Abstract. Introduction. Displaced olecranon fractures in the elderly are challenging due to associated comorbidities, poor tissue quality, high risk of complications, and the possible need for implant removal. Treatment options with such fractures range from non-operative management to internal fixation with various types of implants. Currently, there is no consensus on the treatment of olecranon fractures in the elderly with relatively low functional demand. Aim. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the clinical outcomes of various treatment modalities for olecranon fracture in the elderly. Methods. We systematically reviewed the literature covering the treatment of olecranon fractures in the elderly according to PRISMA guidelines. We used search tools of Medline, Embase, Wiley online library, Cochrane and Scopus. Keywords used in the search were Olecranon fracture and Elderly OR Geriatric in all fields. Studies involving patients older than 60 years of age and all modalities of treatment were included. Results. 14 papers studying 270 patients were identified of which, 112 were treated non-operatively, 25 with limited fixation, 98 with tension band wire fixation, 34 with plate fixation, and 1 patient was treated with excision. Conclusions. Nonoperative as well as limited fixation were shown to provide satisfactory results in the elderly. Treatment decisions in this age group should be individualised to factors such as fracture stability, quality of bone & soft tissues, and patient's functional demand. We recommend a treatment protocol for treating olecranon fracture in the elderly based on the above factors

The ideal operative treatment of displaced sub capital femoral fractures in the elderly is controversial. Recently, randomised controlled trials have suggested a better outcome with the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) to treat displaced intra capsular fractures of the femur for elderly patients in good health. More recently the concept of dual mobility cups is being promoted to avoid dislocations in this cohort of patients. However, overall there is limited evidence to support the choice between different types of arthroplasty. Dislocation remains a main concern with THA, especially when a posterior approach is used.

We analysed the outcome of 115 primary THR (112 cements and 3 uncemented) THR using a posterior approach with soft tissue repair in active elderly patients presenting with displaced intra capsular femoral neck fractures. Size 28 mm head was used in 108 and a size 32 mm head in the rest. All surgery was performed by specialist hip surgeons.

Satisfactory results were noted in terms of pain control, return to pre-morbid activity and radiological evidence of bone implant osteo-integration. The 30-day mortality was nil. There were two dislocations and only one needed revision surgery due to recurrent dislocation.

In conclusion, with optimal patient selection, THA seems to provide a good functional outcome and pain relief in the management of displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures. Excellent outcome can be achieved when done well using the standard cemented THR and with 28mm head. A good soft tissue repair and a specialist hip surgeon is preferable.

Purpose of the study: We describe a new modified arthroscopic technique of surgically treating avulsion fractures of the tibial eminence using the Scorpion device (Arthrex, Naples, FL).

Methods and results: A 57 year-old female who sustained a type II fracture of the tibial spine was treated with arthroscopic fracture fixation using the Scorpion device to place a whip stitch into the substance of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Tibial tunnels were made on the anteromedial aspect of the tibia using the Acufex ACL guide (Smith and Nephew, Mansfield, MA) and the sutures were passed through these tunnels and tied over a bony bridge. At 6 months after surgery, the patient was asymptomatic and had returned to her daily activities. She had regained full range of movement and had a clinically stable knee, confirmed on KT 2000 arthrometer. Radiographs showed anatomic reduction and fracture union.

Conclusion: The Scorpion device which is commonly used in arthroscopic shoulder surgery provides significant advantages as it can be used arthroscopically to place a whip stitch in the substance of the ACL. The hook at its end can be used to retrieve suture loop from the joint, thus reducing instrumentation and operating time. It is a user friendly arthroscopic technique that restores the necessary tension in the ACL, provides stable fracture fixation, and also results in a cosmetic end result.

The aim of this study was to assess patient-based outcome two years following non-operative management of displaced Colles fractures.

100 patients were evaluated at a minimum of two years after displaced Colles fracture. Fractures were reduced under regional anaesthesia and immobilised in a Colles-type cast for five weeks. The fractures were assessed radiographically by measurement of radial angle, dorsal tilt, radial shortening and carpal malalignment at the time of injury, post-manipulation, and after one and five weeks. The fractures were classified according to Frykman classification. A validated patient-based outcome questionnaire, using a visual analogue score, was used to assess outcome at the end of two years.

7 patients had died, 8 patients were unable to complete the questionnaire because of confusion and 5 were lost to follow-up. Complete outcome data were available on 80 patients.

