[Pathologic fracture of the distal femur in total knee arthroplasty. Polyethylene-wear-induced osteolysis? A case report].

Malignant bone tumors and osteitis of the distal femur are common at every age. These conditions must be considered in patients with total knee arthroplasty and suspicious x-rays. A patient with gross polyethylene-wear-induced osteolysis and periprosthetic fracture is described. Neoplasm and infectious granuloma were excluded through biopsy, and the bone defect was bridged with a rotating hinged distal femoral replacement.