The use of cortical allograft struts for fixation of fractures associated with well-fixed total joint prostheses.

Nineteen patients with 19 fractures around or below a well-fixed femoral stem, were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using massive cortical allograft struts and cerclage wires or cables. The first procedure was performed in 1982 and the last in 1990. Follow-up averaged 28 months. Seventeen patients united their fractures and returned to their preoperative functional status at an average time of 41/2 months. Sixteen healed anatomically. There was one mild malunion and there were two nonunions, both requiring further surgery.