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

Patients with above knee amputation (AKA) often experience poor socket fit exacerbated by minor weight changes, sweating, and skin problems. A transcutaneous, press-fit distal femoral intra-medullary device was designed in 1999, such that the distal external aspect serves as a hard point for AKA prosthesis attachment. The implant is placed in a retrograde fashion, followed 6-8 weeks later by stomatisation and connected via direct extention to an AKA prosthesis. Thirty-seven patients with 39 limbs (30 males, 7 females) underwent two-stage prosthesis implantation with the Endo-Exo Femurprosthesis (EEFP) in Germany between 1999 and January 2008. Their indications for surgery were persistent AKA prosthesis socket difficulties with absence of major comorbid physical or mental illnesses. The patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a minimum of 2 years. Assessments included patient satisfaction ratings, functional surveys, pain scores, and oxygen consumption. Fifty-four percent of patients needed at least one revision (20/37); 80% were minor (16/20) and 20% were major (4/20). Most of the minor revisions were due to soft tissue stomal irritation and occurred prior to a design change in the prosthesis. 2 patients sustained traumatic, peri-trochanteric fractures that were treated operatively proximal to the implant, with retention of the implant. 4 implants were explanted due to infection or prosthesis fracture and 2 of these (50%) were later reimplanted successfully. Overall, 94.9% (37/39) limbs had ultimate EEFP implant success. All functional assessments showed statistically significant improvement over baseline except oxygen consumption, which trended toward improvement. This procedure demonstrated a high degree of functional improvement for the majority of AKA patients treated. Despite an initially high revision rate, the EEFP prosthesis achieves an extremely high rate of successful reconstruction for trans-femoral amputees when more traditional options have failed and therefore warrants further scientific study

In a retrospective study, we reviewed 45 peri-trochanteric fractures treated between April 1995 and November 2002. The mean age of the 24 men and 21 women was 71 years (57 to 91). There were 34 inter-subtrochanteric, four reverse obliquity intertrochanteric fractures and nine subtrochanteric fractures. On the AO classification, there were 11 type-31A2-2, 21 type-31A2-3 and four type-31A3-1 intertrochanteric fractures. The fracture extended into the femoral neck in one case and into the diaphysis in three. Cardiopulmonary diseases were present in more than 60% of patients. In most cases, fractures were reduced by closed reduction or reduction through a short incision. In 42 cases, a Smith and Nephew femoral reconstruction nail was used. Three fractures were stabilised with AO undreamed femoral nail with spiral blade. Distal locking screws were inserted in all cases. Progressive passive hip and knee movement was introduced from day one postoperatively. Partial weight-bearing was permitted from the onset. All but two fractures healed within 3 to 6 months. Union was delayed in two subtrochanteric fractures. Functional hip and knee movement was present in all patients. There was no sepsis. Proximal screws backed out in four cases, but this was of no functional significance. In one case the superior proximal screw was too long and required removal. In one case screws backed out of the femoral neck and further surgery was required. No breakage of screws or nail was observed. Inter-subtrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures in the elderly may be successfully managed with intramedullary femoral reconstruction nails