Aims. The aim of this study was to assess the necessity of revising the acetabular component in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with a Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) who require revision of the femoral component. The hypothesis was that revision of both the acetabular and femoral components and using a dual-mobility acetabular component would provide a lower postoperative risk of dislocation, without increasing perioperative morbidity and mortality. Methods. Data were retrospectively analyzed from a continuously gathered database. We included 150 revisions, performed between January 2015 and December 2022, in 150 patients, with 81 revisions limited to only the femoral component and 69 involving revision of both components. This resulted, after surgery, in 60 patients having a simple-mobility acetabular component and 90 having a dual-mobility component. The mean age of the patients was 79.7 years (SD 10.1), and 98 were female (65.3%). The mean follow-up was 31 months (SD 2.3). Results. There were no significant differences between those in whom only the femoral component was revised and those in whom both components were revised with the use of a dual-mobility acetabular component for the rate of intraoperative complications, postoperative mortality, blood loss, the requirement of a blood transfusion, medical complications, dislocation (11/81 in the femoral component-only group vs 6/69 in the femoral + acetabular component revision group) or the overall need for reoperation at the final follow-up. Patients were at a significantly higher risk for dislocation when a simple-mobility component was retained (18.3% (n = 11) vs 6.7% (n = 6) for dual-mobility implants; p = 0.036). The revision rate prompted by postoperative instability was significantly higher in patients in whom a simple-mobility acetabular component was retained at revision (10% (n = 6) vs 0%; p = 0.002). Conclusion. Based on these results, concurrent revision of the acetabular component was not associated with a higher rate of mortality or increased morbidity and patients in whom a dual-mobility acetabular component was used were significantly less prone to dislocation. We thus recommend routine revision of the acetabular component in favour of a dual-mobility component for patients sustaining a Vancouver B2 PFF requiring revision of the femoral component if their initial THA included a simple-mobility acetabular component. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2025;107-B(2):164–172

Periprosthetic fractures (PPF) of the femur following total hip arthroplasty represent a significant complication with a rising incidence. The commonest subtype is Vancouver B2 type, for which revision to a long uncemented tapered fluted stem is a widely accepted management. In this study we compare this procedure to the less commonly performed cement-in-cement revision. All patients undergoing surgical intervention for a Vancouver B2 femoral PPF in a cemented stem from 2008 – 2018 were identified. We collated patient age, gender, ASA score, BMI, operative time, blood transfusion requirement, change in haemoglobin (Hb) level, length of hospital stay and last Oxford Hip Score (OHS). Radiographic analysis was performed to assess time to fracture union and leg length discrepancy. Complications and survivorship of implant and patients were recorded. 43 uncemented and 29 cement-in-cement revisions were identified. There was no difference in patient demographics between groups. A significantly shorter operative time was found in the cement-in-cement group, but there was no difference in transfusion requirement, Hb change, or length of hospital stay. OHS was comparable between groups. A non-significant increase in overall complication rates was found in the revision uncemented group, with a significantly higher dislocation rate. Time of union was comparable and there were no non-unions in the cement-in-cement group. A greater degree of stem subsidence was found in the uncemented group. There was no difference in any revision surgery required in either group. Three patients in the uncemented group died in the perioperative period, compared to none in the cement-in-cement group. With appropriate patient selection, both cement-in-cement and long uncemented tapered stem revision represent appropriate treatment options for Vancouver B2 fractures

