Osteosynthesis and outcomes of traumatic periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the treatment of traumatic periprosthetic femoral fractures with open reduction and internal fixation. The outcomes with the use of the surgical techniques were also reported. METHODS: Between September 2017 and September 2019, 25 patients with traumatic periprosthetic femoral fractures were managed by open reduction and internal fixation in Ain Shams University Hospital, Egypt. The fixation methods were selected based on the surgeon’s preference. Outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score, visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, and EuroQol 5 Dimensions – 5 Level (EQ5D-5L) prior to and after surgery. Patients were regularly followed up for one year. A P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age at surgery was 77 years (range, 51 to 95 years), 64% (n = 16) were females. According to the Vancouver classification, there were 1 type AG, 15 type B1, and 9 type C fractures. Postoperative complications included wound site infection (n = 2) and non-union (n = 1). The mean pre-trauma Harris Hip Score was 77.44 ± 8.63 (range, 65 to 90), and the mean Harris Hip Score collected at the final follow-up was 72.47 ± 8.85 (range, 60 to 86) (P < 0.05). The mean pre-trauma VAS was 2.20 ± 1.21 (range, 0 to 4), and the mean VAS recorded at the final follow-up was 3.00 ± 1.41 (range, 0 to 5) (P < 0.05). According to the EQ5D-DL assessed at the final follow-up, no patient felt that their daily life and activities became more problematic. CONCLUSION: This study provided added validation of the current management of periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty. Using the proper fixation and implant can achieve a reliable fixation and good functional recovery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IVa