Published in:
01-03-2012 | Original Paper
Nickel-titanium shape-memory sawtooth-arm embracing fixator for periprosthetic femoral fractures
Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 3/2012
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Purpose
We reviewed data to determine outcomes for 21 consecutive Vancouver type B1 or type C periprosthetic fractures that we treated between 2001 and 2008 using a nickel–titanium shape-memory sawtooth-arm embracing fixator.
Methods
The study participants were 12 men and 9 women (mean age, 70.8 years; range, 42–85 years). The average duration of follow-up monitoring was 39.7 months (range, 1–78 months). In five cases, cables and screws were used for further stabilisation. No bone grafting was performed for any of the patients.
Results
Results were satisfactory, except for one patient who died one month after surgery from a cause unrelated to arthroplasty. Bone union was achieved in the remaining 20 cases within an average of 5.25 months. No implant failures or malunions occurred in any of the patients. The average Harris hip score at the final follow-up examination was 79.3 points.
Conclusions
Our results show that the embracing fixator is a valid alternative treatment for Vancouver type B1 or type C periprosthetic femoral fractures.