[Periprosthetic hip fractures]

The incidence rate of periprosthetic fractures has increased in the past decade. Osteolysis, age and preoperative function are factors that influence morbidity. Treatment options include conservative and surgical treatment.

To conduct a study analyzing the functional results of the surgical treatment of periprosthetic hip fractures at the ABC Medical Center considering preoperative and postoperative variables.

Cross-sectional retrospective study of patients with a diagnosis of periprosthetic hip fracture between January 2000 and December 2011, classified using the Vancouver system. The Oxford Hip Score was used pre- and postoperatively as a functional measure. The variables to evaluate included age, sex, surgical technique, and the time elapsed between primary surgery and the periprosthetic fracture.

Twenty-five patients were analyzed; frequency was 3.3 cases per year. 80% of periprosthetic fractures were postoperative; 72% were total hip arthroplasties. The time elapsed between primary surgery and the traumatic event was 2 to 4 years (68%), with a mean of 4.5 years for hemiarthroplasties and 3.9 years for total arthroplasties. Patients who according to the Oxford Hip Score had good function maintained their results; 75% of those with moderate function maintained their score. Patients with poor function improved.

At the ABC Medical Center, the outcomes of the treatment of periprosthetic hip fractures are considered as good according to the Oxford Hip Score.