Partridge Cerclene system for femoral fractures in osteoporotic bones with ipsilateral hemi/total arthroplasty.

The Partridge Cerclene system was used for femoral fractures in 15 elderly patients with osteoporotic bones who previously had a hemiarthroplasty (12) or total hip arthroplasty (3) inserted. The operation is less extensive than others have suggested in similar cases. All of the patients could immediately be mobilized out of bed. Weight bearing was not allowed and a splint was required in most cases for the first 3 months. Six fractures around the prosthesis healed uneventfully. One distally located fracture was reoperated due to loosening of the nylon plates. Two patients with distally located fractures showed no signs of osseous healing at follow-up evaluation 12 and 17 months after the operation. They were painless but still dependent on external support. It is concluded that the method is an important alternative treatment in this group of patients, especially in fractures around a hip prosthesis.