Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present an alternative method of treatment for periprosthetic fractures of the femur.

Materials and methods: 8 patients, 4 of them after total hip arthroplasty and 4 after Austin Moore hemi-arthroplasty had periprosthetic fracture of the femur. By the classification of Beals and Towers, patients with fractures types IIIa, IIIb and IV were included in this study.

All were treated by retrograde intramedullary nailing.

The surgical procedure was done closed or open by insertion of a retrograde intramedullary nail. Distal interlocking was achieved by two transversal screws.

Clinical and radiological follow-up was performed during the first year after operation.

Results: One patient died in the postoperative period from cardiac complication and 2 failed to attend to follow-up. In 5 patients, complete healing of the fracture was noticed and return to daily activities.

Conclusions: Retrograde intramedullary nailing of the femur may be a good solution of treatment for periprosthetic fractures of the femur.