Treatment of Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures with Cable Plate

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of Cable plate fixation for the treatment of periprosthetic femoral fracture after hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 10 cases of periprosthetic femoral fractures after hip arthroplasty between Nov. 2002 and May 2004. The mean follow up periods were 20 months. The fractures were classified according to Vancouver classification. Seven cases of type B1, one case of type B3 and two cases of type C were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with Cable plate. Evaluation of results was based on mean union time, postoperative complications and Harris hip score. RESULTS: The mean time for bony union was 4.8 months in type B1, 6 months in type B3 and 8 months in type C fracture. As for complications, there were refracture, metal breakage and nonunion. The postoperative mean Harris hip score was 91.5 points for type B1, 85 points for type B3 and 72.5 points for type C fracure. CONCLUSION: Cable plate can be useful for treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures after hip arthroplasty, but the selection of treatment methods should be cautiously made according to the type of fracture and status of patients.