Femoral Revision Arthroplasty for Su Type 3 Supracondylar Periprosthetic Knee Fractures.

Abstract

Periprosthetic distal femoral fractures can present significant reconstructive challenges when associated with poor bone stock, comminution, or component loosening. Revision arthroplasty with stemmed components or distal femoral replacement arthroplasty often becomes necessary. This retrospective study reviewed the results of femoral revision arthroplasty in 16 knees with acute, extreme distal (Su type 3), supracondylar periprosthetic fractures using cemented, midlevel constrained implants. The mean patient age was 71 years and mean follow-up was 5 years. All fractures united with mean Knee Society scores of 86 and 55, at the last follow-up. All patients returned to preinjury activity level. Complications included one valgus malunion with shortening and one reoperation for functional lateral instability. This treatment modality achieved reliable fracture union and return of function. Moreover, the final salvage option of distal femoral arthroplasty is preserved.