The median age was 61 years. The median pain score was 5 (25%-2 and 75%-12, range 0–100). There was loss of reduction, with more than 5° dorsal angulation and/or 5mm radial shortening in 70% cases. We found that age had no effect on patient outcome except that patients over 50 years complained of more finger stiffness The Frykman classification was an important prognostic factor and a higher grade resulted in worse outcome in a number of areas. Dorsal angulation had no significant effect and carpal malalignment correlated with poor visual appearance. Radial angle and radial shortening were both associated with increased complaints of wrist pain and stiffness

This prospective patient based outcome study has demonstrated that patients make a good functional recovery following nonoperative management of Colles fracture. 70% of our patients had a poor radiological outcome but few reported problems with pain and function at 2 years. Extra-articular malunion due to radial angulation and shortening was common and correlated with wrist pain and stiffness at two years. Frykman classification correlated with pain and functional outcome.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between body weight and fracture union for displaced intracapsular fracture neck of femur treated by closed reduction and internal fixation.

Introduction: We report on the long-term follow up of a previously published randomised controlled trial comparing Hemiarthroplasty (HEMI) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) for the treatment of intracapsular fracture neck of femur.

Methods: In this prospectively randomized study, 81 patients who had been mobile and lived independently and who sustained a displaced fracture of the femoral neck were randomized to receive either a fixed acetabular component THA or HEMI. The mean age of the study group was 75 years at fracture. All patients received the same cemented collarless tapered femoral stem and all procedures were performed through a transgluteal approach. Patients were followed up with radiographs, Oxford hip score (OHS), SF-36, Euroqol and their walking distance.

Results: At a mean follow-up of 8.6 years (7.18 to 10.27), 19 HEMI patients and 27 THA were alive (p=0.042). The mean walking distance of patients after HEMI was 600m and the OHS 21. After THA, the mean walking distance was 1200m and the OHS was 22. Both groups had a deterioration of their OHS over time. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to both physical and mental component SF-36 scores and Euroqol visual analogue scores.

Of the survivors four of the HEMI group were revised to total hip arthroplasty. One patient had been revised in the THA group. Radiographically six of seven patients in the HEMI group had evidence of acetabular erosion and 13 of 15 patients in the THA group had a lucency around their acetabular component.

Discussion: Patients with THA walked further and survived longer. After a mean of nine years follow up there was no difference with respect to function as measured by OHS, Euroqol and SF-36 scores.

Aims. Olecranon fractures are usually caused by falling directly on to the olecranon or following a fall on to an outstretched arm. Displaced fractures of the olecranon with a stable ulnohumeral joint are commonly managed by open reduction and internal fixation. The current predominant method of management of simple displaced fractures with ulnohumeral stability (Mayo grade IIA) in the UK and internationally is a low-cost technique using tension band wiring. Suture or suture anchor techniques have been described with the aim of reducing the hardware related complications and reoperation. An all-suture technique has been developed to fix the fracture using strong synthetic sutures alone. The aim of this trial is to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of tension suture repair versus traditional tension band wiring for the surgical fixation of Mayo grade IIA fractures of the olecranon. Methods. SOFFT is a multicentre, pragmatic, two-arm parallel-group, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial. Participants will be assigned 1:1 to receive either tension suture fixation or tension band wiring. 280 adult participants will be recruited. The primary outcome will be the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at four months post-randomization. Secondary outcome measures include DASH (at 12, 18, and 24 months), pain, Net Promotor Score (patient satisfaction), EuroQol five-dimension five-level score (EQ-5D-5L), radiological union, complications, elbow range of motion, and re-operations related to the injury or to remove metalwork. An economic evaluation will assess the cost-effectiveness of treatments. Discussion. There is currently no high-quality evidence comparing the clinical and cost effectiveness of the tension suture repair to the traditional tension band wiring currently offered for the internal fixation of displaced fractures of the olecranon. The Simple Olecranon Fracture Fixation Trial (SOFFT) is a randomized controlled trial with sufficient power and design rigour to provide this evidence for the subtype of Mayo grade IIA fractures. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(1):27–37

Long-term prospective RCT comparing hemiarthroplasty (HEMI) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) for the treatment of intracapsular neck of femur fracture.

81 previously mobile, independent, orientated patients were randomised to receive THA or HEMI after sustaining a displaced neck of femur fracture. Patients were followed up with radiographs, Oxford hip score (OHS), SF-36 scores and their walking distance.

