Periprosthetic femoral fractures in Northern Ireland

Twenty-five patients with periprosthetic femoral fractures were admitted to the Ulster Hospital between August 1998 and May 2000. Average age was 77 years (range, 42-96 years) with a female to male ratio of 2:1. Twenty-four of the fractures occurred following primary joint arthroplasty on average 7.6 years from insertion of the primary prosthesis. One patient sustained an intraoperative fracture during revision surgery. In the majority (80%), the periprosthetic femoral fracture was associated with a traumatic event. On average, two days elapsed from the time of injury until admission to our unit. Time from admission to surgery was on average 4 days. All patients were treated by open fracture fixation. Duration of stay in the fracture unit was on average 20 days. Prior to their fracture 92% of patients were living at home and 84% were mobile either unaided or with the use of a stick. At most recent review, 72% are back living at home and 60% are mobile either unaided or with the use of a stick. We emphasise that there is the likelihood of an increase in periprosthetic femoral fractures due to the increasing number of primary arthroplasties being performed on a more active, ageing population. Preventative measures and cost implications are also discussed.