[Periprosthetic femoral fractures in total hip prosthesis implantation. Functional and radiological comparison between plate osteosynthesis and proximal femur replacement].

AIM

Clinical and radiological examinations were performed to compare plate osteosynthesis (group 1) with replacement of the proximal femur by tumor prosthesis (group 2) in patients with ipsilateral femoral fractures around a hip prosthesis.

METHOD

Of 24 consecutive patients with 25 fractures, nine had died and one could be contacted by telephone leaving 14 hips (in one case only recent X-rays were available) for final review (nine patients from group 1; five from group 2).

RESULTS

At the time of examination four patients of group 1 were using one cane or were walking without any support, all patients of group 2 needed one or two crutches. In 5 of 9 patients in group 1 and in 4 of 5 in group 2 a firm fit of the prosthesis was observed.

CONCLUSION

Group 1 achieved better clinical results in postoperative mobility, whereas femoral replacement showed better radiological results. Survival of patients with tumor prostheses was considerably superior to that of patients with plate osteosynthesis.