At a mean follow up of 8.7 years, overall mortality following THA was 32.5% compared to 51.2% following HEMI (p=0.09). Following THA, patients died after a mean of 63.6 months compared to 45 months following HEMI (p=0.093). Patients with THA walked further and had better physical function. No HEMIs dislocated but three (7.5%) THAs did. Four (9.8%) HEMI patients were revised to THA, but only one (2.5%) THA required revision. All surviving HEMI patients had acetabular erosion and all surviving THA patients had wear of the cemented polyethylene cup.

Patients with THA have better function in the medium-term and survive longer.

Introduction: To access efficacy of our protocol for treatment of displaced Gartland type 3 supracondylar fracture humerus in children by giving a small incision medially to identify correct entry point of medial wire and to save the ulnar nerve. This incision is extendable for open reduction if required and have no effect on morbidity.

Methods: All Patients with displaced Gartland type 3 supracondylar fractures of humerus admitted from October 1997 to October 2003 were included into this study. They were all treated by closed or open reduction through medial approach and fixed with medial and lateral cross K-wires within 12 hours of admission.

Results: There were 43 children with a mean age of 7.2 years at presentation. Follow up time averaged 48 months (range 12–84 months). No patient had iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. The postoperative mean value of Bauman’s angle in affected elbow was 76.7° with +/− 1.0° and 74.8° with +/− 0.6° on the unaffected elbow. All patients showed satisfactory results according to Flynn’s criteria.

Discussion: Cross K-wires give reliable results; a small medial incision is cosmetically more acceptable, provides an excellent view for correct entry point of the wire after visualising ulnar nerve with added advantage of extension if fracture required open reduction.

Aim: To assess the functional outcome and longevity of patients who are mentally competent when they sustain an intra-capsular fracture of the femoral neck.

Methods: Prospective cohort study of fifty female patients over the age of seventy years of age with a displaced intra-capsular fracture of the femoral neck. Patients with known, cognitive impairment terminal illness or active infection were excluded from the study. Patients were treated with a large head total hip replacement. Functional outcome was assessed using the the Barthel index score and the Charnley-modified Merle d’Aubigne score yearly for five years. The Oxford hip score was also recorded annually from three to ten years post op. The date and cause of death were recorded from hospital notes and death certificates.

Results: The mean age at time of femoral neck fracture was 81 years. Three patients died before discharge from hospital. The mortality rates were 18% at twelve months, 28% at two years, 44% at five years and 92% at ten years. Those patients surviving had mean Oxford scores of 24 at 3 years, 26 at 5 years, 23 at 7 years and 25 at ten years. The cause of death was ischaemic heart disease in 22%, cancer in 10%, bronchopneumonia in 12% and simply ‘old age’ in 14%.

Conclusion: Elderly female patients who are not cognitively impaired at the time of displaced intra-capsular fracture of the femoral neck have a 56% chance of living five years. Function scores in the survivors are maintained, and are better than would be expected if the patients had undergone hip hemiarthroplasty. Total hip replacement in this population may be justified.

Aims: To find out if osteosynthesis (OS) or hemiarthroplasty (HA) is better in terms of functional outcome. Patients and methods: In 1989–1996, all displaced cervical hip fractures were prospectively, using the same forms, registered at the University Hospitals of Oulu in Finland and Lund in Sweden. Cross-matchings was performed for age, sex, preoperative residence, and ambulatory capacity. Results: The first study comprised 357 pairs (OS with two hook pins and cementless Austin-Moore HA): OS was associated with a better functional outcome and lower mortality, but a higher re-operation rate than hemiarthroplasty. The second study had 446 pairs (OS two hook pins and cemntless HA): OS was associated with better function and lower mortality than HA, especially in younger patients, and it is recommended as the primary treatment for cervical non-pathological hip fractures in patients younger than 80 years and with good ambulatory capacity, whereas the oldest patients can also be safely treated by HA. The third study comprised 82 pairs (OS with three screws and cementless HA): Functional recovery is slightly better after OS with three screws than after uncemented HA, although no significant differences were seen in a sample of this size. On the other hand, OS is associated with a higher re-operation rate. Conclusion: OS seemed somewhat better in terms of functional outcome.

