Treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the knee using trabecular metal cones for stabilization

Abstract

This report describes an operative technique for the treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the knee with instability of the metaphysis and the metadiaphyseal junction that stabilizes the metaphyseal fragment by a distraction technique using trabecular metal cones. Fifteen patients were examined clinically and radiologically for a follow-up period of 36.7 ± 8.7 months. The Knee Society Score improved to 73.2 ± 20.2 by 24 months after surgery; the function score improved to 68.3 ± 20.2 by 24 months after surgery. The mean flexion amounted to 94.4 ± 9.7 degrees by 24 months after surgery. The only complication was one case of thrombosis. This technique involving trabecular metal cones to stabilize metaphyseal fractures seems to represent a further option for fixation of periprosthetic fractures that are otherwise treated with megaprostheses.