Novel fixation method of a periprosthetic fracture of the acetabulum using burr holes through the retained cup for locking screw fixation

The incidence of periprosthetic fractures of the acetabulum associated with a total hip arthroplasty is relatively low but may be increasing. Treatment options depend upon the stability of the prosthesis. In this case, we report an unusual fracture pattern where a large portion of posterior column remained osseointegrated to a displaced uncemented acetabular component and removal of the cup would have resulted in massive structural bone loss and potential pelvic discontinuity. A metal cutting burr was used to create additional screw holes in the cup to allow us to retain the original implant and also obtain fixation of the fracture. The patient had a good outcome at one year with a healed fracture, stable implant, and excellent function. To our knowledge, this technique has not been previously described and offers surgeons an approach to fix these challenging fractures.