Background

Systematic reviews disagree, but some recent studies have shown better function and less pain after operation with bipolar hemiarthroplasty compared to fixation by two screws in elderly patients operated for displaced femoral neck fractures. There is still uncertainty regarding the mortality associated with both procedures.

Background

A well conducted randomised study found similar functional results for patients with displaced femoral neck fracture comparing operation with a modern uncemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty with a cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty. The mortality associated with the two procedures has not been sufficiently investigated.

Abstract. Objectives. Clavicle fractures are common, yet debate exists regarding which patients would benefit from conservative versus operative management. Traditionally shortening greater than 2cm has been accepted as an indicator for surgery. However, clavicle length varies between individuals. In a cadaveric study clavicle shortening greater than 15% was suggested to affect outcomes. There is no clinical correlation of this in the literature. In this study we investigate outcomes following middle third clavicle fractures and the effect of percentage shortening on union rates. Methods. We identified a consecutive series of adults with primary midshaft clavicle fractures presenting to our institution from April 2015-March 2017. Clinical records and radiographs were reviewed to elicit outcomes. Time to union was measured against factors including; percentage shortening, displacement, comminution and smoking. Statistical significance was calculated. Results. 127 patients were identified, of whom 90 were managed conservatively and 37 operatively. Fractures were displaced in 86 patients (68%). Mean age was 41.7 years (range 18–89). Mean time to union for displaced fractures was longer than for undisplaced at 13.4 and 8.9 weeks respectively (p=0.0948). Displaced fractures treated operatively had mean time to union of 12.8 weeks, three weeks shorter than those managed conservatively (p=0.0470). Mean time to union for fractures with >15% shortening was 16.0 weeks, nearly double the 8.7 weeks with <15% shortening (p= 0.0241). Smokers had 8 weeks longer time to union (p=0.0082). Nonunion rate was 10% in fractures managed conservatively and 0% in those treated operatively. Complications following operative management were plate removal (13.5%), frozen shoulder (8.1%) and infection (2.9%). Conclusions. Nonunion rate is higher in fractures managed conservatively. Shortening >15% leads to significantly longer union time and should therefore be used as an indicator for surgery. Displacement and smoking also lengthen time to union and should be considered in the operative decision process. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Abstract. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is being increasingly used for complex, displaced fractures of the proximal humerus. The main goal of the current study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic results after primary RSA of three or four-part fractures of the proximal humerus in elderly patients. Between 2012 and 2020, 70 consecutive patients with a recent three- or four-part fracture of the proximal humerus were treated with an RSA. There were 41 women and 29 men, with a mean age of 76 years. The dominant arm was involved in 42 patients (60%). All surgeries were carried out within 21 days. Displaced three-part fracture sustained in 16 patients, 24 had fracture dislocation and 30 sustained a four-part fracture of the proximal humerus. Patients were followed up for a mean of 26 months. The mean postoperative OSS at the end of the follow-up period was 32.4. The mean DASH score was 44.3. Tuberosity non-union occurred in 18 patients (12.6%), malunion in 7 patients (4.9%), heterotopic ossification in 4 patients (2.8%) and scapular notching in one patient. Anatomical reconstruction was achieved in 25 patients (17.5%), the influence of greater tuberosity healing on shoulder function could not be demonstrated. Heterotopic ossification seems to affect OSS and QDASH, we found statistically significant relation between HO and clinical outcomes. Patients with heterotopic ossification had significantly lower postoperative scores on DASH and OSS (P = .0527). Despite expecting good functional outcome with low complication rate after RSA, the functional outcome was irrespective of healing of the tuberosities

Aims

Post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures are rare but serious. Few studies carried out on small cohorts have reported them in the literature. The aim of this work is to describe the specific characteristics of post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures, and the outcome of their surgical treatment in terms of function and complications.

