BACKGROUND: The osteosynthesis of the periprosthetic fractures following a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be technically difficult with the relatively small satisfactory outcomes and the high complication rates. The purpose of the study is to analyze the mid-term radiological and functional outcomes following the locked plating of the distal femur periprosthetic fractures after a TKA. METHODS: Records of 20 patients with a periprosthetic distal femur fracture following TKA treated by the locked plate osteosynthesis were retrospectively evaluated. The union rate, complications and functional outcome measures were analyzed. RESULTS: Successful union was achieved in 18 of the 19 patients available for the follow-up. The mean follow-up was 39 +/- 10 months. Significant reductions (p < 0.05) in the range of motion and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were evident in the follow-up. Secondary procedures were required in 5 patients to address the delay in union and the reduced knee range of motion. The osteosynthesis failed in 1 patient who underwent a revision TKA. CONCLUSIONS: The satisfactory union rates can be achieved with the locked plate osteosynthesis in the periprosthetic distal femur fractures after TKA. Prolonged rehabilitation coupled with the un-modifiable risk factors can decrease the activity and satisfaction levels, which can significantly alter the functional outcome.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/*adverse effects ; Female ; Femoral Fractures/*etiology/radiography ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/*adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Osteoporosis/epidemiology ; Periprosthetic Fractures/*etiology/radiography ; Postoperative Complications/etiology ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for an untreated acetabular fracture is technically challenging and the long-term result is not so favorable. A 45-year-old female patient with untreated column and comminuted posterior wall fracture of the acetabulum was treated in our institution by reconstruction of the posterior wall using iliac strut autograft and plate stabilization of the posterior column with cancellous grafting and cementless THA in a single stage. At 3 years?follow-up, the patient was independently mobile without limb length discrepancy. Radiological evaluation showed well integrated components and bone grafts. No evidence of aseptic loosening or osteolysis was found. This report aims to emphasize that bony acetabular reconstruction allows the use of primary hip components, which improves prosthesis longevity and preserves bone stock for a future revision.
Acetabulum ; injuries ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; methods ; Autografts ; Bone Transplantation ; Female ; Fractures, Comminuted ; surgery ; Hip Fractures ; surgery ; Humans ; Middle Aged