Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis with locking compression plate in patients with Vancouver type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures

BackgroundPeriprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) remain one of the most challenging complications to address. Although the principal treatment modalities for Vancouver type B1 fractures are open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), surgeons have not yet reached a consensus on the optimal method for reduction and fixation. We therefore investigated whether minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using locking compression plate (LCP) would lead to favorable outcomes for patients with Vancouver type B1 PFFs. In addition, we also compared the outcomes of patients treated with MIPO to those treated with ORIF.MethodWe retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a series of 21 Vancouver type B1 PFFs treated with MIPO and LCP between February 2011 and February 2017. The mean duration of follow-up was 33.8 months. We also compared outcomes of these patients to those of patients with 19 Vancouver type B1 fractures treated with ORIF between April 2006 and December 2011.ResultsFracture healing without complications was achieved in 20 (95.2%) out of 21 cases in the MIPO group and in 14 (87.5%) out of 16 cases in the ORIF group. There was one case of fixation failure with stem subsidence in the MIPO group. In the ORIF group, there were 2 nonunion with metal failure. Operation time was significantly shorter and intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the MIPO group compared to the ORIF group. However, there were no significant differences in frequency of transfusion, time-to-union, walking abilities, modified Harris hip score, or complications.ConclusionThe radiological and clinical outcomes of MIPO using LCP in patients with Vancouver type B1 PFFs were shown not to be inferior to ORIF and resulted in fewer intraoperative complications than ORIF. If care is taken regarding the stability of femoral implant and optimal surgical techniques, MIPO may be a recommended option in the treatment of Vancouver type B1 periprosthetic fracture.     

Effect of Fracture Type,Treatment, and Surgeon Training on Reoperation After Vancouver B Periprosthetic Femur Fractures

BackgroundThe treatment of Vancouver B periprosthetic proximal femur fractures (PPFFs) is complex due to the overlap between arthroplasty and orthopedic trauma techniques. Our purpose was to assess the effects of fracture type, treatment difference, and surgeon training on the risk of reoperation in Vancouver B PPFF.MethodsA collaborative research consortium of 11 centers retrospectively reviewed PPFFs from 2014 to 2019 to determine the effects of variations in surgeon expertise, fracture type, and treatment on surgical reoperation. Surgeons were classified as per fellowship training, fractures using the Vancouver classification, and treatment as open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or revision total hip arthroplasty with or without ORIF. Regression analyses were performed with reoperation as the primary outcome.ResultsFracture type (Vancouver B3 versus B1: odds ratio [OR]: 5.70) was an independent risk factor for reoperation. No differences were found in reoperation rates with treatment (ORIF versus revision: OR 0.92, P = .883). Treatment by a nonarthroplasty-trained surgeon versus an arthroplasty specialist led to higher odds of reoperation in all Vancouver B fracture (OR: 2.87, P = .023); however, no significant differences were seen in the Vancouver B2 group alone (OR: 2.61, P = .139). Age was a significant risk factor for reoperation in all Vancouver B fractures (OR: 0.97, P = .004) and in the B2 fractures alone (OR: 0.96, P = .007).ConclusionOur study suggests that age and fracture type affect reoperation rates. Treatment type did not affect reoperation rates and the effect of surgeon training is unclear.     

Locking compression plate versus revision-prosthesis for Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty

IntroductionRevision arthroplasty is currently the recommended treatment for periprosthetic femoral fractures after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and stem loosening (Vancouver B2). However, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) utilizing locking compression plate (LCP) might be an effective treatment with a reduced surgical time and less complex procedure in a typically elderly patient collective with multiple comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional and radiographic outcomes in two cohorts with Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures after primary THA, treated either by ORIF with LCP fixation, or by revision arthroplasty utilizing a non-cemented long femoral stem.Materials and Methods36 patients with Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures following THA, who had been treated between 2000 and 2014, were reviewed. Eight fractures were treated with LCP fixation, fourteen fractures with the first-generation revision prosthesis (Helios^®), and fourteen fractures with the second-generation revision prosthesis (Hyperion™). The patients were assessed clinically with the Parker mobility score and radiographically.ResultsA total of ten males and 26 females formed the basis of this report with an average age of 81years (range, 64 to 96 years). All fractures treated with LCP fixation alone healed uneventfully and there were no signs of secondary stem migration, malalignement or plate breakage. The average surgical time was shorter in the ORIF cohort; however, the results were not statistically significant. The postoperative Parker mobility score at latest follow-up showed no difference between the groups.ConclusionsAccording to the results of the current study, we conclude that the use of LCP fixation can be a sufficient option for the treatment of Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures correspondingly with femoral stem loosening.     

