The management of periprosthetic femoral fractures around hip replacements

Periprosthetic femoral fractures are increasing in frequency and in complexity. They occur intra-operatively, or post-operatively, when they are frequently associated with loosening, with or without osteolysis. Periprosthetic femoral fractures usually occur at low energy levels, either after falls or spontaneously during activities of daily living. At present, the Vancouver classification system probably comes closest to the ideal, as it considers the fracture configuration, the stability of the implant and the quality of the bone stock. When the stem is stable, open reduction and internal fixation is suggested. Several authors have used strut grafts for the treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures, with good results. If the stem is loose, or revision is indicated for other reasons, it is generally advisable to by-pass the most distal fracture line with a longer stem prosthesis by at least two femoral diameters. Augmentation of this intra-medullary fixation with an external cortical strut to improve rotational stability and/or internally with impaction allografting to compensate for bone defects is also advisable. Vigilant post-operative clinical and radiological assessment following total hip replacement should identify those with recurrent dislocation, loosening, subsidence and osteolysis. These patients are at greatest risk of developing femoral periprosthetic fractures.