A case series of mortality and morbidity in distal femoral periprosthetic fractures

Abstract

Periprosthetic distal femoral fractures are occurring in increasing numbers. There is limited research into outcomes and mortality.This study aimed to assess the 1 year mortality and complications requiring further surgery in the two years following a presentation with a periprosthetic distal femoral fracture.A retrospective case series of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures at a single trauma centre was undertaken. All patients were included who presented with a distal femur periprosthetic fracture between 1st January and 2008 and 31st March 2015.60 patients with 49 females and 11 males. Mean age was 80.7. Median time to surgery was 63 h 42 (70%) underwent open reduction internal fixation, 13 (21.7%) underwent revision arthroplasty and 5 (8.3%) underwent non-operative treatment. Median length of stay was 14 days. There were 12 (20%) complications requiring further surgery within 2 years. There were 2 (3.3%) deaths in 30 days and 8 (13.3%) within 1 year following fracture. Periprosthetic distal femoral fractures are becoming a common orthopaedic presentation. They occur in a complex group of patients and have high rates of mortality and complications.