Treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures after femoral revision using a long stem

Hybrid Fixation Technique for Femoral Stem Revision in B3 Periprosthetic Fractures: A Report of Two Cases

Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFs) are challenging complications following total hip arthroplasty, especially in cases with compromised bone stock. We present 2 cases of Vancouver Type B3 PPF treated with a monoblock cementless long-stem prosthesis, using cement only for distal fixation. This technique provided initial stability, allowing early mobilization and eventual fracture healing with bony ingrowth. Radiographic follow-up demonstrated successful outcomes with no significant complications. Our results support the potential of this method for treating complex PPF cases, offering a solution for patients with inadequate bone quality where standard cementless fixation may be insufficient.

Comparison of Iliac Bone Transplantation with Bone Transport in the Treatment of Femur Fracture and Bone Defect

Objective

To compare the curative effect of iliac bone transplantation with the bone transport in the treatment of femur fracture complicated with a bone defect.

Methods

Patients with femur fractures and defects who were admitted to our hospital from January 1, 2020, to January 31, 2022, and met the inclusion criteria were retrospectively selected and allocated into an iliac bone transplantation group or a bone transport group. The treatment effect and quality of life of the two groups were compared.

Results

A total of 98 patients who met the inclusion standards were enrolled, including 50 cases in the iliac bone transplantation group and 48 cases in the bone transport group. There were no significant differences in IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, visual analog scale (VAS) score, or Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score between the two groups on postsurgical day 1 (p=0.051, 0.150, 0.102, 0.564, and 0.826 respectively), but there were significant differences in the above index on postsurgical day 7 (all p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in social function, physical function, role function, and cognitive function between the two groups one week after the operation (p=0.245, 0.051, 0.102, and 0.067, respectively), but there were significant differences in the above parameters at one month after operation (p=0.001, 0.005, 0.005, and 0.001, respectively). The total effective rate of the bone transplantation group was significantly better than that of the iliac bone transplantation group (p=0.026). The number of postoperative complications in the bone removal group was significantly fewer than that of the iliac bone graft group (p=0.001).

Conclusion

Bone transport is effective in treating femur fractures complicated with bone defects, with fewer postoperative complications.

Hip Revision Arthroplasty of Periprosthetic Fractures Vancouver B2 and B3 with a Modular Revision Stem: Short-Term Results and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic fractures Vancouver type B2/B3 after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a challenging entity with increasing numbers. Limited data are available for this type of fracture treated with modular stems. Therefore, this study evaluated the outcome of Vancouver type B2/B3 fractures treated with a modular hip revision stem using a subproximal/distal anchorage and compared it to the current literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A consecutive series of periprosthetic Vancouver type B2/B3 fractures treated with a modular revision stem was retrospectively (2013 - 2016) evaluated. Assessment included the clinical (HHS, pain, ROM) as well as the radiological outcome (subsidence, loosening, facture healing). In adddition, the surgical technique is described in detail and results are compared with the current literature.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients (female/male 12/6) with Vancouver B2/B3 (n = 12/6) fractures with a mean age of 75.5 (60 - 89) years were included. The revision stem was inserted via a modified transgluteal approach (n = 16) or classical transfemoral approach (n = 2). The mean follow-up was 18.5 months, with a mean Harris Hip Score of 72.5 ± 18.7 (35.0 - 99.0) points. The fracture healing rate was 94.4% (n = 17) with osseous integration according to Engh in all cases. Dislocations of the greater trochanter were recorded in seven patients (38.9%). According to Beals and Towers, all results were rated excellent or good. No implant-related failure or relevant subsidence during this time was observed. Major complications were observed in five patients with two periprosthetic joint infections and two cases of major revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

This study assessing Vancouver B2/3 fractures shows reproducible, good, short-term results in terms of subsidence and clinical functional outcome by the use of a modular revision stem. The transfemoral approach together with the modular stem allows for a stable fixation and good fracture healing. However, our data and review of the literature also documents the difficulties and higher complication rate associated with Vancouver B2/3 fractures.

[Periprosthetic fractures of the proximal femur]

The incidence of periprosthetic fractures of the proximal femur is increasing due to the growing numbers of hip replacements in old age. The treatment of these fractures is a challenge for the treating physician and standardized procedures are necessary. The unified classification system (UCS) is a suitable tool to establish treatment strategies: On the basis of the fracture localization and extent, bone quality, stability of the prosthesis and the presence of further implants, the fractures can be classified according to the UCS and a treatment algorithm can be derived. This article gives an overview of the diagnostics, classification and characteristics of the various periprosthetic fracture types as well as the treatment.