Aims. We aimed to compare the implant survival, complications, readmissions, and mortality of Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) treated with internal fixation with that of B1 PFFs treated with internal fixation and B2 fractures treated with revision arthroplasty. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 112 PFFs, of which 47 (42%) B1 and 27 (24%) B2 PFFs were treated with internal fixation, whereas 38 (34%) B2 fractures underwent revision arthroplasty. Decision to perform internal fixation for B2 PFFs was based on specific radiological (polished femoral components, intact bone-cement interface) and clinical criteria (low-demand patient). Median follow-up was 36.4 months (24 to 60). Implant survival and mortality over time were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Adverse events (measured with a modified Dindo-Clavien classification) and 90-day readmissions were additionally compared between groups. Results. In all, nine (8.01%) surgical failures were detected. All failures occurred within the first 24 months following surgery. The 24-month implant survival was 95.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89.13 to 100) for B1 fractures treated with internal fixation, 90% (95% CI 76.86 to 100) for B2 PFFs treated with osteosynthesis-only, and 85.8% (95% CI 74.24 to 97.36) for B2 fractures treated with revision THA, without significant differences between groups (p = 0.296). Readmissions and major adverse events including mortality were overall high, but similar between groups (p > 0.05). The two-year patient survival rate was 87.1% (95% CI 77.49 to 95.76), 66.7% (95% CI 48.86 to 84.53), and 84.2% (95% CI 72.63 to 95.76), for the B1 group, B2 osteosynthesis group, and B2 revision group, respectively (p = 0.102). Conclusion. Implant survival in Vancouver B2 PFFs treated with internal fixation was similar to that of B1 fractures treated with the same method and to B2 PFFs treated with revision arthroplasty. Low-demand, elderly patients with B2 fractures around well-cemented polished femoral components with an intact bone-cement interface can be safely treated with internal fixation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1222–1230

Tapered, fluted, modular, titanium stems are increasingly popular in the operative management of Vancouver B2 and selected B3 peri-prosthetic femoral fractures. We have reviewed the results at our institution looking at stem survival and clinical outcomes and compared this with reported outcomes in the literature. Stem survival at a mean of 54 months was 96% in our series and 97% for combined published cases. Review of radiology showed maintenance or improvement of bone stock in 89% of cases with high rates of femoral union. Favourable clinical outcome scores have reported by several authors. No difference in survival or clinical scores was observed between B2 and B3 fractures. Tapered stems are a useful option in revision for femoral fracture across the spectrum of femoral bone deficiency. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:17–20

We assessed the outcome of patients with Vancouver type B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures treated with femoral revision using an uncemented extensively porous-coated implant. A retrospective clinical and radiographic assessment of 22 patients with a mean follow-up of 33.7 months was performed. The mean time from the index procedure to fracture was 10.8 years. There were 17 patients with a satisfactory result. Complications in four patients included subsidence in two, deep sepsis in one, and delayed union in one. Concomitant acetabular revision was required in 19 patients. Uncemented extensively porous-coated femoral stems incorporate distally allowing stable fixation. We found good early survival rates and a low incidence of nonunion using this implant

Background: Periprosthetic fractures are now recognised as the second most frequent reason for revision following total hip replacement, less so than aseptic loosening but more so than dislocation and infection. The post-operative incidence of peri-prosthetic fracture is approximately 1% after primary arthroplasty and 4% after revision surgery. 75% of postoperative femoral fractures are associated with prosthetic loosening. The Vancouver system, a reliable and valid classification scheme, sub-classifies fractures around the stem of the prosthesis into three types. B2 is where there is a loose implant but adequate bone stock and B3 is where the implant is loose and bone stock is deficient. Aim: To assess the outcome of patients with Vancouver type B2 and B3 fractures treated with femoral revision using an uncemented extensively porous coated implant (Solution ® stem). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed. Patients in addition attended for a clinical and radiographic assessment. Engh’s criteria for osseointegration of cementless components and the length of time to fracture union were the radiographic endpoints. The Harris hip score was used for clinical assessment with a score of above 80 indicating a satisfactory result. Results: From July 1999 to present, we identified 22 such patients treated with this method. The mean duration of follow-up was 33.7 months with a minimum of 12 months. The mean age of patients was 78.7 years (range 67–88). The mean time from the index procedure to fracture was 10.8 years (range 7–20 years). The index procedure was a primary total hip replacement in all but 2 cases (revisions). 18 patients had a good result. Four patients had a poor result. The mean Harris Hip Score in the 18 patients was with good results was 82.7 and 69 in those with poor results. The mean duration to fracture union was 5.2 months (range 4–8 months). 17 patients needed concomitant acetabular cup revision. No patient showed any evidence of loosening or subsidence. 2 patients presented with deep seated infection (1 early, 1 late). Conclusion: Periprosthetic fractures in the setting of a loose prosthesis present a difficult reconstructive challenge. Uncemented extensively porous coated femoral implants incorporate distal with intramedullary fixation of most fractures, permitting fracture healing as well as achieving osseointegration. We report good early survival rates, stable fixation and a low incidence of non union using this implant