Dynamic compression plates for Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures

Background There is no consensus on the best surgical treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures. We report our experience with a dynamic compression plate.

Patients and methods We reviewed the results of 18 periprosthetic femoral fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the dynamic compression plate (DCP). There were 7 Vancouver type B1, 2 type B2 and 9 type B3 fractures. 16 cases had previously undergone at least one revision procedure. In addition to a DCP plate, all B2 and B3 fractures were revised to cemented prostheses, and all B3 fractures were revised with impaction grafting. Mean follow-up was 39 months.

Results The mean healing time for those 11 cases that united was 13 months. One B1-type and one B3-type fracture with plate fracture within 8 months of surgery failed to heal. Furthermore, one B1-type fracture and one B2-type fracture failed and developed nonunion. 3 patients died, from causes not related to surgery, within 8 months after surgery without signs of healing.

Interpretation Open reduction and internal fixation using DCPs seems to be a valid method for the treatment of postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures with stable stem in place. If the stem is unstable, we suggest that DCPs may be used in association with femoral revision using a long stem. In cases with stable stem (B1), we are inclined to agree with other authors that additional fixation using an extramedullary cortical strut graft may be necessary to improve stability and promote final healing.     

Treatment trends in distal humerus fractures between ABOS part II candidates

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine how fellowship training influences the treatment of distal humerus fractures with either total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).MethodsThe American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part II Examination Database was queried for all orthopaedic surgeons who sat for the Part II examination between the years 2003-2019. Inclusion criteria were ORIF or TEA cases, selected by individual CPT codes for each procedure, and patients of at least age 65 years who sustained acute distal humerus fractures. Analysis was performed for each type of fellowship training completed, total number of procedures performed, the type of procedure performed, patient demographics, and any complications.ResultsThere were 149 TEAs and 1306 ORIFs performed for distal humerus fractures between the exam years of 2003-2019. The proportion of TEA to ORIF increased from 7.6% to 11.0%. Partitioned by fellowship training, Hand and Upper Extremity surgeons performed 69 (17.4%) TEAs and 328 (82.6%) ORIFs, Shoulder and Elbow surgeons performed 34 (29.6%) TEAs and 81 (70.4%) ORIFs, Sports Medicine surgeons performed 14 (5.1%) TEAs and 263 (94.6%) ORIFs, and Trauma surgeons performed 16 (4.2%) TEAs and 366 (95.8%) ORIFs. Hand and Upper Extremity surgeons treated the most distal humerus fractures (397, 27.3%), followed by Trauma surgeons (382, 26.3%).ConclusionOur data suggests that fellowship training does influence the surgical decision-making process for treating distal humerus fractures in elderly populations. Hand and Upper Extremity surgeons performed the greatest number of TEA for acute distal humerus fractures, followed by Shoulder and Elbow surgeons. Conversely, trauma surgeons performed the lowest proportion of TEA to ORIF.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Dall-Miles plates for periprosthetic femoral fractures. A critical review of 16 cases

Fourteen patients with 16 periprosthetic femoral fractures around hip replacement were treated with Dall-Miles plates between June 1996 and February 2000.There were 10 Vancouver B3, three B1 and three type C fractures. In addition to a Dall-Miles plate, two of the fractures (one B3 and one C type) were also stabilised with one strut graft and nine B3 fractures were revised with impaction grafting.Of the three B1 fractures treated with plates, two failed through fracture of the plate. A further two patients with B3 fractures treated with plates also failed with fracture of the plate. Failure of these plates occurred within 6 months of surgery.All non-unions and fixation failures in this series were in cases where the femoral component did not bypass the most distal fracture line by at least two cortical diameters.The Dall-Miles plates and cable system alone is insufficient for the treatment for periprosthetic femoral fractures. It must be supplemented with additional intramedullary or extramedullary fixation.     

