Supracondylar Periprosthetic Fractures of the Knee in the Elderly Patients: A Comparison of Treatment Using Allograft-Implant Composites, Standard Revision Components, Distal Femoral Replacement Prosthesis

Abstract

The following study is a review of 3 different treatment methods for treating comminuted distal periprosthetic femur fractures in 23 patients over the age of 70 (average age 80, range 70-90). Reconstruction techniques included 7 allograft prosthesis composite (APC), 9 revision systems (RSA), and 7 distal femur endoprosthesis (DFR). Operative time and blood loss were found to be significantly less in RSA and DFR patients compared to the APC patients. Hospital stay was shortest for the DFR patients. No significant difference was found in the 6-week or 6-month Knee Society Scores. Our preliminary results demonstrate that in experienced hands, distal femur endoprosthesis should be considered in patients with advanced age and poor bone quality who require early mobilization.