Carbon fibre plates in the treatment of femoral periprosthetic fractures

A retrospective review of fractures occurring around the femoral component of total hip replacements was performed using patient notes and X rays. Between 1996 and 2002, 12 patients with total hip replacement had fixation of their periprosthetic femoral shaft fracture with carbon fibre plates. The mean patient age was 76 years (range 57-94). With regard to fracture type (Johansson Classification), three were Type 2 and nine were Type 3. In 11 cases the average time to union was 4 months (range 3-6). There was one non-union leading to implant failure. This was subsequently treated with a revision arthroplasty. There were no other significant complications. Although designed to fit the supracondylar region of the femur, we had no difficulty in applying the plate over the trochanteric region. Our results indicate that carbon fibre plates are effective in the management of femoral. periprosthetic fractures in the elderly and this may be related to the unique properties of the plate. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.