a reduced nonunion risk (χ² = 0.05). No difference in infection rate was found for submuscular procedures compared with open procedures (χ² = 0.85). Range of motion was reduced in most of the patients and 13.5% had a persistent loss of extension of 5°. More than 77% of the patients reported no or only mild pain during the last office visit. Range of motion loss did not influence pain. Successful treatment according to Cain et al.² was achieved in 83%. Using Kristensen's¹ criteria, 56% of the knees had acceptable flexion.ConclusionOperative fixation of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures after TKA continues to be challenging. Notching of the anterior femoral cortex should be avoided. Loss of reduction and high failure rates still occur with locked plating and may be related to underlying factors. Indirect reduction and submuscular plate insertion technique reduce nonunion risk.     

Temporary total hip arthroplasty-like spacer for treating an infected periprosthetic femoral fracture using a long stem: A case report

IntroductionInfected periprosthetic femoral fractures are among the most complex and significant complications of total hip arthroplasty (THA). We report the novel use of a temporary THA-like spacer for treating an infected periprosthetic femoral fracture after revision surgery using a long stem.Case presentationWe present a 72-year-old woman sustained a left infected periprosthetic femoral fracture after revi - streptococci in the culture sample. On suspicion of a periprosthetic joint infection, we planned a two-stage procedure. We used a temporary THA-like spacer comprising the removed femoral long stem, which was autoclaved and then reimplanted, and applied a new polyethylene acetabular liner. Both components were cemented in place with antibioticloaded bone cement, without applying strong pressure. Pain control waseasily achieved postoperatively because the fracture had been stabilized early. The THA-like spacer was stable, and allowed a good range of motion without pain. She was allowed to move with a wheelchair and was walk with partial weight bearing without pain. Seven week after the initial THAlike spacer placement, we performed a revision THA after successful control of infection. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient remained free of infection.ConclusionsTemporary antibiotic-loaded cement-coated THA-like spacer using a long stem facilitated the eradication of infection, fracture stabilization, and enables partial weight bearing without pain.     

Outcomes of Surgical Management of Supracondylar Periprosthetic Femur Fractures

Background

Fracture location is an important consideration in managing supracondylar periprosthetic femur fractures. The outcomes of locked plating and intramedullary (IM) nail fixation were therefore compared based on fracture location, being above or at/below the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) flange.

Treatment of periprosthetic femur fractures around a well-fixed hip arthroplasty implant: span the whole bone

Introduction

Periprosthetic femur fractures are a growing problem in the geriatric population. This study examines Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femur fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation using a laterally based plate. Outcomes using plates which spanned the length of the femur to the level of the femoral condyles were compared to those which did not. The hypothesis was that spanning internal fixation would result in a decreased rate of refracture and subsequent reoperation.

Materials and methods

Patients admitted to three affiliated academic hospitals treated with open reduction internal fixation for a periprosthetic femur fracture in the setting of a preexisting total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty stem were identified. Patient data were reviewed for age, gender, fracture classification, operative intervention, time to union, as well as complications related to treatment and need for further surgery.

Results

Over a 5-year period, 58 patients were treated with open reduction internal fixation using a laterally based plate for Vancouver B1 femur fractures. Twenty-one patients were treated with plates that extended to the level of the femoral condyles. In that group there were no nonunions or subsequent periprosthetic fractures reported. Of 36 patients treated with short plates, 3 went on to nonunion resulting in plate failure and refracture and 2 sustained a subsequent fracture distal to the existing fixation.

Conclusions

In this series, fixation for periprosthetic femur fractures around a well-fixed arthroplasty stem which spans the length of the femur to the level of the femoral condyles is associated with a decreased rate of nonunion and refracture. By decreasing the rate of refracture and nonunion, spanning fixation decreases the morbidity and mortality associated with additional surgery in a fragile geriatric population.     

