[Periprosthetic intertrochanteric fracture of the femur following articular resurfacing of the hip joint: treatment with lag screw osteosynthesis]

Abstract

Improvements in implant design, material combination and operating instruments have led to an increased number of resurfacing arthroplasties of the hip joint especially in younger patients. Therefore, there is generally a higher risk of periprosthetic fractures even with this type of prosthesis. These fractures are divided into mainly iatrogenic fractures of the head/neck part of the femur and trochanteric fractures of the femur caused by trauma. Especially in the second group preservation of the prosthesis is much desired since the patient cohort is often very young and active. We report on a 31-year-old male patient who suffered an intertrochanteric fracture (classification AO 31 A2.1) after resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip joint (McMinn BHR prosthesis). The patient was treated with 3 AO lag screws by the percutaneous technique following closed reduction. During follow-up 22 months after the operation the reduction was preserved and the fracture fully consolidated with a good range of motion of the hip joint. The Harris hip score gave a result of 97 points.