[Complications after osteosynthesis using Partridge's method in femoral fracture near the prosthesis]

The object of the investigation is to illustrate the results and complications following Partridge's osteosynthesis of proximal fractures in the neighbourhood of the prosthesis. During a period of 40 months, eight consecutive patients (two men and six women) with proximal fractures of the femur in the neighbourhood of a hip prosthesis were subjected to osteosynthesis by Partridge's method. All of the fractures resulted from low energy trauma. The average age was 72 years (51-84) and the average duration of observation was 2.3 years. Weight-bearing was permitted after an average of 14.5 weeks and the radiographically assessed healing time was 16 weeks on an average. In all of the patients, cortical erosion developed under the Partridge bands 10-16 weeks postoperatively. In five patients, the initial erosions were of limited extent and were stationary during the period of observation. In three patients, the osteolysis was progressive and reoperation with introduction of a long-shafted femur prosthesis proved necessary. In addition, homologous boney transplants were necessary in two of these patients. Stability and healing of the fracture are obtained by osteosynthesis by Partridge's method but, on account of the osteolysis which is frequently pronounced and progressive, the patients should be followed-up meticulously in view of the possibility of removal of the Partridge material and possible replacement by a long-shafted femur prosthesis before the bone is completely eroded.