Fixation of Periprosthetic Femoral Shaft Fractures Associated With Cemented Femoral Stems

Authors:
  • KKKenneth Koval
    Kenneth Koval
  • CPCharles F Preston
    Charles F Preston
  • KIKazuho Iesaka
    Kazuho Iesaka
  • FKFrederick J Kummer
    Frederick J Kummer
  • KEKenneth A Egol
    Kenneth A Egol
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Abstract
To determine which of 2 techniques for the treatment of periprosthetic femoral shaft fractures is of greater stiffness. A laboratory study using 8 pairs of matched, embalmed femurs. Femurs implanted with a cemented total hip prosthesis had a simulated periprosthetic femur fracture created distal to the implant. Fractures were fixed with a plate with locked screws or a plate with cables (Ogden construct). Fixation stability was compared in various loading modalities before and after cycling. Failure in torsional loading was then determined. The cement mantle was tested for crack propagation that may have occurred secondary to locked screw insertion and loading. Fixation stiffness (the ratio of applied load to displacement at the fracture site), torsional strength, mode of failure for each system, and cement mantle evaluation for cracks after screw insertion. Locked plating was stiffer than the Ogden construct in pre- and post-cyclic axial loading and torsion. There was no difference in lateral bending stability or torsional failure loads. Locked plating constructs were stiffer than the Ogden construct in axial loading and torsion. Although no differences in loads to failure during torsion were noted, locked plating constructs exhibited catastrophic failure not observed with the Ogden construct.

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