Femoral Periprosthetic Fractures after Total Knee Arthroplasty: New Surgically Oriented Classification with a Review of Current Treatments

PURPOSE: As the number of total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) increases, the incidence of femoral periprosthetic fractures after TKA is also increasing. This review aimed to suggest a new surgically oriented classification system for femoral periprosthetic fractures. METHODS: We investigated the classifications, and current treatment trends for femoral periprosthetic fractures after TKA by means of a thorough review of the relevant literature. RESULTS: Numerous studies reported good results of surgical treatment with modern fixatives including locking compression plates and retrograde intramedullary nails. However, few classifications of femoral periprosthetic fractures reflect the recent developments in surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that surgical management be considered the first-line treatment for femoral periprosthetic fractures after TKA. Our new classification will help in deciding the surgical treatment option for femoral periprosthetic fractures after TKA.