Quality of Life Following Vancouver Type B Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common orthopedic procedure. It helps restore mobility and reduce pain in patients with hip joint disorders. Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) is an acute complication that may occur after primary THA. The rate of PFFs after primary total hip replacement is approximately 1%. The aim of this study was to assess the overall quality of life of patients following PFF surgery. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 patients with PFFs of Vancouver type B (32 females and 28 males, respectively), with a mean age of 73.02 ± 8.97 years and 30 controls who underwent primary THA. Quality of life was assessed at least 12 months postoperatively using the validated Serbian SF-36 questionnaire and clinical examination. Results: Older age correlated with declines in Physical and Emotional functioning, Vitality (Energy/fatigue), and Social activities (overall SF-36: r = -0.619, p < 0.01). Patients who underwent femoral stem revision with osteosynthesis (B2 and B3) showed better quality of life compared to those who underwent osteosynthesis alone (B1) in General health perceptions (t = -2.266, p = 0.027) and Physical functioning (t = 2.526, p = 0.014). Patients after PFF surgery had lower postoperative quality of life compared to those who underwent primary THA (overall SF-36: 66.68 ± 15.60 vs. 84.10 ± 14.65, t = -5.092, p < 0.0005). Conclusions: Patients with PFF have a lower quality of life than those after primary THA, while combined stem revision and osteosynthesis yield better outcomes than osteosynthesis alone.