There is a paucity of available literature to guide the surgeon treating postoperative fractures of the greater trochanter after femoral component revision. Between 2009 and 2016, 133 patients underwent femoral component revision by the senior author utilizing a modular tapered fluted titanium stem. 17 patients died or had inadequate follow-up. Therefore, 116 patients were included in the final analysis. There were 58 males and 58 females with a mean age of 64 (range 23 to 91 years old). Clinical and radiographic data were analyzed for postoperative greater trochanteric fracture (GTfx). Mean clinical follow up was 21 months (range 3 to 77 mos). Age, BMI, preoperative diagnosis, comorbidities, reason for revision, use of Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy (ETO), fixation method of ETO, presence of prior hardware, post-operative trauma (falls), femoral component size and offset, change in leg length were analyzed to determine potential risk factors for postoperative GT fracture. There were 7 postoperative greater trochanteric fractures in 7 patients (6%). Of these, 1 occurred as a result of a postoperative fall, 1 occurred after dislocation, and 1 occurred after a fall with a subsequent dislocation. The mean time to diagnosis of the fracture was 10.7 weeks postoperatively (range one day to 37.4 weeks). 52 of 116 patients had their revision performed through an ETO. Of those, 6 had a postoperative fracture of the GT. The use of an ETO significantly increased the likelihood of postoperative GT fx (p=0.035). Regarding femoral component size, use of a longer proximal body (+10 or greater) was associated with an increased risk of postoperative GT fx (p=0.07). Two fractures were minimally (<1cm) or non-displaced and were treated non-operatively. Of these fractures, 1 united. The other fracture further displaced and resulted in recurrent instability. This was treated with excision of the fragment and a constrained liner. 5 fractures were displaced and were treated with ORIF. 3 were fixed with a cable grip device, 1 was plated, and 1 was treated with a cable grip device and a constrained liner. Of those treated with some form of ORIF, all 5 healed. Of those that underwent surgical fixation initially, 3 reported residual trochanteric pain and 1 patient had their hardware removed (trochanteric claw). 2 of these patients have a residual limp and require a cane for use as a gait aid. The patient treated non-surgically required a cane as did the patient that failed non-surgical treatment. Post-operative greater trochanteric fractures are a rare complication of femoral component revision. The use of an ETO significantly increased the rate of post of GTfx. The mean time to diagnosis of was 11 weeks. Displaced fractures of the greater trochanter treated with ORIF all healed, both cable grip devices and plates were effective. Residual limp requiring gait aids and residual trochanteric pain were common outcomes after fixation of these fractures despite successful union

Tibial plateau fractures are common injuries. Displaced fractures are treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Goals of treatment include restoration of extremity axial alignment, joint stability and congruity, allowing for early motion and prevention of osteoarthritis. Short term results of surgical fixation of tibial plateau fractures are good, however, longer term outcomes have demonstrated a higher risk of end-stage arthritis and total knee arthroplasty. Despite the vast literature around tibial plateau fractures, to our knowledge there are no series examining post-operative reductions using axial imaging. It is our goal to define the incidence of articular malreductions following surgical fixation of tibial plateau fractures, to identify patient or surgeon factors associated with malreductions, and to define any regional patterns of malreduction location. De-identified post operative computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed to identify tibial plateau malreductions with a step or gap greater than 2 mm, or condylar width greater than 5 mm. Three independent assessors reviewed the scans meeting criteria using Osirix DICOM software. Steps and gaps were mapped onto the axial sequence at the level of the joint line. Images were then matched to side and overlaid as best fit in Photoshop software to create a map of malreductions. A grid was created to divide the medial and lateral plateaus into quadrants to identify the density of malreductions by location. A multi-variate regression model was used to assess risk factors for malreduction. Sixty five post-operative CT scans were reviewed. Twenty one reductions had a step or gap more than 2 mm for a malreduction incidence of 32.3%. The incidence in patients undergoing submeniscal arthrotomy or fluoroscopic assisted reduction was 16.6% and 41.4%, respectively (p <0.001). Side of injury, age, BMI, AO fracture type, and use of locking plates were not predictive of malreduction. Malreductions were heavily weighted to the posterior lateral tibial plateau. The incidence of articular malreductions was high at 32.3%. Fluoroscopic reduction alone was a predictor for articular malreduction with most malreductions located in the posterior lateral quadrants of the plateau

