Treatment Results of a Periprosthetic Femoral Fracture Case Series: Treatment Method for Vancouver Type B2 Fractures Can Be Customized

BACKGROUND: Currently, an algorithmic approach for deciding treatment options according to the Vancouver classification is widely used for treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures after hip arthroplasty. However, this treatment algorithm based on the Vancouver classification lacks consideration of patient physiology and surgeon's experience (judgment), which are also important for deciding treatment options. The purpose of this study was to assess the treatment results and discuss the treatment options using a case series. METHODS: Eighteen consecutive cases with periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty were retrospectively reviewed. A locking compression plate system was used for osteosynthesis during the study period. The fracture type was determined by the Vancouver classification. The treatment algorithm based on the Vancouver classification was generally applied, but was modified in some cases according to the surgeon's judgment. The reasons for modification of the treatment algorithm were investigated. Mobility status, ambulatory status, and social status were assessed before the fracture and at the latest follow-up. Radiological results including bony union and stem stability were also evaluated. RESULTS: Thirteen cases were treated by osteosynthesis, two by revision arthroplasty and three by conservative treatment. Four cases of type B2 fractures with a loose stem, in which revision arthroplasty is recommended according to the Vancouver classification, were treated by other options. Of these, three were treated by osteosynthesis and one was treated conservatively. The reasons why the three cases were treated by osteosynthesis were technical difficulty associated with performance of revision arthroplasty owing to severe central migration of an Austin-Moore implant in one case and subsequent severe hip contracture and low activity in two cases. The reasons for the conservative treatment in the remaining case were low activity, low-grade pain, previous wiring around the fracture and light weight. All patients obtained primary bony union and almost fully regained their prior activities. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest reaching a decision regarding treatment methods of periprosthetic femoral fractures by following the algorithmic approach of the Vancouver classification in addition to the assessment of each patient's hip joint pathology, physical status and activity, especially for type B2 fractures. The customized treatments demonstrated favorable overall results.

Tratamiento de las fracturas periprotésicas de fémur Vancouver B2 y B3 / Treatment of Vancouver B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures of the femur

Introducción: Las fracturas periprotésicas femorales luego de un reemplazo total de cadera son cada vez más prevalentes. Cuando estas asientan sobre un tallo flojo (B2) o con déficit de capital óseo (B3), según la clasificación de Vancouver, el tratamiento es la revisión del tallo femoral. Materiales y métodos: Se analizó retrospectivamente a 22 pacientes, 9 fracturas tipo B2 y 13 tipo B3 de la clasificación de Vancouver. El promedio del seguimiento fue de 48 meses. Se utilizaron tallos largos cementados junto con aloinjerto óseo impactado, tablas corticales, tallos largos no cementados de fijación distal y endoprótesis no convencionales, según el caso. Resultados: Se observó la curación y la remodelación de la fractura en todos los pacientes. Las complicaciones fueron 2 (9%) luxaciones, 1 (4,5%) infección, 1 (4,5 por ciento) fractura de calcar, 1 (4,5 por ciento) aflojamiento de cotilo y 2 (9 por ciento) decesos. Conclusiones: Las fracturas posoperatorias periprotésicas de fémur tipo B2 y B3 requieren recambio del tallo femoral, si bien existe una tendencia actual a utilizar tallos no cementados, en esta serie, dada la superposición de tratamientos, según cada subtipo de fractura, no obtuvimos diferencias entre el uso de tallos cementados junto con injerto y tallos no cementados. En casos de grave déficit de capital óseo, las endoprótesis no convencionales ofrecen una opción terapéutica para pacientes con baja demanda funcional. La clasificación de Vancouver es un instrumento útil para evaluar y decidir el tratamiento

Treatment of Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures in Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the radiological and clinical results of our study subjects according to the management algorithm of the Vancouver classification system for the treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures in hip arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 18 hips with postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures. The average follow-up was 49 months. The fracture type was determined based on the Vancouver classification system. The management algorithm of the Vancouver classification system was generally applied, but it was modified in some cases according to the surgeon's decision. At the final follow-up, we assessed the radiological results using Beals and Tower's criteria. The functional results were also evaluated by calculating the Harris hip scores. RESULTS: Seventeen of 18 cases (94.4%) achieved primary union at an average of 25.5 weeks. The mean Harris hip score was 92. There was 1 case of nonunion, which was a type C fracture after cemented total hip arthroplasty, and this required a strut allograft. Subsidence was noted in 1 case, but the fracture was united despite the subsidence. There was no other complication. CONCLUSIONS: Although we somewhat veered out of the management algorithm of the Vancouver classification system, the customized treatment, with considering the stability of the femoral stem and the configuration of the fracture, showed favorable overall results.