The Exeter stem is a polished cemented stem that has been associated with an excellent survivorship. However, this wedge shaped stem has also been associated with a relative higher risk for a peri-periprosthetic fracture due to the wedge-shaped configuration that can lead to a Vancouver type B2 fracture when the stem is being driven downwards inside the femoral canal by a traumatic blast. Traditionally, these fractures should be treated with a revision stem because the stem has become loosened in the fractured cement mantle. We present a case series of 5 cases where our treatment algorithm was to first let the non-displaced fracture to consolidate by 6 weeks of limited weight bearing as tolerated in order to conduct a second stage in-cement revision. This would simplify the revision procedure dramatically. However, all patients are currently pain free and do not require revision surgery although they are being monitored very closely. We conclude that non-displaced Vancouver type B2 fractures can be approached by a 2 stage treatment algorithm where the initial step is to let the fracture consolidate with limited weight bearing

PFFs are an increasing burden presenting to the acute trauma services. The purpose of this study is to show that cemented revision for Vancouver B2/B3 PFFs is a safe option in the geriatric population, allows early pain-free weight bearing and comparable to a control-group of uncemented stems with regard to return to theatre and revision surgery. A retrospective review was conducted of all PFFs treated in a Level 1 trauma centre from 2015-2020. Follow up x-rays and clinical course through electronic chart was reviewed for 78 cemented revisions and 49 uncemented revisions for PFF. Primary endpoints were all cause revision and return to theatre for any reason. Secondary endpoints recorded mobility status and all-cause mortality. In the cemented group there were 73 Vancouver B2, 5 Vancouver B3 PFF; the mean age was 79.7 years and mean radiological follow-up of 11.9 months. In the cementless group there were 32 Vancouver B2 and 17 Vancouver B3 PFFs; with all 49 patients undergoing distally bearing uncemented revision, the mean age was 72.7 years and mean radiological follow-up of 21.3 months. Patients treated with a cemented prosthesis had significantly higher ASA score (2.94 -v- 2.43, p<0.001). The primary endpoints showed that there was no significant difference in all cause revision 3/78 and 5/49 p=0.077, or return to theatre 13/78 -v- 12/49 p=0.142. Secondary endpoints revealed no significant difference in in-hospital mortality. The cementless group were more likely to be mobilising without any aid at latest follow-up 35/49 -v- 24/78 p<0.001. The use of cemented revision femoral component in the setting of PFFs is one option in the algorithm for management of unstable PFFs according to the Vancouver classification. Evidence from this case-control study, shows that the all-cause revision and return to theatre for any cause was comparable in both groups

