Outcomes of post-operative periprosthetic femur fracture around total hip arthroplasty: A review

As the number of primary total hip arthroplasties increase over the next several decades so will the incidence of periprosthetic fractures around the femoral stem. Treatment can reliably be predicted using the Vancouver classification with internal fixation being indicated in fractures involving a stable implant and revision arthroplasty indicated in those with unstable prostheses. Non-displaced fractures involving the greater and lesser trochanter can generally be treated non-operatively. Extensively porous-coated stems and the use of modular uncemented revision stems to treat Vancouver B fractures have shown encouraging results. The treatment of Vancouver C periprosthetic fractures continues to follow basic AO fixation principles with an emphasis on eliminating stress risers with adequate implant overlap and length. This review will focus on the risk factors and classification of these fractures, as well as highlight the treatment options for post-operative periprosthetic femoral fractures around a total hip arthroplasty.