title: Periprosthetic fractures in total ankle replacement: classification system and treatment algorithm.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite progress in implant design and surgical technique, the reported number of periprosthetic ankle fractures following total ankle joint replacement continues to increase. A treatment-oriented classification of these fractures has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, cause, and location of periprosthetic fractures and the stability of the associated prosthetic components after total ankle replacement and to develop a method of classification.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data regarding 503 total ankle replacements with a mean follow-up of 14.7 months were reviewed. The prevalence, location, and possible cause of the fractures as well as prosthesis stability were analyzed and a systematic method of classification based on these factors was developed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-one patients (4.2%) with a periprosthetic fracture were identified. The fracture was intraoperative (Type 1) in eleven patients (2.2%) and postoperative in the remaining ten (2.0%). Two of the latter fractures were traumatic (Type 2) and eight were stress fractures (Type 3). Two-thirds (fourteen) of the twenty-one fractures occurred in the medial malleolus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of periprosthetic fractures following primary total ankle replacement was relatively low. We propose a classification system for these fractures that is based on more than 500 cases. We believe that this classification can facilitate therapeutic decision-making, as it allows for differential analysis of the cause and guides the choice among operative and nonoperative treatment options.
authors: Section for Foot and Ankle Surgery, Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin 13353, Germany. sebastian.manegold@charite.de
authors: Sebastian
authors: S
authors: Manegold
authors: Norbert P
authors: NP
authors: Haas
authors: Serafim
authors: S
authors: Tsitsilonis
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Springer
authors: Sven
authors: S
authors: Märdian
authors: Klaus-Dieter
authors: KD
authors: Schaser
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D058737:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Ankle / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057068:Periprosthetic Fractures / Q000145:classification* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015995:Prevalence; D055815:Young Adult