Preliminary experience of the Cannulok revision hip prosthesis in late periprosthetic fracture management.

Abstract

We report our preliminary experience of a cannulated, distally locked revision femoral component to manage peri-prosthetic fractures in the elderly. The majority of cases in our series were further complicated by osteolysis secondary to aseptic loosening, the original hip arthroplasties having been in situ for several years. Sixteen patients with an average age of 77 underwent treatment of periprosthetic fractures with the Cannulok Hip. The device combines techniques of revision hip surgery with locked intramedullary nailing. We describe our initial evaluation of this modular prosthesis which has enabled us to satisfactorily treat periprosthetic fractures with early mobilisation and discharge from hospital. In all of our surviving patients the fractures have united within four to six months. All cases were in addition treated with proximal femoral impaction allografting leading to improved local bone stock. We believe this implant may provide a satisfactory alternative for the management of periprosthetic fracture in the presence of a loose femoral component. (Hip International 2002; 1: 1-10).