Although the use of total femoral replacement in treating a periprosthetic femoral fracture offers good functional outcomes and strong implant survival, it has also been linked to high rates of complication and mortality, according to results of a recently published study.
Researchers analyzed 19 consecutive patients who underwent total femoral replacement (TFR) for salvage of a periprosthetic fracture between 2000 and 2010. Metrics evaluated included patient demographics, mobility information, both preoperative and postoperative SF-12 values, 1-year Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) values, and the quantity and nature of any postoperative complications.
Although the implant survival rate at 10 years postoperatively was 86%, the mortality rate during that span was 58%.
Postoperative complications were observed in 25% of patients. All 19 patients required either an intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusion. Admittance to the hospital high-dependency unit occurred with 17 patients.
The 1-year TESS value was 69%; however, 16 patients required a postoperative walking aid, whereas only five required such aid prefracture.
SF-12 values in prefracture physical (4.4) and mental (0.3) component values showed no significant differences with 1-year postoperative values, according to the researchers.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
