Stabilisation of periprosthetic fractures with angular stable internal fixation: a report of 13 cases

Periprosthetic fractures of the femur present a challenging surgical problem. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the outcome of periprosthetic fractures stabilised with an angular stable, less invasive stabilisation system (LISS). Thirteen patients (ten total hip-, two total knee-, one total hip- and knee-arthroplasty) with periprosthetic fractures were treated with the LISS internal fixator (in ten cases minimal invasive). Six patients had previous operations due to periprosthetic fractures. The average follow-up period was 20 months, follow-up rate 85%. All fractures showed radiographic fracture healing without implant loosening. Except one patient, all patients had returned to their pre-operative activity level. No early post-operative complications were seen. There was one implant failure after 4 months and two cases of malunion. The cases showed the internal fixator to be effective for the stabilisation of periprosthetic fractures, even in cases of poor bone quality with good functional outcomes. The internal fixator, with the option of minimal invasive application, is the preferred method of osteosynthesis in periprosthetic fractures.