[Intramedullary nailing of peri-prosthetic fractures following total knee joint replacement]

Based on positive experiences in similar operations of the said method, we report 3 cases of periprosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty treated by the principle of intramedullary osteosynthesis. After preoperative X-ray-planning a shorted AO-medullar nail was positioned on the proximal site of the prostheses in combination with autogenous resp. homogeneous bone grafts located in the fracture area. In relation to other procedures the advantages of these compound osteosyntheses are undisturbed periosteal blood supply, correct alignment and consolidation of the fracture, early weight bearing and reliable cement fixation. They legitimate in our opinion the increased effort of partial revision arthroplasty.