Abstract
We report the result of 46 patients (30 female, 16 male) with periprosthetic femoral fractures who underwent insertion of the Kent Hip Prosthesis. Average age was 73 years (range 43–96years) and follow-up ranged from one to seven years (average, 4 years). The primary implants involved were as follows: Charnley (26), Austin Moore (6), Howse (5), Custom (4), Exeter (1), DHS (1), Thompson (1) and Richards (1). Average time to fracture from insertion of the primary implant ranged from 3 weeks to 20 years (average, 8 years). Forty cases were post-primary implant fractures (38 traumatic, 2 atraumatic) and 6 occurred intraoperatively. Using the Johanssen classification there were 12 type I, 30 type II and two type III fractures. Of the 46 cases, prior to fracture, 42 were living in their own home, 24 were mobile unaided and 20 had thigh and/or groin pain. Thirty-two had a loose stem and/or cup assessed at the time of surgery. Operating time was on average 143 mins (65–235mins). At latest follow-up, 43 were living in their own home, 5 were walking unaided and 10 had ongoing pain. In 34 cases complete union was achieved. There were no cases on non-union. Three patients required revision surgery for broken stems. Three patients sustained wound infections and there were six posterior dislocations. All of the complications were treated satisfactorily. We conclude that the Kent Hip Prosthesis is a useful option in the management of periprosthetic femoral fractures.
The abstracts were prepared by Raymond Moran. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Irish Orthopaedic Assocation, c/o Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin 11, Ireland.
