title: Femoral periprosthetic fracture in osteoporotic bone after a total knee replacement: treatment with Ilizarov external fixation.
abstract: We report 3 cases of periprosthetic fractures after total knee replacement treated with Ilizarov external fixator (Smith and Nephew plc, Memphis, Tenn) and a follow-up of at least 3 years. We used 2 rings in the supracondylar area distal to the fracture and 3 half pins proximally in all our cases leaving the knee free to move. In one patient apart from the 2-ring frame placed distal to the fracture site the fixator included another ring frame placed proximally just below the 3 half pins. Uncomplicated fracture healing with lower extremity excellent alignment was achieved in 12 weeks after surgery. In periprosthetic femoral fractures, especially in elderly patients, Ilizarov external fixator is a treatment option which provides stable fixation, prompt postoperative mobilization, and has no major complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Alexandros E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Beris
authors.forename: Marios G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Lykissas
authors.forename: Vasileios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sioros
authors.forename: Alexandros N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Mavrodontidis
authors.forename: Anastasios V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Korompilias
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; D001858:Bone Nails; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D018889:Ilizarov Technique / Q000295:instrumentation; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications*; D057068:Periprosthetic Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome