Comparison of morbidity-mortality and functional results between implant exchange and internal fixation by plate for periprosthetic femoral fracture in total knee arthroplasty: A 52-case series.

INTRODUCTION

Surgical options for periprosthetic femoral fracture in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are controversial. The present retrospective study compared morbidity, mortality and functional results between implant exchange (group IE) and internal fixation by plate (group IF). The study hypothesis was that implant exchange does not give rise to more complications than plate fixation and that functional results are equivalent.

METHODS

Fifty-two femoral fractures in contact with a TKA implant were studied. The IE and IF groups (n 32 and 20, respectively), were comparable for age, gender and ASA score. Mean age was 80.5 years (range, 53-96 years). Morbidity and mortality were assessed on Clavien score; functional assessment used the KOOS questionnaire.

RESULTS

Mortality was 50% in group IF and 40% in group IE (p=0.4817). One patient was lost to follow-up. Complications were seen in 15 group IF patients (48.4%) versus 5 in group IE (26.3%) (p=0.14760), with infection in 5 (16.1%) and 2 patients (10.5%) respectively (p=0.69475). In both groups, 9 patients (i.e., 28.1% and 40% respectively) showed grade 2 complications (p=1). Revision surgery was performed in 8 grade 3b patients (25%) in the IF group and in 3 (15%) in the IE group (p=1). Mean KOOS score was 40 (range, 20-72) in IF and 65 (range, 50-93) in IE (p=0.0004).

CONCLUSION

Morbidity and mortality were comparable between implant exchange and plate fixation for periprosthetic femoral fracture in TKA. KOOS functional scores were better with implant exchange. Implant exchange may be suited to complex fracture with stable implant.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, observational study.