Interprosthetic fractures of the femur

The treatment of interprosthetic fractures is challenging and the incidence is increasing as a result of increasing patient longevity and rising arthroplasty rates. Interprosthetic fractures occur between arthroplasty stems or any intramedullary implant that has been implanted for fracture fixation. Management of these fractures is a complex undertaking. The majority of fractures are localized at the femoral supracondylar level after knee resurfacing arthroplasty. The fixation status of the arthroplasty component determines the management strategies. As a result of clinical and biomechanical studies, loosening of the implant usually requires revision arthroplasty, whereas minimally invasive reduction and locked internal fixation is the treatment of choice for stable implants. Minimally invasive surgery is necessary to not further compromise local perfusion. As locked plating provides superior biomechanical stability, the use of cerclage cables should be carefully evaluated. Complex fracture configurations, inferior bone stock or an intramedullary canal that is already occupied by support structures might obviate the implantation of long revision stems and might require a more extensive approach (e.g., total femoral arthroplasty). © Springer-Verlag 2011.

Subjects

Biomechanics

Bone plates

Femur

Interprosthetic fractures

Prosthesis replacement

DDC Class

610: Medicine, Health

Options

Interprosthetic fractures of the femur