Osteopetrosis is Associated With an Increased Risk for Intraoperative Periprosthetic Fracture in Total Hip Arthroplasty but not in Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundOsteopetrosis is a rare, inherited disorder in which bone remodels to become pathologically dense. There has been a paucity of data evaluating medical and surgical complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in this patient population. The objective of this study was to evaluate osteopetrosis as a potential risk factor for medical and surgical complications following THA and TKA.MethodsPatients who had a diagnosis of osteopetrosis and underwent THA or TKA from 2010 to 2020 were identified in a national database. A total of 534 THA and 972 TKA patients who had osteopetrosis were identified and compared with matched cohorts of 2,670 and 4,860 patients, respectively. The rates of postoperative medical and surgical complications, hospital readmissions, and emergency room visits were calculated. In addition, reimbursements and lengths of stay were determined. Osteopetrosis patients were then compared to a 5:1 matched cohort without osteopetrosis using logistic regression analyses to control for additional confounding factors.ResultsThe osteopetrosis THA group had a substantially higher incidence of intraoperative periprosthetic fracture compared to the matched cohort (1.12% versus 0.19%, Odds Ratio 5.88, P = .005). Patients who had a history of osteopetrosis were not found to be at a significantly increased risk for other investigated medical or surgical complications compared to matched controls following THA or TKA.ConclusionPatients who had a history of osteopetrosis undergoing elective primary THA are associated with a significantly increased risk for intraoperative periprosthetic fracture. Patients with a history of osteopetrosis undergoing elective primary TKA were not found to be at an increased risk for any of the investigated complications.     

抗生素骨水泥珠链结合外固定架治疗感染性骨折不愈合

目的：探讨抗生素骨水泥珠链植入结合外固定架固定治疗感染性骨折不愈合的疗效。,方法：回顾分析22例感染性骨折不愈合患者,男20例,女2例;年龄21±74岁,平均（34．7±11．6）岁。骨折部位：股骨粗隆间3例、股骨干6例、股骨髁上2例、胫骨干9例、肱骨干2例。治疗过程分为3个步骤：先取出内固定物,清创后植入抗生素骨水泥珠链,Ⅰ期闭合伤口;1周后再次清创,更换抗生素骨水泥珠链,行外固定架固定;3个月后取出抗生素骨水泥珠链,取髂骨植骨。结果：随访15～28个月,平均（19．98±4．16）个月。1例胫骨干骨折和1例股骨粗隆问骨折患者分别于植骨术后2、3个月感染复发,其余20例患者感染控制良好。22例患者骨折全部愈合,愈合时间为植骨术后8-24周,平均（15．09±4．13）周。结论：彻底清创、抗生素骨水泥珠链植入结合外固定架固定及Ⅱ期植骨是治疗感染性骨折不愈合简单而有效的方法、     

Geriatric distal femur fracture: Are we underestimating the rate of local and systemic complications?

BackgroundLow energy distal femur fractures often occur in a fragile elderly population that is prone to local and systemic complications following operative treatment of extremity fractures. The nonunion rate and early complication rate following laterally based locked plating in this specific fracture are not well described.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study conducted at three affiliated tertiary care hospitals to evaluate nonunion, early post operative complications, discharge disposition, length of stay, and mortality in patients over 60 years old undergoing laterally based locked plating of a low energy distal femur fracture.ResultsForty-four out of 176 patients were deceased at one year (25%). Predictors of one year mortality included older age, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and delay to surgery greater than 2 days (p < 0.001). Of 99 patients alive and with follow up at one year, 24 (24%) developed a nonunion and 21 of 24 required nonunion surgery. Development of a surgical site infection was statistically significantly correlated with development of nonunion. Age and CCI did not predict development of nonunion. Average length of stay was 10 days and 82% of patients were discharged to a skilled nursing facility. Thirty eight percent of patients experienced at least one postoperative systemic complication.ConclusionsLaterally based locked plating of the low energy geriatric distal femur fracture is most often followed by a tumultuous post-operative course with a high rate of local and systemic complications including death, nonunion, and extended hospital stays.Level of evidenceLevel III prognostic.