Functional outcome after lower limb periprosthetic fractures

Introduction: Periprosthetic fractures (PPFx) occur more and more often following joint replacement. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional outcome of patients treated with lower limb periprosthetic fractures in our institution. Methods: Between 2007 and 2016 75 patients were managed with 13 intraoperative and 62 postoperative fractures. Fifty-nine fractures occurred around THR and 16 around TKR. Fractures were classified according to Unified Classification System (UCS) and the treatment was according to this algorithm. Functional outcome was assessed with the Harris Hip Scores and the Knee Society Score (KSS). Results: Follow up time was 52.9 months (range 12-100 m.). The mean age of patients was 75.1 years (range 54-87 years), there were 6 males and 69 females. Harris Hip Scores were available for 42 patients and the average score was 82 (range 68-96). The KSS was available in nine patients and the average score was 124 (range 102-141). Eventually, radiographic union was observed in all cases. Conclusion: In this series of patients, fixation of lower limb periprosthetic fractures was found to be associated with good results despite the different fracture patterns studied. Larger studies with subgroup analysis of different fracture patterns are desirable to throw more light in this complex group of patients. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study investigated the functional outcomes of patients with lower limb periprosthetic fractures treated in the institution, finding that fixation treatment led to good results and radiographic union was eventually observed in all cases during follow-up. Further larger studies with subgroup analysis of different fracture patterns are desirable to provide deeper insights into this complex patient group.