Treatment of Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures using Intrauma Iron Lady® locking plate: A retrospective study on 32 patients

IntroductionPeriprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) actually represent a serious public health problem. They are reported to occur in 0,1-4.5% of all patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR). PFF are commonly distinguished using the Vancouver classification. This study principal aim is to evaluate results obtained using the Intrauma Iron Lady® Conical Coupling locking plate for the treatment of Vancouver type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures.Materials and MethodsWe enrolled 32 patients affected by Vancouver B1 PFF and treated with the same device. Metal cerclages were additionally used in 12 (38%) patients. A clinical and radiographical post-operative follow-up was then planned at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery; than the follow-up was annually fixed.ResultsMean age at the moment of trauma was 76,7 years. All involved femoral stem were uncemented and the they were all radiographically and intraoperativelly judged to be stable. Mean post-operative follow-up period was 5,8 years. 29 patients (91%) presented healed fracture at 6 months follow-up. 9% patients developed a superficial surgical site infection.Discussion and ConclusionsLiterature highlights that Vancouver B1 PFF should be treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using polyaxial locking plates. However, no single technique has gained universal acceptance to be superior that the other. The current reported healing rate ranges from 40 to 100%. Using the Intrauma Iron Lady® Conical Coupling locking plate, we obtained a healing rate of 91%; this data is consistent with recent literature. Moreover, the role of cerclages in addition to femoral plating is actually controversial because they potentially damage the soft callus vascularization. Our results showed no difference in term of healing rate between patients with and without cerclages, according with some of most recent articles. A prospective study with a higher number of patients should be carried out in order to better evaluate the role of cerclages on healing rate but also the complications frequency after PFF surgical treatment.     

Early experience with the use of trochanteric reattachment plate for the treatment of Vancouver type B 1 periprosthetic hip fractures

ObjectiveThe purpose of our study is to study the usefulness of trochanteric reattachment plate in the management Vancouver type B 1 periprosthetic femur fractures.MethodsWe describe a case series of 15 (12 F: 3 M) Vancouver type B 1 fracture fixed with trochanteric reattachment plate with 3 years follow up. Patients with Vancouver A, B2, B3 and C fractures were excluded in the study. Clinical and radiological assessment of patients was done at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 36 months. The parameters evaluated were fracture union, Harris hip score and post-operative complications if any.ResultsPatients mean age was 74 years (range 58–84). Eleven patients were operated with cemented hemiarthroplasty while 4 patients had total hip arthroplasty done before. Operation time mean was 137.2 min and mean surgical blood loss was 522.66 ml. All the patients achieved radiological union of the fracture at mean of 14.13 weeks. Mean Harris hip Score was 82 at 36 months follow up. 13 out of 15 hips (86.67%) showed good clinical results and 2 patients (13.33%) showed fair result. All the patients returned to their pre injury activities of daily living.ConclusionOperative fixation of Vancouver type B 1 periprosthetic fractures is a challenge for an orthopedic surgeon. Open reduction and internal fixation of these fractures using of trochanteric reattachment plate incorporating screws and cerclage wires through the plate provides good outcome in these patients. Use of this plate offers the surgeon stability against shearing as well as rotational forces.     

Vancouver B型股骨假体周围骨折的手术治疗分析

目的 探讨髋关节置换术后股骨假体周围骨折Vancouver B型手术治疗方法的选择.方法 对13 例股骨假体周围骨折Vancouv erB型患者进行手术治疗,3 例B1型行切开复位捆绑带或钢板钢缆螺钉内固定治疗;8 例B2型患者取出股骨假体后骨折复位内固定,然后置入长柄股骨假体;2 例B3型采用结构性异体骨植骨,假体翻...     