Aims. The objectives of this study were to investigate the patient characteristics and mortality of Vancouver type B periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) subgroups divided into two groups according to femoral component stability and to compare postoperative clinical outcomes according to treatment in Vancouver type B2 and B3 fractures. Methods. A total of 126 Vancouver type B fractures were analyzed from 2010 to 2019 in 11 associated centres' database (named TRON). We divided the patients into two Vancouver type B subtypes according to implant stability. Patient demographics and functional scores were assessed in the Vancouver type B subtypes. We estimated the mortality according to various patient characteristics and clinical outcomes between the open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and revision arthroplasty (revision) groups in patients with unstable subtype. Results. The one-year mortality rate of the stable and unstable subtype of Vancouver type B was 9.4% and 16.4%. Patient demographic factors, including residential status and pre-injury mobility were associated with mortality. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients treated with ORIF and Revision in either Vancouver B subtype. Patients treated with revision had significantly higher Parker Mobility Score (PMS) values (5.48 vs 3.43; p = 0.00461) and a significantly lower visual analogue scale (VAS) values (1.06 vs 1.94; p = 0.0399) for pain than ORIF in the unstable subtype. Conclusion. Among patients with Vancouver type B fractures, frail patients, such as those with worse scores for residential status and pre-injury mobility, had a high mortality rate. There was no significant difference in mortality between patients treated with ORIF and those treated with revision. However, in the unstable subtype, the PMS and VAS values at the final follow-up examination were significantly better in patients who received revision. Based on postoperative activities of daily life, we therefore recommend evision in instances when either treatment option is feasible. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(1):38–46

Aims. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of Vancouver type B2 and B3 fractures by performing a systematic review of the methods of surgical treatment which have been reported. Materials and Methods. A systematic search was performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. For inclusion, studies required a minimum of ten patients with a Vancouver type B2 and/or ten patients with a Vancouver type B3 fracture, a minimum mean follow-up of two years and outcomes which were matched to the type of fracture. Studies were also required to report the rate of re-operation as an outcome measure. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database. . Results. A total of 22 studies were included based on the eligibility criteria, including 343 B2 fractures and 167 B3 fractures. The mean follow-up ranged from 32 months to 74 months. . Of 343 Vancouver B2 fractures, the treatment in 298 (86.8%) involved revision arthroplasty and 45 (12.6%) were treated with internal fixation alone. A total of 37 patients (12.4%) treated with revision arthroplasty and six (13.3%) treated by internal fixation only underwent further re-operation. . Of 167 Vancouver B3 fractures, the treatment in 160 (95.8%) involved revision arthroplasty and eight (4.8%) were treated with internal fixation without revision. A total of 23 patients (14.4%) treated with revision arthroplasty and two (28.6%) treated only with internal fixation required re-operation. Conclusion. A significant proportion, particularly of B2 fractures, were treated without revision of the stem. These were associated with a higher rate of re-operation. The treatment of B3 fractures without revision of the stem resulted in a high rate of re-operation. This demonstrates the importance of careful evaluation and accurate characterisation of the fracture at the time of presentation to ensure the correct management. There is a need for improvement in the reporting of data in case series recording the outcome of the surgical treatment of periprosthetic fractures. We have suggested a minimum dataset to improve the quality of data in studies dealing with these fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B(4 Supple B):17–25

Aims. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the incidence of early periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) associated with Charnley-Kerboull (CK) femoral components cemented according to the ‘French paradox’ principles through the Hueter anterior approach (HAA) in patients older than 70 years. Methods. From a prospectively collected database, all short CK femoral components implanted consecutively from January 2018 to May 2022 through the HAA in patients older than 70 years were included. Exclusion criteria were age below 70 years, use of cementless femoral component, and approaches other than the HAA. A total of 416 short CK prostheses used by 25 surgeons with various levels of experience were included. All patients had a minimum of one-year follow-up, with a mean of 2.6 years (SD 1.1). The mean age was 77.4 years (70 to 95) and the mean BMI was 25.3 kg/m. 2. (18.4 to 43). Femoral anatomy was classified according to Dorr. The measured parameters included canal flare index, morphological cortical index, canal-calcar ratio, ilium-ischial ratio, and anterior superior iliac spine to greater trochanter (GT) distance. Results. Among the 416 THAs, two PFFs (0.48% (95% confidence interval 0.13 to 1.74)) were observed, including one Vancouver type B2 fracture 24 days postoperatively and one intraoperative Vancouver type B1 fracture. Valgus malalignment and higher canal bone ratio were found to be associated with PFF. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that short CK femoral components cemented according to the French paradox were associated with a low rate of early PFF (0.48%) in patients aged over 70 years. Longer follow-up is warranted to further evaluate the rate of fracture that may occur during the bone remodelling process and with time. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):67–73

