No abstract

Introduction: Although the use of an endoprosthesis for distal femoral fractures remains a valid treatment option the widespread use is in its infancy. Methodology: In this retrospective case series, we review cases of distal femoral fracture treated with endoprosthetic replacement (EPR). The outcomes we assessed were the time to start mobilising, the time to discharge, morbidity and mortality as well as an Oxford knee score to assess pain and function and also the early survivorship. 6 of the 11 from the cohort had existing Total Knee Replacements (TKRs) in situ. Results: There were 11 knees in our cohort with a mean age of 81.5 years (range 52-102 years). The median time to follow up was 3.5 years (range 1.6 to 5.5 years). The median times to theatre was 3 days and to discharge was 16 days. Oxford functional and pain scores were 32/48. Discussion: In the appropriate patient and fracture pattern, Endoprosthetic knee replacement is an excellent option in the treatment of distal femoral fractures whether associated with an existing TKR or not. The implant is more costly than traditional open reduction and internal fixation, but the earlier return to full mobility post-operatively may save on hospital/care home stay and free up hospital space and minimise complications.

In order to prevent fatal pulmonary embolism, TED stockings, foot pumps and early mobilisation on the second post-operative day are used at our centre. Only patients deemed to be high risk (previous DVT/PE or obese) are given clexane as inpatients and warfarin for six weeks post-op. From the hospital database 1137 primary total hip replacements and 1017 primary total knee re-placements were identified and the figures were confirmed with the theatre implant order books. The cause of death for those patients on the database, now deceased, was obtained from the coroner. Where a postmortem had not been performed the patient was assumed to have died of a PE. Within three months of surgery, a fatal PE rate of 0.09% (95% CI 0.00-0.26%) following hip replacement and 0.20% (95% CI 0.00-0.46%) after knee replacement was found. Thirty-four patients had been discharged on warfarin according to the pharmacy records. We would therefore not recommend the routine use of chemical thromboprophylaxis following joint replacement.

In order to prevent fatal pulmonary embolism, TED stockings, foot pumps and early mobilisation on the second post-operative day are used at our centre. Only patients deemed to be high risk (previous DVT/PE or obese) are given clexane as inpatients and warfarin for six weeks post-op. From the hospital database 1137 primary total hip replacements and 1017 primary total knee re-placements were identified and the figures were confirmed with the theatre implant order books. The cause of death for those patients on the database, now deceased, was obtained from the coroner. Where a postmortem had not been performed the patient was assumed to have died of a PE. Within three months of surgery, a fatal PE rate of 0.09% (95% CI 0.00-0.26%) following hip replacement and 0.20% (95% CI 0.00-0.46%) after knee replacement was found. Thirty-four patients had been discharged on warfarin according to the pharmacy records. We would therefore not recommend the routine use of chemical thromboprophylaxis following joint replacement.