Total endoprosthetic management of the hip joint after failed osteosynthesis of para-articular hip fracture

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of fractures of the proximal femur by open reduction and internal fixation is prone to complications and frequently requiring secondary joint replacement. The aim of the present study was to examine the results of total hip arthroplasty as a salvage procedure for failed internal fixation of femoral or acetabular fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 145 patients who had undergone 146 total hip arthroplasties for failed internal fixation of femoral (n = 135) or acetabular fractures (n = 11). Mean follow-up time after insertion of the hip endoprosthesis was 7.1 years (1.5-14.7 years). Patient evaluation included a history, clinical examination, and standard radiographs. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients had died, and 18 patients were lost to follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis with revision of the implants as the end-point demonstrated 85 percent survival after ten years. Using the Merle d'Aubigné rating system, we found good or excellent results in 85 percent of the cases. However, only 73.9 percent of the patients were satisfied with their result, and 40.9 percent still showed a positive Trendelenburg gait at follow-up. The perioperative mortality was 2.7 percent. Surgery-related femoral fractures or fissures were observed in 18 cases, and deep infections in four. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with data of patients who had undergone primary total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis in our department, the results reported here after secondary hip replacement are clearly inferior. Nonetheless, alloarthroplasty of the hip still is the most effective procedure after failed internal fixation for acetabular or proximal femoral fractures.