Displaced femoral neck fractures can have devastating impacts on quality of life and patient function. Evidence for optimal surgical approach is far from definitive. The Hip Fracture Evaluation with Alternatives of Total Hip Arthroplasty versus Hemi-Arthroplasty (HEALTH) trial aimed to evaluate unplanned secondary procedures following total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus hemi-arthroplasty (HA) within two years of initial surgery for displaced femoral neck fractures. Secondary objectives evaluated differences in patient function, health-related quality of life, mortality, and hip-related complications HEALTH is a large randomized controlled trial that included 1,495 patients across 81 centers in 10 countries. Patients aged 50 years or older with displaced femoral neck fractures received either THA or HA. Participants were followed for 24 months post-fracture and a Central Adjudication Committee adjudicated fracture eligibility, technical placement of prosthesis, additional surgical procedures, hip-related complications, and mortality. The primary analyses were a Cox proportional hazards model with time to the primary study endpoint as the outcome and THA versus HA as the independent variable. Using multi-level linear models with three levels (centre, patient, and time), with patient and centre entered as random effects, the effect of THA versus HA on quality of life (Short Form-12 (SF-12) and EQ-5D), function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)), and mobility (Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)) were estimated separately. The majority of patients were female (70.1%), 70 years of age or older (80.2%), and able to ambulate without the aid of an assistive device before their fracture (74.4%), and the injury in the majority of the patients was a subcapital femoral neck fracture (61.9%). The primary end point occurred in 57 of 718 patients (7.9%) who were randomly assigned to THA and 60 of 723 patients (8.3%) who were randomly assigned to HA (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 1.40; p=0.79). Hip instability or dislocation occurred in 34 patients (4.7%) assigned to total hip arthroplasty and 17 patients (2.4%) assigned to hemi- arthroplasty (hazard ratio, 2.00; 99% CI, 0.97 to 4.09). Function, as measured with the total WOMAC total score, pain score, stiffness score, and function score, modestly favored THA over HA. Mortality was similar in the two treatment groups (14.3% among the patients assigned to THA and 13.1% among those assigned to HA, p=0.48). Serious adverse events occurred in 300 patients (41.8%) assigned to THA and in 265 patients (36.7%) assigned to HA. Among independently ambulating patients with displaced femoral neck fractures, the incidence of secondary procedures did not differ significantly between patients who were randomly assigned to undergo THA and those who were assigned to undergo HA, and THA provided a clinically unimportant improvement over HA in function and quality of life over 24 months

As the incidence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) rises, an increasing prevalence of peri-prosthetic femur fractures has been reported. This is likely due to the growing population with arthroplasties, increasing patient survival and a more active life-style following arthroplasty. It is the 3rd most common reason for THA reoperation (9.5%) and 5th most common reason for revision (5% with fracture risk after primary THA reported at 0.4%-1.1% and after revision at 2.1%-4%). High quality radiographs are usually sufficient to classify the fracture and plan treatment. Important issues in treatment include stem fixation status and fracture location relative to the stem. Additional comorbidities will also influence treatment choices, of which the most critical is the presence of infection and the quality of bone stock. The most commonly studied, and reported classification system is the Vancouver. Type A are peri-trochanteric fractures with AL at the lesser and AG at the greater trochanter. B fractures are those around the stem with B1 fractures having a well-fixed stem, B2 a loose stem with adequate bone stock, and B3 representing loose stem and inadequate bone stock. C fractures are distal to the stem. Type A) Trochanteric Fractures: These are usually associated with lysis. Displaced fractures can be managed adequately with cerclage fixation and cancellous allograft to fill osteolytic defects. Undisplaced fractures usually heal well with symptomatic treatment. Type B) Fractures Around the Stem: The B1 type has a well-fixed component and is usually treated with extramedullary fixation plus graft. Contemporary plates have been designed specifically for these fractures. Strut allograft may be used to provide a more rigid construct. Spiral and long oblique fractures can be cerclaged while short oblique or transverse fractures require fixation anterior and lateral with cable plates and cortical strut grafts. Screws can be used distal to the implant, and cables used proximally. The B2 type has a loose prosthesis but otherwise good bone stock. In this setting, the fracture line may be extended on the lateral cortex of the femur as an extended osteotomy to provide easy access for cement removal. These fractures can be managed with an extensively coated stem if rotational stability can be obtained in the distal segment. If rotational stability over a 4 cm scratch interference fit of the stem isn't possible, then a fluted tapered modular stem should be used. Strut allografts improve initial stability. The B3 type has both a loose prosthesis and poor bone stock and in the younger patient restoration of bone stock should be a priority. Bulk femoral grafts may be needed. The elderly or low functional demand patient may be treated with a proximal femoral replacement. Because of soft-tissue deficiencies, a constrained acetabular liner may be needed to prevent instability. Type C) Fractures Distal to the Stem: These usually accompany a stable stem and many fixation devices are available. Locking plates have become most popular and should be secured with cerclage wires proximally around the component with screws distally. Retrograde nails may be employed if there is adequate bone distal to the stem tip and above the fracture