Interprosthetic fractures of the femur: treatment with a single-locked plate

Interprosthetic fractures of the femur, those between an ipsilateral hip and knee arthroplasty, are challenging to treat secondary to limited bone available for fixation, osteopenic bone, a compromised intramedullary blood supply, and an often elderly patient population. From 2002 to 2006, 22 consecutive patients with an interprosthetic femur fracture were treated with a single-locking plate. Follow-up averaged 17.7 months, with fracture union achieved an average of 13.8 weeks postoperatively. All patients regained their preoperative ambulatory status and subjectively reported unchanged function of their hip and knee arthroplasties. Single-locked plating is an effective method of treatment of interprosthetic fractures of the femur. Emphasis on preservation of the soft tissue envelope and sufficient cortical purchase both above and below the fracture is of paramount importance.