We sought to determine the short to medium-term clinical and radiographic outcomes using a short stem in young adults with a proximal femoral deformity (PFD). We prospectively studied 31 patients (35 hips) with PFDs treated with an uncemented primary THA using a short stem with cervicometaphyseal fixation between 2011–2018. There were 19 male (23 hips) and 12 female (12 hips) patients, with a mean BMI of 26.7±4.1 kg/m. 2. Twelve cases had a previous surgical procedure, and six of them were failed childhood osteotomies. Mean age of the series was 44±12 years, mean follow-up was 81±27 months and no patients were lost to follow-up. PFDs were categorized according to a modified Berry´s classification. Average preoperative leg-length discrepancy (LLD) was −16.3 mm (−50 to 2). At a mean time of 81 months of follow-up, survival rate was 97% taking revision of the stem for any reason and 100% for aseptic loosening as endpoints. No additional femoral osteotomy was required in any case. Average surgical time was 66 minutes (45 to 100). There was a significant improvement in the mHHS score when comparing preoperative and postoperative values (47.3±10.6 vs. 92.3±3.7, p=0.0001). Postoperative LLD was in average 1 mm (−9 to 18) (p=0.0001). According to Engh's criteria, all stems were classified as stable without signs of loosening. Postoperative complications included 1 pulmonary embolism, 1 neurogenic sciatic pain, 1 transient sciatic nerve palsy that recovered completely after six months, and 2 acute periprosthetic joint infections. One patient suffered a Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fracture 45 days after surgery and was revised with a modular distally fixed uncemented fluted stem. A type 2B short stem evidenced promising outcomes at short to medium-term follow up in young adult patients with PFDs, avoiding the need for corrective osteotomies and a revision stem

Objectives. Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) have a higher incidence with cementless stems. The highest incidence among various cementless stem types was observed with double-wedged stems. Short stems have been introduced as a bone-preserving alternative with a higher incidence of PFF in some studies. The purpose of this study was a direct load-to-failure comparison of a double-wedged cementless stem and a short cementless stem in a cadaveric fracture model. Methods. Eight hips from four human cadaveric specimens (age mean 76 years (60 to 89)) and eight fourth-generation composite femurs were used. None of the cadaveric specimens had compromised quality (mean T value 0.4 (-1.0 to 5.7)). Each specimen from a pair randomly received either a double-wedged stem or a short stem. A materials testing machine was used for lateral load-to-failure test of up to a maximal load of 5000 N. Results. Mean load at failure of the double-wedged stem was 2540 N (1845 to 2995) and 1867 N (1135 to 2345) for the short stem (p < 0.001). All specimens showed the same fracture pattern, consistent with a Vancouver B2 fracture. The double-wedged stem was able to sustain a higher load than its short-stemmed counterpart in all cases. Failure force was not correlated to the bone mineral density (p = 0.718). Conclusion. Short stems have a significantly lower primary load at failure compared with double-wedged stems in both cadaveric and composite specimens. Surgeons should consider this biomechanical property when deciding on the use of short femoral stem. Cite this article: A. Klasan, M. Bäumlein, P. Dworschak, C. Bliemel, T. Neri, M. D. Schofer, T. J. Heyse. Short stems have lower load at failure than double-wedged stems in a cadaveric cementless fracture model. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:489–494. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.810.BJR-2019-0051.R1

