Outcomes of traumatic Vancouver type AG periprosthetic fractures treated nonoperatively

The optimal treatment for postoperative Vancouver AG fractures has not been established. This study is a case series investigating the outcomes of patients from a single, academic tertiary referral center with conservative management of postoperative, traumatic periprosthetic fractures, specifically Vancouver type AG fractures.

This study was a retrospective review of 225 patients diagnosed with periprosthetic fracture at an academic, tertiary referral center from January 2007 to June 2023. Of these patients, 18 were identified as having Vancouver Type AG fractures and underwent conservative treatment with a walker. Radiographic fracture healing, patient reported pain, ambulatory status, and abductor strength were evaluated.

All 18 patients included in this case series suffered from traumatic postoperative periprosthetic fractures from falls, and none were noted to have any concomitant osteolytic changes. Mean age at the time of fracture of 81.4, range (62-96). Mean BMI at the time of fracture was 24.1, range (18-38.1). 1 patient passed away from unrelated medical problems 3 months after fracture onset, 2 were lost to follow-up after emergency department (ED) discharge, 3 demonstrated healing, but not yet fully healed fractures at their last follow-up, and 3 patients presented to the ED at a much later time for non-orthopaedic related issues and demonstrated healed fractures on radiographic. For the remaining 9 patients, mean length of time to heal after onset of fracture was 14.2 weeks, range (6-44). No weakness was noted during their last follow-up, and only 1 patient noted residual 1 of 10 pain. 5 patients noted to using walkers, 3 using canes, and 1 interchanging between a walker and cane during the last follow-up.

Patients with minimally to nondisplaced Vancouver type AG can achieve fracture healing and pain resolution with conservative, protected weight-bearing management in the setting of postoperative trauma.