Complications and results of arthroplasty for salvage of failed treatment of malignant pathologic fractures of the hip.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of hip arthroplasty done for salvage of failed treatment of pathologic proximal femoral fractures secondary to malignancy. Between 1980 and 2000, 42 patients with a mean age of 63 years were treated with hip arthroplasty to salvage failed treatment of a pathologic proximal femoral fracture. Total hip arthroplasty was done in 16 patients (3 uncemented, 2 hybrid, 11 cemented), and bipolar hemiarthroplasty in 26 (2 uncemented, 24 cemented). A modular, proximal femoral replacement construct was used in 15 patients. Patients were followed a mean of 5.8 years (range, 15 days-20 years). Four hips required reoperation, all for deep infection. Harris Hip score improved from an average of 42 points (range, 17-76 points) preoperatively to an average of 83 points (range, 52-100 points) postoperatively. Most recent radiographs showed femoral component loosening in only one patient. Implant survivorship free of revision for any reason at 5 years was 90% (range, 65-96%) and free of revision for aseptic failure or radiographic failure was 97% (range, 64-99%). Hip arthroplasty is an effective treatment for salvage of failed treatment of pathologic proximal femoral fractures. Modular proximal femoral replacements were often required. The most concerning complication was deep prosthetic infection, which occurred in nearly 10% of this patient population, and in 21% of patients with prior irradiation.