Aims. The goals of this study were to define the risk factors, characteristics,
and chronology of fractures in 5417 revision total hip arthroplasties
(THAs). . Patients and Methods. From our hospital’s prospectively collected database we identified
all patients who had undergone a revision THA between 1969 and 2011
which involved the femoral stem. The patients’ medical records and
radiographs were examined and the relevant data extracted. Post-operative
periprosthetic fractures were classified using the Vancouver system.
A total of 5417 revision THAs were identified. Results. There were 668 intra-operative fractures, giving an incidence
of 12%. Fractures were three times more common with uncemented stems
(19%) than with cemented stems (6%) (p <
0.001). The incidence
of intra-operative femoral fracture varied by uncemented stem type:
fully-coated (20%); proximally-coated (19%); modular fluted tapered
(16%) (p <
0.05). Most fractures occurred during the insertion
of the femoral component (35%). One-third involved the diaphysis
and 26% were of the calcar: 69% were undisplaced. There were 281 post-operative fractures of the femur (20-year
probability = 11%). There was no difference in risk for cemented
and uncemented stems. Post-operative fractures were more common
in men <
70 years (p = 0.02). Periprosthetic fractures occurred
earlier after uncemented revision of the femoral component, but
later after a cemented revision. The most common fracture type was
a Vancouver B. 1. (31%). Of all post-operative fractures,
24% underwent open reduction and internal fixation and 15% revision
arthroplasty. Conclusion. In revision THA, intra-operative fractures occurred three times
more often with an uncemented stem. Many were undisplaced diaphyseal
fractures treated with cerclage fixation. . While the risk of post-operative fracture is similar between
uncemented and cemented components, they occur at notably different
times depending on the type of stem fixation. . Take home message: In revision THA, intra-operative periprosthetic
femoral fractures occur three times more often with uncemented stems.
Many are non-displaced
We describe the results of 81 consecutive revision
total hip replacements with impaction grafting in 79 patients using
a collared polished chrome–cobalt stem, customised in length according
to the extent of distal bone loss. Our hypothesis was that the features
of this stem would reduce the rate of femoral fracture and subsidence
of the stem. The mean follow-up was 12 years (8 to 15). No intra-operative
fracture or significant subsidence occurred. Only one patient suffered
a post-operative
The goals of this study were to define the risk factors, nature,
chronology, and treatment strategies adopted for periprosthetic
femoral fractures in 32 644 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs). There were 564 intra-operative fractures (1.7%); 529 during uncemented
stem placement (3.0%) and 35 during cemented stem placement (0.23%).
Intra-operative fractures were more common in females and patients
over 65 years (p <
0.001). The majority occurred during placement
of the femoral component (60%), and involved the calcar (69%). There
were 557 post-operative fractures (20-year probability: 3.5%; 95%
confidence interval (CI) 3.2 to 3.9); 335 fractures after placement
of an uncemented stem (20-year probability: 7.7%; 95% CI 6.2 to
9.1) and 222 after placement of a cemented stem (20-year probability:
2.1%; 95% CI 1.8 to 2.5). The probability of a post-operative fracture
within 30 days after an uncemented stem was ten times higher than
a cemented stem. The most common post-operative fracture type was
a Vancouver AG (32%; n = 135), with 67% occurring after
a fall. In all, 36% (n = 152) were treated with revision arthroplasty. Aim and Methods
Results