全髋关节置换术后股骨假体周围Vancouver B型骨折治疗的随访研究

目的 探讨全髋关节置换术后股骨假体周围Vancouver B型骨折治疗方法的选择,总结同种异体皮质骨板移植重建股骨假体周围骨折的临床效果.方法 22例全髋关节置换术后股骨假体周围骨折患者,男7例,女15例;年龄平均65岁(53～75岁).Vancouver分类B1型5例,B2型4例,B3型13例.B1型骨折采用异体皮质骨板移植加钢丝环扎治疗;B2型骨折选择加长股骨柄翻修;B3型骨折选择骨水泥柄翻修,加同种异体皮质骨板移植和钢丝环扎同定.所有患者均获得随访,随访时间平均67个月(37～95个月).采用Harris髋关节功能评分、X线片、外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、抗体免疫复合物检测 和核素骨显像对治疗结果进行评价.结果 22例患者骨折全部愈合,21例患者能自由行走,1例需要助 行器帮助.末次随访Harris评分平均89分(79～93分).患者未发生免疫排斥反应;术后3个月,骨折愈合,术后12个月,移植骨板与宿主骨骨性愈合,股骨皮质厚度增加3～5mm;核素骨显像骨板移植区放射性核素分布较对侧浓集.3例患者移植骨板出现部分吸收现象.术后2年.骨板与宿主骨融合,移植骨板吸收停止.结论 针对股骨假体周围骨折不同类型分别采取不同方法治疗能够取得较好疗效,同种异体皮质骨板移植在维持骨折稳定性、促进骨折愈合、增加局部骨量和改善骨强度方面有较好疗效.     

Locking compression plate fixation of Vancouver type-B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures

BACKGROUND: Fractures occurring at or near the distal tip of a hip prosthesis with a stable femoral stem (Vancouver type-B fractures) are associated with many complications because of the inherently unstable fracture pattern. Locking compression plates use screws that lock into the plate allowing multiple points of unicortical fixation. Such unicortical fixation may lower the risk of damage to the cement mantle or a stable femoral stem during the treatment of a periprosthetic femoral fracture. The purpose of this study was to analyze clinically and radiographically a group of patients with a Vancouver type-B1 periprosthetic femoral fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation with use of a locking compression plate. METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients (fourteen hips) with a Vancouver type-B1 periprosthetic femoral fracture were treated with a locking compression plate. There were five men and nine women with an average age of sixty-eight years at the time of fracture. All of the fractures occurred after a total hip arthroplasty performed with cement, and eleven of the arthroplasties were revisions. In addition to the plate, cortical strut allografts were used to stabilize five fractures. The patients were assessed clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up was twenty months. Eight fractures healed uneventfully at an average of 5.4 months. Three treatment constructs failed with fracture of the plate within twelve months after surgery. An additional three constructs also failed because of plate pullout. All failures except one occurred in constructs in which a cortical strut allograft had not been utilized. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the high failure rate in this series of patients, locking compression plates do not appear to offer advantages over other types of plates in the treatment of type-B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures. Despite the potential to preserve the cement mantle, the locked screws did not appear to offer good pullout resistance in this fracture type. We believe that supplementation with strut allografts should be used routinely if this type of locking compression plate is selected to treat these fractures.     

Strut allografts for failed treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures: Good outcome in 13 patients

Strut allografts are not recommended after a femoral shaft exposure, because they may endanger the femoral blood supply. Up till now, we have seen no clinical reports on this problem. We treated 13 consecutive patients with very large anteromedial and anterolateral femoral strut allografts to restabilize periprosthetic fractures which had become loose after a previous attempt at surgical fixation (Vancouver type B fractures with severe bone loss). In 8 cases, the stem was revised in conjunction with the use of strut allografts and in 5 cases, strut allografts alone were used. All refractures and nonunions healed without further treatment. At a mean follow-up of 3 (1.2-7) years, the mean Harris Hip Score was 78 (65-92). All strut grafts showed ingrowth with augmentation of periprosthetic bone on the radiographs. There were 3 complications, 1 nonprogressive subsidence of a revision stem (fibrous stable), 1 deep hematoma and 1 partial lesion of the sciatic nerve. In this series, strut grafts gave reliable healing with augmentation of the host bone stock despite previous femoral exposure, severe bone loss, adverse type of fracture, and persistent instability at the index operation.     

Strut allografts for failed treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures: good outcome in 13 patients

Strut allografts are not recommended after a femoral shaft exposure, because they may endanger the femoral blood supply. Up till now, we have seen no clinical reports on this problem. We treated 13 consecutive patients with very large anteromedial and anterolateral femoral strut allografts to restabilize periprosthetic fractures which had become loose after a previous attempt at surgical fixation (Vancouver type B fractures with severe bone loss). In 8 cases, the stem was revised in conjunction with the use of strut allografts and in 5 cases, strut allografts alone were used. All refractures and nonunions healed without further treatment. At a mean follow-up of 3 (1.2-7) years, the mean Harris Hip Score was 78 (65-92). All strut grafts showed ingrowth with augmentation of periprosthetic bone on the radiographs. There were 3 complications, 1 nonprogressive subsidence of a revision stem (fibrous stable), 1 deep hematoma and 1 partial lesion of the sciatic nerve. In this series, strut grafts gave reliable healing with augmentation of the host bone stock despite previous femoral exposure, severe bone loss, adverse type of fracture, and persistent instability at the index operation.     

