Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures: clinical and radiological outcomes from a tertiary care center

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to report mid-term clinical and radiographic results after hip arthroplasty revision in Vancouver type B2 femoral periprosthetic fractures (PPFx). Specifical focus of the paper is as follows: (1) the description of a standardized and reproducible surgical technique, (2) functional outcomes presentation and (3) type and number of complications and implants' survival rate analysis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all patients treated for hip revision with non-modular tapered fluted titanium stem in patients with Vancouver type B2 femur PPFx at a single institution. At least 18 months' follow-up period was required. Harris Hip Scores and SF-12 were obtained, and radiographical follow-up was performed. Complications were reported and analyzed.ResultsThe authors included 114 patients (114 hips) with a mean follow-up of 62.8 & PLUSMN; 30.6 months. All patients were treated with Wagner SL revision hip stem (Zimmer-Biomet), metal cerclage wires & PLUSMN; trochanteric plate. The mean HHS and SF-12 score at the last follow-up evaluation were respectively 81.3 & PLUSMN; 9.7 and 32.5 & PLUSMN; 7.6. Seventeen (14.9%) complications occurred. We observed five cases of dislocations, two of periprosthetic joint infections and six cases of new PPFx. The stem-related revision rate for any cause at the final FU was 1.7%, due to PJI. No patients underwent stem revision surgery for aseptic loosening. Fracture healed in all the included patients with a union-rate of 100%. The re-operation rate for any cause was 9.6%, with an implant survival rate for overall failure of 96.5%.ConclusionThe presented standard and reproducible surgical technique obtains optimal clinical and radiological results with limited complication rate at mid-term follow up. Preoperative planning as well as careful intraoperative surgical technique is of a paramount importance.