Uncemented extensive porous titanium-coated long femoral stem prostheses are effective in treatment of Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures: A retrospective mid- to long-term follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcomes of revision surgery for Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) after total hip arthroplasty using an uncemented extensive porous titanium-coated long femoral stem prosthesis (solution prosthesis) with or without cortical strut allograft.

METHODS

A total of 34 patients with Vancouver type B2 PFFs who underwent revision hip arthroplasty using a posterolateral approach and received a solution prosthesis at our institution from December 2006 to January 2014 were retrospectively recruited. Patients were asked to assess their walking ability and pain status using a questionnaire. Limb function, pain, and physical and mental health were assessed using the Harris Hip score, University of California-Los Angeles score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index, and Short Form-12 Health Survey score. Patients were also asked to rate their satisfaction with the surgery. Fracture union and stress shielding were assessed by radiography, and computed tomography was used to assess stem fixation. Single-photon emission computed tomography performed to assess radionuclide distribution in patients given cortical strut allografts. Patients were asked about their condition before PFF and evaluated at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and annually after surgery. Any complications during follow-up were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 34 patients, 29 completed follow-up. There was no significant difference in patient's health before PFF or at the last follow-up. Fracture union was achieved in all patients. Mild-to-moderate stress shielding occurred in three patients, and no patients exhibited femoral stem loosening or obvious subsidence. Radionuclides were concentrated in the cortical strut transplantation area, and the cortical strut was integrated with the host femur. The incidence of postoperative complications was low.

CONCLUSIONS

Revision surgery using the solution prosthesis with or without cortical strut allograft is effective in treating Vancouver type B2 PFFs, with satisfactory mid- and long-term clinical and radiological outcomes.

Intravenous Tranexamic Acid for Reducing Perioperative Blood Loss During Revision Surgery for Vancouver Type B Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study

Objective

To explore the efficacy and safety of intravenous tranexamic acid for reducing perioperative blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusions in revision surgery for Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 129 patients who underwent revision surgeries because of Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures from January 2008 to September 2018. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they received intravenous tranexamic acid (n = 72) or not (n = 57). The two groups were compared in terms of estimated intraoperative blood loss, visible blood loss, hidden blood loss, the volume of allogeneic blood transfusion and the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE). Patients were also compared depending on the Vancouver classification (Vancouver type B1, B2, and B3).

Results

Regardless of the subtype of Vancouver classification, patients who received tranexamic acid showed significantly lower estimated intraoperative blood loss, visible blood loss, hidden blood loss, and allogeneic blood transfusion volume. Use of tranexamic acid was not associated with significant changes in the incidence of postoperative symptomatic VTE. Similar results were obtained with subgroups of patients who had the Vancouver type B1, B2, or B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures.

Conclusions

The administration of intravenous tranexamic acid can safely and effectively reduce perioperative blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusions in revision surgery for Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures, without increasing the risk of symptomatic VTE.

Prosthesis-Engaging Retrograde Femoral Nail with Locking Plate for the Treatment of a Vancouver B1 Periprosthetic Femur Fracture Nonunion: A Case Report

CASE

Here, we describe a case of a Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femur fracture which initially went on to nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation. Union was ultimately achieved with a construct consisting of a prosthesis-engaging retrograde femoral nail and a locking compression plate.

CONCLUSIONS

This case provides evidence that a construct consisting of a prosthesis-engaging retrograde femoral nail and a locking compression plate is an option for increasing fracture site stability in Vancouver B1 periprosthetic fractures and may be useful for patients with poor bone quality or a previously established nonunion.

Plate fixation in periprosthetic femur fractures Vancouver type B1: preliminary report of macroscopic evaluation of the cement mantle and short literature review

he goal of our preliminary report is to investigate hip stem stability and intra-operative cement mantle integrity after screw insertion in plate fixation of periprosthetic Vancouver B1 femur fractures. From a cohort of 50 patients with a periprosthetic femur fracture treated in our department from February 2012 until February 2017, we included in our study patients with a periprostethic Vancouver B1 femoral fracture in cemented hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty, operated with ORIF using a 4.5/5.0 LCP Proximal Femoral Hook Plate ® (Synthes, Switzerland) with at least one screw perforating the cement mantle. Anteroposterior and lateral femur views and pelvis X-rays were performed preoperatively. The stability of the hip implant and the cemented mantle integrity was evaluated intra-operatively in a macroscopic way and with a post-operative X-ray in anteroposterior and lateral views. Only 7 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria; no lesion/break of the cement mantle occurred intra-operatively at any step during drilling or screw insertion, also confirmed with C-arm assessment. No cases of stem mobilization were found and cement mantle integrity was maintained in every case. Insertion of screws around a cemented stem for plate fixation in periprosthetic femur fractures Vancouver type B1 could be considered a safe procedure. However, further and more extended studies are necessary for proving additional knowledge at the evaluation of the cement mantle in osteosynthesis procedures.

