ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome after operative treatment with plate fixation in Vancouver B1 and C periprosthetic unstable femoral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective assessment of 15 patients who had under gone treatment for a periprosthetic unstable femoral fracture around primary hip arthroplasty between April 1997 and July 2010. The mean age of patients was 69 years(53 to 82 years) at the time of surgery and the mean duration of follow-up was 29.2 months (six to 110 months). According to Vancouver classification, 10 patients were type B1 and five were type C. According to the time of operation, open reduction and internal fixation was performed using four different plates. Bone graft was applied in all patients, regardless of the type of plate. The present review describes the clinical and radiographic results. RESULTS: All patients were able to ambulate without assistance of crutches or walkers. Of the 15 patients, the fracture site was united in all patients. Postoperative dislocation of the ipsilateral hip was observed in one patient; however, there was no occurrence of further complications, such as infections, nerve injuries, or loosening of the femoral stems. CONCLUSION: In Vancouver type B1 and C fractures, without any loosening of the femoral stems, open reduction with plate fixation using our operative methods provided a satisfactory result.