Introduction. Cementless grit-blasted tapered-wedge titanium femoral stems are being used with increasing frequency in hip arthroplasty because of excellent long-term outcomes. However, periprosthetic femur fracture is a potentially worrisome phenomenon in these types of femoral stems. The aim of this study is to report the incidence of stem loosening in association with periprosthetic femur fractures following hip arthroplasty using cementless grit-blasted tapered-wedge stems. Materials & Methods. A total of 36 Vancouver Type B1 and B2 periprosthetic femur fractures following either hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty using cementless grit-blasted tapered-wedge titanium femoral stems (GB group) were identified from a retrospective review of the medical records at three participating academic institutions. The control group consisted of 21 Vancouver Type B1 and B2 periprosthetic femur fractures following either hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty using cementless proximal porous-coated femoral stems (PC group) at the same institutions during the same period of the study. All femoral stems included in this study had been a well-fixed state before the occurrence of periprosthetic femur fractures. All patients in both groups were treated surgically with either open reduction and internal fixation or femoral stem revision. Femoral stem stability was assessed by preoperative radiographs and was confirmed by intraoperative scrutinization. The incidence of stem loosening was compared between the groups. Results. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to demographic data including age, gender, body mass index, primary diagnosis, Dorr types of proximal femur, and time to fracture. All fractures occurred from low-energy mechanisms. Mean age at the time of hip arthroplasty was 54.5 years in the GB group and 57.0 years in the PC group. Mean time interval between hip arthroplasty and periprosthetic fracture was 49.6 months in the GB group and 44.4 months in the PC group. At the time of the last follow-up, 29 (80.6%) of 36 fractures was Vancouver B2 in the GB group, whereas only 3 (14.3%) of 21 fractures was Vancouver B2 in the PC group (P <0.001). Conclusions. High incidence of stem loosening was developed in association with periprosthetic femur fractures in previously well-fixed cementless grit-blasted tapered-wedge femoral stems in our population. We believe that this is an underreported phenomenon of these types of stem design

To review the results of periprosthetic femoral fractures treated using Dall-Miles cable and plates. Periprosthetic femoral fractures are increasingly common and their treatment is challanging for Orthopaedic surgeons. Dall-Miles cable and palte system is the current impalnt of choice for periprosthetic femoral fractures following hip arthroplasty. Between January 1999 and December 2001, twenty-two patients with periprosthetic femoral fracture around hip arthroplasty were treated with Dall-Miles system. Thirteen patients required bone grafting (allograft) at time of surgery. The average age of the group was 82 with eighteen females and four men. Thirteen were Vancouver type B2, two type B1, six type C and one type A fracture. All patients were followed up to fracture union. Two patients had fracture of the plate and required further surgery. Two patients had symptomatic loosening even though the fracture had united and underwent revision hip replacement. These four patients were Vancouver type B2. Nine Vancouver B2 patients had fracture union with no need for revision. All other patients had fracture union with no major complications. The Dall-Miles cable and plate system provides an easy to use implant with satisfactory outcome. The simplicity of the system allows widespread acceptance in these increasingly common fractures. It is particularly useful to obtain bony union in elderly patients not fit enough for a major revision surgery

The aim of this study is to determine whether fixation, as opposed to revision arthroplasty, can be safely used to treat reducible Vancouver B type fractures in association with a cemented collarless polished tapered femoral stem (the Exeter). This is a retrospective cohort study of 152 operatively managed consecutive unilateral Vancouver B fractures involving Exeter stems. 130 were managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and 22 with revision arthroplasty. Radiographs were assessed and classified by 3 observers. The primary outcome measure was revision of ≥1 component. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for revision following ORIF. Secondary outcomes included any reoperation, complications, blood transfusion, length of hospital stay and mortality. Fractures (B1 n=74 (49%); B2 n=50 (33%); and B3 n=28 (18%)) occurred at mean 6.7±10.4 years after primary THA (n=143) or hemiarthroplasty (n=15). Mean follow up was 6.5 ±2.6 years (3.2 to 12.1). Rates of revision and reoperation were significantly higher following revision arthroplasty compared to ORIF for B2 (p=0.001) fractures and B3 fractures (p=0.05). Five-year survival was significantly better following ORIF: 92% (86.4 to 97.4 95%CI) Vs 63% (41.7 to 83.3), p<0.001. No independent predictors of revision following ORIF were identified: fixation of B2 or B3 fractures was not associated with an increased risk of revision. Dislocation was the commonest mode of failure after revision arthroplasty. ORIF was associated with reduced blood transfusion requirement and reoperations, but there were no differences in medical complications, hospital stay or mortality between surgical groups. When the bone-cement interface was intact and the fracture was anatomically reducible, Vancouver B2 fractures around Exeter stems can be treated with fixation as opposed to revision arthroplasty. Fixation of Vancouver B3 fractures can be performed in frail elderly patients without increasing revision risk

