Osteosynthesis for periprosthetic supracondylar fracture above a total knee arthroplasty using a locking compression plate
Abstract
The frequency of periprosthetic fractures related to total knee arthroplasty is increasing, with a prevalence of 1.3 % on the average and with women being affected more often (4 out of 5 patients). Fractures of the distal femur are common, while tibial fractures are rare.
Crucial for treatment is to distinguish fractures of the metaphysis above the femoral component, which remains firmly fixed, from those involving the knee joint replacement and component loosening. Supracondylar periprosthetic fractures are almost always managed surgically, using methods of osteosynthesis with an angle condylar or DCS plate, or a short retrograde- inserted supracondylar intramedullary nail.
The recent use of implants such as LCPs with angle-stable screws has offered good prospects. This retrospective study presents our first experience with an LCP for treatment of supracondylar periprosthetic fractures of the knee joint