Periprosthetic fracture management: global approaches

The incidence of periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) continues to increase worldwide. The goal of management is to restore mobility early while minimizing potential treatment complications. The general medical frailty of patients sustaining PPFs complicates the management of these conditions, with many of those affected being highly susceptible to the consequences of impaired mobilization. Outcomes depend on patient-related (eg, age, physiological condition, medical comorbidities, quality of bone, presence of osteolysis, previous procedures, sex) and surgeon-related (eg, diagnosis, choice of procedure, selected implant, and surgical technique) factors, and preventative measures to decrease the risk of PPFs should be pursued whenever possible. The articles in this supplement address the treatment of the most commonly encountered PPFs, specifically those in the proximal humerus, acetabulum, proximal femur, distal femur, and proximal tibia. This work represents a collaborative effort of the member societies of the International Orthopaedic Trauma Association, an international association of orthopaedic organizations dedicated to the promotion of musculoskeletal trauma care through advancements in patient care, research, and education. The expectation is that the information provided in this supplement will improve the care of patients with PPFs.