Megaprosthesis in articular fractures of the lower limbs in fragile patients: a proposal for the therapeutic...

The use of megaprosthetic implants could provide substantial advantages in elderly population affected by complex fractures. The aim of the study was to identify the patients suitable to megaprosthetic implants in the treatment of lower limbs fractures, as well as periprosthetic fractures.

From January 1st, 2015, to December 31st, 2021, all patients affected by femoral fractures with severe bone loss or previous surgery failure were retrospectively reviewed. ADL, IADL, SF-12 values pre- and post-operative were recorded. Hemoglobin value, NLR, PLR were recorded pre- and peri-operatively for all patients. Complications were recorded. All patients underwent a radiological follow-up. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

23 patients were considered eligible, 10 males and 13 females; the mean age was 72.87 years old (± 12.33), while the mean BMI was 27.2 points (± 5.2). The mean follow-up was 2 years (± 1.4). The mean preoperative ADL and IADL scores were correlated with a positive independence of the patient, while the mean postoperative scores corresponded to a moderate-low independence. Also the mean Mental and Physical SF12 scores saw a decrease in values. NLR values were higher in the first group of patients with complications.

A careful multiparametric and multidisciplinary patient selection is required to identify the suitable patient to this treatment.