To describe the status of the intermediate femur and its medullary canal encumbrance, we propose adding a category D to the SoFCOT and Vancouver classifications, corresponding to interprosthetic fracture on TKR with diaphyseal extension stem. Interprosthetic fracture internal fixation should begin with long devices bridging the two prostheses. When the implant is loose, it may be replaced; in case of diaphyseal extension, however, the residual femur between the two extensions should be protected against peak stress by a plate extending upward and downward. In case of limited bone stock, due to osteolysis or initial femoral medullary canal compromise, especially if one or both implants are loose, TFR may be indicated as consolidation, is jeopardized by the uncertain mechanical situation.
The "Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator" (RIA) is a device that provides continuous irrigation and aspiration during intramedullary reaming of long bones. The RIA system is first used to collect the reaming material from medullary cavities, a thick paste of finely morselized osseous particles containing significantly elevated levels of stem cells and growth factors as reported by quantitative analyses. The volume of bone graft material available from an adult femur corresponds to the amount of cancellous bone graft obtained from both the anterior and posterior iliac crests. The assembly and technicalities of the RIA system require a training period to prevent any femoral fracture, which appears to be the major RIA-related complication. The elective indications for RIA bone grafting are filling of bone defects in the epiphyseal and metaphyseal regions. Diaphyseal defects may also be managed using the RIA system provided the graft is placed in a constrained system (induced membrane) to prevent dispersion of the graft into the surrounding soft tissues and is aerated with a porous material to promote its revascularization. Other RIA indications include debriding intramedullary infections and reaming for intramedullary nailing of long bone fractures to reduce the risk of fat embolization.
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