Periprosthetic fractures after total hip arthroplasty are challenging, with potential difficulties associated not only with the fracture but also with implant loosening and bone loss. The incidence of periprosthetic fractures is gradually increasing. We undertook this study to evaluate the periprosthetic fractures presenting to our unit in terms of mechanism of failure, classification and treatment. Charts of patients with periprosthetic fractures presenting within the past six years were retrospectively analysed for demographic and injury details and corresponding radiographs were reviewed to classify the fracture and follow treatment. 45 fractures were identified, with an average age of 78.3 years. The male to female ratio was 5:4. Only 4 fractures occurred in revision prostheses. Two fractures were intraoperative. The Vancouver system was used to classify the fractures, which can also form a basis for treatment. Three fractures of Vancouver type A were managed conservatively without complication. Thirteen fractures were Vancouver type B1, 12 of which underwent internal fixation, mostly plate osteosynthesis; two of these subsequently failed. Recent fractures have been stabilised using locking plates, with no recorded failures. Fifteen fractures were Vancouver type B2, 11 of which were greater than 5 years post arthroplasty. Most underwent revision of the femoral component. Five of these patients had reported pain for some time preceding fracture. Seven fractures were Vancouver type B3, all occurring greater than 7 years post arthroplasty. Most underwent femoral revision. Seven fractures were Vancouver type C, all underwent plate fixation without failure. Although there is variability within the group studied, this series demonstrates gradual standardisation of treatment with use of locking plates and a preferred long revision femoral stem. The reports of pain preceding fracture in a proportion of the Vancouver B2 group prompts greater postoperative surveillance in patients with early signs of femoral loosening

In recent years, the direct anterior approach (DAA) has become a standard approach for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). With the increasing use of the DAA in primary cases also more and more revision surgeries are performed through the same interval. With ability to extend the DAA interval proximally and distally, loose cups, loose stems, and even periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPF) can be treated. Especially, PPF are devastating complications causing functional limitations and increased mortality. Therefore, we conducted a study to report the outcome of surgical treatment of PPF with the DAA interval. We report on the one year complications and mortality in 40 cases with a mean clinical follow-up of 1.5 years. Mean age of patients was 74.3 years. Fractures were classified as Vancouver B2 (36), and B3 (N=4). In 14 cases, a standard stem was used, and in 26 cases a modular revision stem. In 30 cases, a distal extension +/- tensor release was used, in 4 cases a proximal tensor release was done, and in the remaining 6 cases revision could be performed without extension of the approach. Median cut/suture time was 152 minutes (IQR 80 – 279). The overall complication rate in our patient group was 12.5%. 2 patients died in the first three months after operation. One patient had a transient femoral nerve palsy, which completely recovered. The DAA interval to the hip for the treatment of PFF showed similar results compared with other approaches regarding mortality, complications, fracture healing, dislocation rate and clinical results. We conclude that femoral revision in case of PPF in the DAA interval is a safe and reliable procedure. Each Vancouver type of periprosthetic fracture can be treated by use of this approach

Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is of raising concern with the aging of the population. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the incidence of early PFF associated with Charnley- Kerboull (CK) stems cemented line-to-line according to the “French paradox” principles through the anterior approach (AA) in patients older than 70 years old. This monocentric study involved 25 surgeons with various level of experience. From a prospectively collected database, all CK stems (AmisK®, Medacta, Castel San Pietro, Switzerland) done consecutively from January 2018 to May 2022 through the AA in patients older than 70 years were included. The measured parameters included canal flare index (CFI), morphological cortical index (MCI), canal-calcar ratio (CCR), ilium-ischial ratio (IIR), ilium overhang, and anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to greater trochanter distance. Dorr classification was also recorded. A total of 416 CK stems performed by 25 surgeons were included. All patients had a minimal 3-month follow-up. The mean age was 77.4 years, and the mean BMI was 25.3 kg/m. 2. According to the Dorr classification 240 hips were of Dorr type A, 144 Dorr type B, and 2 Dorr type C. Mean CFI, MCI, CCR, IIR and ASIS-GT were 3.8, 0.5, 2.8, 2.5, and 101mm, respectively. Amongst the 416 THAs, one (0.24%; 95% CI 0.20 – 0.28%) early PFF Vancouver type B2 fracture that occurred 24 days postoperatively was observed. This study demonstrated that CK stems cemented according to the “French Paradox” were associated with an extremely low rate of early PFF in patients over 70 years. The observed results are better than those reported with uncemented or taper slip cemented stems. Longer follow-up is warranted to evaluate further rate of fracture that may occur during the bone remodeling process around the femoral component

Background. Periprosthetic femoral fractures following total hip arthroplasty are relatively uncommon but are associated with significant morbidity. With an increasing number of total hip arthroplasties being carried out in an aging population we need to ensure correct implants are chosen for our patients. A recent review of NJR data suggested a significantly higher revision risk for the Zimmer CPT stems due to periprosthetic fractures when compared to the Stryker Exeter stems. Objectives. Our aim was to compare the biomechanics of periprosthetic fractures around the CPT and Exeter V40 stems in a composite saw bone model to identify if a difference in fracture risk exists between the two stems. We also compared the engineering design of the two implants in order to analyse the possible effect this may have on fracture risk. Study Design & Methods. Fourteen composite femurs were divided into two groups and cemented using Palacos R cement with either the CPT or Exeter V40 stem by a single surgeon. The implanted femurs were then mounted onto an Instron machine and were axially loaded and torqued to fracture with an axial compressive force of 2000N over 10 seconds followed by a rotation of 40 degrees applied over 1 second. A power calculation from a previous composite saw bone model study suggested that a minimum of 6 implanted femurs would be required in each group. Results. The implanted femurs invariably sustained fracture patterns similar to the Vancouver B2 periprosthetic fracture which are commonly seen in clinical practice. Implanted femurs with CPT stems suffered periprosthetic fractures with less rotation when compared to those femurs with the Exeter V40 stem (20.10 versus 33.60, p<0.01). We also found that CPT implanted femurs were fracturing at significantly lower torque values when compared to the Exeter V40 implanted femurs (124Nm Versus 174Nm, p<0.01). The energy release rate (G111) for CPT stems was 21.8Nm compared to 61.2Nm for Exeter V40 stems. The higher energy release with Exeter stems led to more comminuted fractures in Exeter implanted femurs when compared to the CPT femurs, which fractured earlier, but with simpler fracture patterns. Finite element method (FEM) simulation analysis showed that fractures initiated between the prosthesis and cement at the proximal end of the femur. Two dimensional sections at the same height showed a difference in bone-cement-implant geometrics at the critical point of failure suggesting that a design cause may be the reason for the higher risk of periprosthetic fractures in CPT implanted femurs. Conclusions. Our observations may explain the higher revision risk secondary to periprosthetic fractures that has been observed with the CPT stem when compared to the Exeter V40 stem