Abstract
Known risk factors for early periprosthetic femur fracture (PFF) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) include poor bone quality, surgical approach and cementless implants. The association between femoral component size and alignment and the risk of early PFF is not well described. We evaluated radiographic parameters of femoral component sizing and alignment as risk factors for early PFF.
From 16,065 primary cementless THA, we identified 66 cases (0.41%) of early PFF (<90 days from index THA) at a single institution between 2016–2020. The stem was unstable and revised in all cases. We matched 60 cases of early PFFs (2:1) to 120 controls based on femoral component model, offset, surgical approach, age, BMI, and sex. Mean age was 67 years; 60% were female. Radiographic assessment of preoperative bone morphology and postoperative femoral component parameters including stem alignment, metaphyseal fill, and medial congruence with the calcar. A multivariable logistic regression was built to identify radiographic risk factors associated with early PPF.
Markers of poor preoperative bone quality including canal calcar ratio (p=0.003), canal flare index (p<0.001), anteroposterior canal bone ratio (CBR) (p<0.001) and lateral CBR (p<0.001) were statistically associated with PFF. Valgus alignment (23% versus 12%) (p<0.001) was more prevalent in the PFF group compared to controls, as well as varus alignment of the implant (57% versus 43%). Distance between the medial aspect of the implant and the calcar was greater in cases of PFF (2.5 mm versus 1.4 mm) (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that valgus implant alignment (Odds Ratio (OR) 5) and medial implant-calcar incongruity (OR 2) increased the risk of early PFF.
Medial implant-calcar incongruity and valgus alignment of the femoral component were risk factors for early PFF following cementless THA after controlling for age, sex, BMI, approach, proximal femoral morphology, and implant design.