Treatment of Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures Following Hip Arthroplasty

Purpose

This study was performed to assess potential improvements in clinical outcomes when applying recent advanced hip arthroplasty surgical techniques and understand the potential relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and surgical outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Among 37 cases of periprosthetic femoral fractures after hip arthroplasty treated between March 2014 and September 2016, all included a follow-up of at least one year and were included in this study. Outcomes were evaluated using the Beals and Tower's criteria. BMD was examined in 27 of 37 cases and the relationship between osteoporosis and treatment outcomes was analyzed. Advanced hip arthroplasty surgical approaches varied depending on the fracture type: i) open reduction with wiring for Vancouver A, ii) open reduction with double plate fixation for Vancouver B1, iii) revision THA with long stem for Vancouver B1-Nonunion, B2 and B3, and iv) open reduction with double plate fixation for Vancouver C.

Results

When assessed using the Beals and Tower's criteria, 33 out of 37 (89.2%) patients were excellent and 4 (10.8%) were poor. These outcomes were an improvement compared with series I (81.8%). When analyzed according to the Vancouver classification, patients with type A (n=8), type B1 (n=16), and type B2 (n=2) were all excellent, the patients with type B3 were excellent (n=1) and poor (n=1), and the patients with type C were excellent (n=6) and poor (n=3). The mean BMD was −2.6 (T-score) in 27 of 37 cases and −4.4 in 4 cases with poor prognosis. Osteoporosis was statistically correlated to those classified as poor by Beals and Tower.

Conclusion

The results of the analysis suggest that applying new surgical hip arthroplasty treatment approaches leads to improved outcomes compared with the author's previous study. When treating periprosthetic femoral fractures following total hip arthroplasty, an appropriate internal fixation method should be selected, at least in part based on the Vancouver classification. In addition, osteoporosis may be a major prognostic factor for the outcomes of surgical treatment.

Load transfer and periprosthetic fractures after total hip arthoplasty: Comparison of periprosthetic fractures of femora implanted with cementless distal-load or proximal-load femoral components and measurement of the femoral strain at the time of implantation

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the causes and mechanisms underlying periprosthetic fractures around femoral components particularly in relation to the stem design. In an in vitro study 20 pairs of fresh cadaveric femora were loaded to fracture axially and transversally.

FINDINGS

When proximal femoral strain was measured at the time of impaction of cementless stems the load transfer was determined by the underlying anatomy rather than by the shape of the stem, so that the so-called "load transfer" properties - proximal or distal - ascribed to stem designs are a myth. The axial-load and the transverse-load model were then exposed to loads to failure (fracture) and showed a biphasic pattern throughout independent of the impact direction. In the second phase, the fracture phase proper, the bone behaved like a brittle solid. Failure occurred very rapidly within less than 5 milliseconds. The forces to failure were between 2 and 11 kN. Most of the fractures (82.5%) occurred above the stem tip.

INTERPRETATION

Note that the study was confined to early preosteointegration fractures. Neither the stem design nor the impact direction, i.e. on the knee or on the side of the hip, was related to the fracture morphology.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Patients With Parkinson Disease: Improved Outcomes With Dual Mobility Implants and Cementless Fixation

BACKGROUND

Parkinson disease (PD) results in severe limitation in ambulation caused by abnormality of gait and posture. The rate of complications, including fractures and dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA), can be higher among these patients. The goal of this study was to investigate the long-term outcomes of primary and revision THAs with cementless dual mobility implants.

METHODS

This retrospective study examines 59 PD patients who had surgery between 2002 and 2012. All the primary cases were performed for osteoarthritis and all patients received cementless acetabular implants with dual mobility bearing surface. The femoral stem was cemented in 4 patients who underwent revision surgery. The mean follow-up time was 8.3 years (4-14 years).

