Proximal Periprosthetic Femur Fractures: Strategies for Internal Fixation

As the number of patients living with total hip arthroplasty continues to rise, there will be an increase in periprosthetic fractures requiring surgical treatment. Treatment of periprosthetic femur fractures below a well-fixed hip arthroplasty stem presents a unique set of challenges. A review of the existing literature on surgical technique, including plate selection and configuration, proximal fixation options, and use of allograft, can serve to guide treatment of these challenging injuries. While not conclusive, the literature supports using soft tissue preserving techniques, bicortical proximal fixation, and fixation spanning the length of the femur.