广泛微孔涂层非骨水泥假体治疗Vancouver B2型假体周围骨折

目的 评价广泛微孔涂层非骨水泥长柄假体治疗Vancouver B2型股骨假体周围骨折的疗效.方法 2002年10月至2007年5月对10例初次全髋置换术后Vancouver B2型假体周围骨折患者采用广泛微孔涂层非骨水泥长柄假体予以翻修,其中初次置换股骨柄为骨水泥固定者4例,非骨水泥固定6例.结果 10例患者均获随访,平均随访时间44个月(12～67个月),Harris评分平均为87.6分.所有患者骨折均愈合,骨折平均愈合时间4.6个月.8例骨长入稳定,2例纤维稳定,无假体松动和下沉,1例出现大腿痛,3例股骨近端出现应力遮挡.结论 广泛微孔涂层长柄非骨水泥假体治疗Vancouver B2型假体周围骨折,很好地控制了骨折端轴向和旋转稳定性,且骨与假体有很好的骨整合,为骨折的愈合提供了良好的环境,骨折愈合率高.     

全髋关节置换假体柄周围骨折的治疗

目的 :回顾性研究全髋关节置换假体柄周围骨折的治疗及预防。方法 :将本院近年收治的全髋置换假体柄周围骨折的 8例病例按Vancouver分类方法进行分类 ,其中A1型 3例 ,B1型 3例 ,B2型 1例 ,B3型 1例 ,分别用钢丝环扎固定 ,异体皮质骨板加钢丝环扎 ;骨水泥长柄假体翻修。结果 :术后随访 8～ 18个月 ,骨折愈合 ,假体固定可靠。结论 :全髋关节置换术后假体柄周围骨折用Vancouver分类方法分类 ,简单、适用。采用异体皮质骨板与钢丝环扎固定骨折 ,治疗假体柄周围骨折 ,不仅固定可靠而且能促进骨折愈合、恢复骨量。     

High union rates of locking compression plating with cortical strut allograft for type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures

Purpose

Unified classification system (UCS) type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures are associated with many complications, and management decisions continue to be controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of UCS type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures treated by locking compression plating with strut allograft augmentation.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 17 consecutive UCS type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a lateral locking compression plate supplemented with an anterior cortical strut allograft. There was one man and 16 women with an average age of 74 years (range, 57–92 years). All had a cementless hip arthroplasty, and eight of the arthroplasties were revisions.

Results

The mean duration of follow-up was 28 months (range, 12–74 months). All 17 fractures healed successfully at a mean of 20 weeks (range, 12–30 weeks). The mean post-operative Harris hip score was 86 points (range, 77–95 points). No mechanical complications such as failure of plate or screws and malalignment were noted. According to the graft-remodeling classification of Emerson et al., a partial bridging was observed in nine and a complete bridging in eight. Two patients required a removal of the plate due to irritation of the iliotibial band. No femoral stem loosening or deep infection was observed.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that open reduction and internal fixation of UCS type B1 periprosthetic femoral fractures using a lateral locking compression plate supplemented with anterior cortical strut allograft provides adequate mechanical stability of fracture fixation and enhances the fracture healing.

     

Vancouver B1型股骨假体周围骨折的手术治疗

目的探讨Vancouver B1型股骨假体周围骨折的理想手术治疗方式。方法2000年3月至2008年1月,12例VancouverB1型股骨假体周围骨折患者行切开复位、内固定治疗。男2例,女10例;年龄62—85岁,平均72岁。内固定方式包括LISS锁定接骨板系统、加压接骨板系统,部分病例结合使用多道钢丝或钢缆捆扎固定,及异体柱状皮质骨和（或）DBM人工骨植骨。对术后骨折延迟愈合患者行自体骨髓灌注等治疗。结果患者均获得随访,随访时间12—96个月,平均32个月。除1例术后发生骨折移位失败外,骨折均愈合,愈合时间3～12个月,平均4．3个月。Harris评分：65—92分,平均79分。结论VancouverB1型股骨假体周围骨折发生率高,处理棘手。目前,LISS系统是治疗此类骨折最有效的方式之一,应尽量使用微创技术以减少骨折处的血供破坏,如需切开整复骨折,应常规植骨,必要时术后可于骨折处定期灌注自体骨髓以促进骨愈合。     

Periprosthetic fracture of the femur after hip arthroplasty: The clinical outcome using cortical strut allografts

Between 1993 and 1998, 15 patients with periprosthetic fractures of the femur after hip arthroplasty were treated using deep-frozen cortical strut allografts as an adjunct support after internal fixation or revision arthroplasty. According to the Vancouver classification system, there were 7 type B1, 2 type B2, 4 type B3 and 2 type C fractures. Seven patients had severe osteopenia, 10 patients had bone defects between 2 to 7 cm and 2 were associated with infection. Nine patients had internal fixation of the fracture using a compression plate, and 6 had revision arthroplasty using a long-stemmed femoral prosthesis. The average length of the allograft was 13.9 cm. At an average follow-up of 31 months, all the patients had a satisfactory functional result except one who had a leg length discrepancy of 4 cm due to multiple operations. There were no non-unions, malunions or infections. The fractures healed between 10 to 24 weeks (average, 15.6 weeks). In conclusion, a cortical strut allograft associated with internal fixation can be an effective method of treating periprosthetic fractures of the femur after hip arthroplasty.     

Dynamic compression plates for Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures: a 3-year follow-up of 18 cases

Background There is no consensus on the best surgical treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures. We report our experience with a dynamic compression plate.

Patients and methods We reviewed the results of 18 periprosthetic femoral fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the dynamic compression plate (DCP). There were 7 Vancouver type B1, 2 type B2 and 9 type B3 fractures. 16 cases had previously undergone at least one revision procedure. In addition to a DCP plate, all B2 and B3 fractures were revised to cemented prostheses, and all B3 fractures were revised with impaction grafting. Mean follow-up was 39 months.

Results The mean healing time for those 11 cases that united was 13 months. One B1-type and one B3-type fracture with plate fracture within 8 months of surgery failed to heal. Furthermore, one B1-type fracture and one B2-type fracture failed and developed nonunion. 3 patients died, from causes not related to surgery, within 8 months after surgery without signs of healing.

Interpretation Open reduction and internal fixation using DCPs seems to be a valid method for the treatment of postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures with stable stem in place. If the stem is unstable, we suggest that DCPs may be used in association with femoral revision using a long stem. In cases with stable stem (B1), we are inclined to agree with other authors that additional fixation using an extramedullary cortical strut graft may be necessary to improve stability and promote final healing.     

Outcomes following non-operatively managed periprosthetic fractures surrounding uncemented femoral stems

BackgroundThe primary aim of this study was to explore the outcomes of Vancouver B periprosthetic hip fractures that were managed non-operatively with a particular focus on 1-year mortality. Understanding this mortality data will allow surgeons to better understand the risk associated with non-operative management. The secondary aim was to evaluate our case series and current literature with regards to identifying suitable patients for non-operative treatment.MethodsOur electronic fracture database was interrogated for all Vancouver B periprosthetic fractures treated at our institution between April 2009 to April 2019; 18 patients were identified. All available data was then collected from radiographic, electronic and paper notes. A comprehensive literature search of PUBMED and EMBASE databases was then conducted with all relevant literature reviewed.Results1-year mortality of these patients was noted at 22.2%; highlighting the severity of these injuries. No patients required conversion to surgical management, sustained a dislocation or went into non-union. With regards to literature no case series focussing on non-operative management outcomes were reported. There was a marked paucity of literature relating to conservative management of these injuries.ConclusionTo our knowledge this is the first published case series focussing solely on nonoperatively managed Vancouver B periprosthetic hip fractures. This paper provides evidence from the first reported case series with which surgeons can counsel patients on the significant mortality risk associated with these fractures. Non-operative management of periprosthetic hip fractures is possible after careful analysis of the fracture configuration, implant and patient characteristics. Whilst we have outlined several findings from our first reported case series, further research is required from a larger prospective case series in order to make evidence based recommendations.