RESULTS

Good to excellent pain relief was achieved in 53 of 57 patients at the 2-year follow-up and in 40 of 47 patients at their latest follow-up. The most common medical complication was cognitive impairment (12 of 57 patients). One patient sustained an intraprosthetic hip dislocation 9 years after surgery, which required revision. Four patients sustained periprosthetic femoral fractures with well-fixed stem, requiring open reduction and internal fixation. The disability had increased in 68% of the patients in the latest follow-up visit.

DISCUSSION

Our study shows that elective primary or revision THA using cementless implants with dual mobility bearing surface in patients with PD provides satisfactory long-term outcomes, although many of these patients may see a general worsening of their activities over time due to PD.

Temporary total hip arthroplasty-like spacer for treating an infected periprosthetic femoral fracture using a long stem: A case report

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Total hip arthroplasty-like spacer using a long stem facilitated the eradication of infection.

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Total hip arthroplasty-like spacer allowed a good range of motion without pain.

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Our method is simple and effective for treating an infected periprosthetic femoral fracture.

Introduction

Infected periprosthetic femoral fractures are among the most complex and significant complications of total hip arthroplasty (THA). We report the novel use of a temporary THA-like spacer for treating an infected periprosthetic femoral fracture after revision surgery using a long stem.

Case presentation

We present a 72-year-old woman sustained a left infected periprosthetic femoral fracture after revi - streptococci in the culture sample. On suspicion of a periprosthetic joint infection, we planned a two-stage procedure. We used a temporary THA-like spacer comprising the removed femoral long stem, which was autoclaved and then reimplanted, and applied a new polyethylene acetabular liner. Both components were cemented in place with antibioticloaded bone cement, without applying strong pressure. Pain control waseasily achieved postoperatively because the fracture had been stabilized early. The THA-like spacer was stable, and allowed a good range of motion without pain. She was allowed to move with a wheelchair and was walk with partial weight bearing without pain. Seven week after the initial THAlike spacer placement, we performed a revision THA after successful control of infection. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient remained free of infection.

Conclusions

Temporary antibiotic-loaded cement-coated THA-like spacer using a long stem facilitated the eradication of infection, fracture stabilization, and enables partial weight bearing without pain.

[Periprosthetic fractures following total hip and knee arthroplasty: Risk factors, epidemiological aspects, diagnostics and classification systems]

Periprosthetic fractures following hip and knee arthroplasty are potentially severe complications. As a fundament in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, specific classification systems are necessary to ensure an optimal individualized treatment of these sometimes complicated fractures. This review article summarizes the epidemiological aspects, risk factors and diagnostics of periprosthetic hip and knee fractures. The most frequently used location related fracture classifications systems are explained. In addition, the recently introduced unified classification system (UCS), which is applicable to any location of periprosthetic fractures, is described in detail. Initial studies have shown a reliable applicability of the UCS to periprosthetic hip and knee fractures.

Midterm Results of Consecutive Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures Vancouver Type A and B

Surgical treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures has a high complication and mortality rate of more than 10%. The aim of this study is to report the outcome of a consecutive single center patient group. Thirty-four consecutive patients (mean age 81.2+/-8.5 years, 14 male, 20 female) with a periprosthetic femoral fracture Vancouver type A (n=5) or type B (n=29) were followed-up after 43.2 months, none of the patients were lost to follow-up. Nineteen of the patients were treated through change of the stem and cerclage fixation, five by plates and ten by cerclage cables. One successfully treated infection was observed. No further complications have been reported peri- or postoperatively, therefore resulting in 2.9% overall complication rate. These results demonstrate that precisely selected revision surgery protocol following periprosthetic femoral fractures within elderly multimorbid patients may lead to beneficial outcomes at a low risk of complications.

Periprosthetic fractures around the femoral stem: overcoming challenges and avoiding pitfalls

Management of periprosthetic fractures around the femoral stem after total hip arthroplasty (THA) represents a significant challenge and optimal treatment remains controversial. The most common treatment paradigm involves treating fractures around a well-fixed stem with osteosynthesis, whereas fractures around a loose stem require revision arthroplasty and those with poor bone require augmentation with bone graft. Paradoxically, the literature reports a higher rate of failure for osteosynthesis around prostheses considered to be well-fixed. Such a high rate of poor outcomes may result not only from difficult fracture fixation and compromised biologic healing, but also from unrecognized peri-implant pathology. Therefore, proper preoperative and intraoperative evaluation is key, and a subset of patients may benefit from alternative management. We review the appropriate methods for evaluation and treatment of Vancouver type B fractures with particular emphasis on avoiding missteps that can lead to failure.