Hip Revision Arthroplasty of Periprosthetic Fractures Vancouver B2 and B3 with a Modular Revision Stem: Short-Term Results and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND

Periprosthetic fractures Vancouver type B2/B3 after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a challenging entity with increasing numbers. Limited data are available for this type of fracture treated with modular stems. Therefore, this study evaluated the outcome of Vancouver type B2/B3 fractures treated with a modular hip revision stem using a subproximal/distal anchorage and compared it to the current literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A consecutive series of periprosthetic Vancouver type B2/B3 fractures treated with a modular revision stem was retrospectively (2013 - 2016) evaluated. Assessment included the clinical (HHS, pain, ROM) as well as the radiological outcome (subsidence, loosening, facture healing). In adddition, the surgical technique is described in detail and results are compared with the current literature.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients (female/male 12/6) with Vancouver B2/B3 (n = 12/6) fractures with a mean age of 75.5 (60 - 89) years were included. The revision stem was inserted via a modified transgluteal approach (n = 16) or classical transfemoral approach (n = 2). The mean follow-up was 18.5 months, with a mean Harris Hip Score of 72.5 ± 18.7 (35.0 - 99.0) points. The fracture healing rate was 94.4% (n = 17) with osseous integration according to Engh in all cases. Dislocations of the greater trochanter were recorded in seven patients (38.9%). According to Beals and Towers, all results were rated excellent or good. No implant-related failure or relevant subsidence during this time was observed. Major complications were observed in five patients with two periprosthetic joint infections and two cases of major revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

This study assessing Vancouver B2/3 fractures shows reproducible, good, short-term results in terms of subsidence and clinical functional outcome by the use of a modular revision stem. The transfemoral approach together with the modular stem allows for a stable fixation and good fracture healing. However, our data and review of the literature also documents the difficulties and higher complication rate associated with Vancouver B2/3 fractures.