Long-term outcomes and complications of Periprosthetic Fractures of the Proximal Femur: A Retrospective Review of 48 Patients

Objectives: Periprosthetic fractures, especially periprosthetic proximal femur fractures, are an increasingly important orthopaedic problem. The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term results, mortality and complications of periprosthetic fractures. Methods: Patients who had proximal femur periprosthetic fracture were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with Vancouver type B1 and C were treated with plate-screw osteosynthesis and patients with Vancouver type B2 were operated using revision femoral systems. Follow-up was evaluated by clinical and radiographic, and functional results were assessed by Gos scoring. Results: Totally 48 patients were evaluated retrospectively. 16 patients (33.3%) were type B1, 18 patients (37.5%) were type B2 and 14 patients (29.2%) were type C. 30 patients (62.5%) with type B1 and C were treated with plate screw osteosynthesis and 18 patients (37.5%) with type B2 treated with revision femoral systems. There was a significant correlation between the surgical method applied and both mortality and preop/postop GOS scoring systems (p <0.05). Complications and/or the need for intensive care were seen in 28 patients (58.3%) only 1(2.1%) of these was due to iatrogenic. In total, 20 patients (41.7%) from 48 patients could complete the procedure without any problems. Conclusion: As a result of our study, 58% of patients with periprosthetic femur fractures had complications and need intensive care during the treatment process. Periprosthetic proximal femur fractures, which are generally seen in the elderly population, are injuries with very high complication, mortality and morbidity rates. Therefore, it is recommended that surgeons pay maximum attention during the treatment process.