Risk factors and treatment of intraoperative femur fracture in hip replacement

Objective To analyze the risk factors related to intraoperative femur fracture in hip replacement and discuss the treatment countermeasures. Methods The medical records and radiographs of 38 patients with intraoperative femur fracture who were treated at Tianjin Orthopedic Hospital from December 2002 to December 2009 were retrospectively studied. Fractures were classified according to the Amstutz system or AAOS standard and the treatment methods were selected accordingly. Reduction and fixation was performed in 25 patients including 14 patients treated with interfragmentary or cerclage fixation, five with plate fixations and six with cortical strut graft. Shank prosthesis was replaced in 12 patients. Results The mean follow up period was 4.5 years, which showed successful union of the fractures in 36 patients and delayed union in two. Replacement of the prosthesis was needed in one patient for prosthesis loosening four years postoperatively. Conclusions Osteoporosis, violence, abnormal femur canal and over large prosthesis are the main causes of intraoperative femur fracture in hip replacement.Proper selection of treatment method according to fracture types may attain fracture union with a stable implant. Key words: Arthroplasty, replacement, hip; Femoral fractures; Fracture fixation, internal