Risk factors for intraoperative calcar fracture in cementless total hip arthroplasty

Simo S A Miettinen1, Tatu J Mäkinen2, Inari Kostensalo3

  • 1a Department of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Hand Surgery , Kuopio University Hospital , Kuopio .

Acta Orthopaedica
|November 7, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Intraoperative calcar fractures during cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) occurred in 3.7% of cases and increased revision risk. Lower age and the Hardinge approach were identified as key risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture is a recognized complication of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA).
  • Calcar fractures specifically represent a subset of these intraoperative fractures.
  • Understanding the incidence and risk factors for calcar fractures is crucial for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of intraoperative calcar fractures during cementless THA.
  • To identify risk factors associated with intraoperative calcar fractures.
  • To assess the impact of intraoperative calcar fractures on the risk of revision surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 3,207 cementless THAs.
  • Inclusion of 118 patients with intraoperative calcar fractures and a matched control group.
  • Evaluation of demographic, surgical, implant, and femoral morphology data.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of intraoperative calcar fractures was 3.7% (118/3,207).
  • Revision rates were significantly higher in the calcar fracture group (10%) compared to the control group (3.4%).
  • Risk factors included the Hardinge surgical approach, younger patient age, deviated femoral anatomy, and thinner proximal femur cortices.

Conclusions:

  • Intraoperative calcar fractures are associated with an increased risk of revision THA.
  • Younger age and the Hardinge approach are significant risk factors for calcar fractures.
  • Careful consideration of femoral morphology (deviated anatomy, thin cortices) is essential when using cementless stems to prevent intraoperative fractures.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos