Treatment of periprosthetic acetabular fractures after previous hemi- or total hip arthroplasty: Introduction of a new implant

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of displaced periprosthetic acetabular fractures in elderly patients. The goal is to stabilize an acetabular fracture independent of the fracture pattern, by inserting the custom-made roof-reinforcement plate and starting early postoperative full weight-bearing mobilization. INDICATIONS: Acetabular fracture with or without previous hemi- or total hip arthroplasty. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Non-displaced acetabular fractures. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Watson-Jones approach to provide accessibility to the anterior and supraacetabular part of the iliac bone. Angle-stable positioning of the roof-reinforcement plate without any fracture reduction. Cementing a polyethylene cup into the metal plate and restoring prosthetic femoral components. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Full weight-bearing mobilization within the first 10 days after surgery. In cases of two column fractures, partial weight-bearing is recommended. RESULTS: Of 7 patients with periprosthetic acetabular fracture, 5 were available for follow-up at 3, 6, 6, 15, and 24 months postoperatively. No complications were recognized and all fractures showed bony consolidation. Early postoperative mobilization was started within the first 10 days. All patients except one reached their preinjury mobility level. This individual and novel implant is custom made for displaced acetabular and periprosthetic fractures in patients with osteopenic bone. It provides a hopeful benefit due to early full weight-bearing mobilization within the first 10 days after surgery. LIMITATIONS: In case of largely destroyed supraacetabular bone or two-column fractures according to Letournel additional synthesis via an anterior approach might be necessary. In these cases partial weight bearing is recommended.