The Impact of Surgical Timing on Mortality and Reoperation Rates in Periprosthetic Proximal Femoral Fractures: A...

Periprosthetic proximal femoral (PPF) fractures present complex management scenarios in a patient population similar to that of femoral neck fractures, where guidelines recommend surgery within 36 to 48 hours. This matched retrospective cohort study examined the impact of the timing of surgery on 5-year mortality and reoperation rates in PPF fractures.

Data from four major trauma centers were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were propensity matched for demographics, including age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, and sex. Mortality rates at 30 days, one year, five years, and 10 years were compared between early (< 48 hours) and late surgery (> 48 hours) groups. Reoperation rates and time to revision were also evaluated. There were 193 patients who met inclusion criteria, with 48% having had surgery within 48 hours. After matching, 79 patients were included in each group, with no difference in demographics.

There was no difference in mortality rates between the early surgery and late surgery groups at 30 days (6 versus 3%, P = 0.2), one year (9 versus 4%, P = 0.1), five years (24 versus 38%, P = 0.058), and 10 years (49 versus 59%, P = 0.3). Similarly, there was no difference in reoperation rates between the early and late surgery groups (4 versus 10%, P = 0.1). Cox regression analysis revealed American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status and men as important predictors of mortality.

This study found no significant difference in long-term mortality or reoperation rates between patients undergoing early (< 48 hours) or late (> 48 hours) surgery for PPF fractures. While early surgery has been shown to be beneficial in femoral neck fractures, its effect in the management of PPF fractures appears to be less pronounced.