Periprosthetic Femur Fractures

Case Example

A 66-year-old female tripped and fell while getting out of a car. Her past surgical history included a left Total Knee Replacement (TKR) performed six months earlier. Radiographs revealed a left-sided comminuted periprosthetic femur fracture proximal to the femoral component. A CT Scan was performed and the femoral component was determined to be stable. Through a minimally invasive technique with indirect reduction, the fracture was reduced and fixed using a LISS locking plate and screws. She returned for regular follow-up and healed uneventfully and at 2 years she presents with an excellent outcome including a healed periprosthetic femur fracture, resolution of pain, and a return to pre-injury activities.

$radiographs revealing a left-sided communited periprosthetic femur fracture from a case example presented by the orthopedic trauma service at Hospital for Special Surgery.$
Anteroposterior and lateral injury radiographs revealing a left-sided comminuted periprosthetic femur fracture.

$CT scan and 3D CT image revealing periprosthetic femur fracture from a case example presented by the orthopedic trauma service at Hospital for Special Surgery.$
CT scan images and 3D CT reconstruction images further delineating the fracture pattern.

$preoperative plan and radiographs 2 years following fracture surgery from a case example of periprosthetic femur fractures from the orthopedic trauma service at Hospital for Special Surgery.$
Pre-operative plan (left image) for fracture reduction and fixation with a LISS locking plate and anteroposterior and lateral views at 2 years (right images) following fracture surgery illustrate a healed periprosthetic femur fracture.

Research Publications

The HSS Orthopedic Trauma Service has conducted many studies. Please see our publications on periprosthetic fractures and use of locking plates in fracture treatment.