What is a periprosthetic hip fracture?
A periprosthetic hip fracture is a broken bone that occurs around the implants of a total hip replacement. It is a serious complication that most often requires surgery.
How do they fix a periprosthetic fracture?
Essentially all periprosthetic fractures require some treatment. Stable nondisplaced fractures may only require protected weightbearing or cast/brace immobilization (and pain medication), but most unstable peri-implant fractures require surgical stabilization, implant replacement, or both to restore function.
How common are periprosthetic fractures?
The current overall incidence of periprosthetic femur fracture is approximately 4.1%, with higher rates for uncemented and revision THA. Late periprosthetic fractures account for approximately 6% of revision cases6 and are the third most common reason, after aseptic loosening and infection, for revision surgery.
Can hip fractures be treated without surgery?
A broken hip may also be allowed to heal without surgery. In some cases, if the hip is fractured, it may not need to be treated with surgery. For example, if the ends of the broken bone are impacted, or were pushed together due to extreme force from an accident of fall, the bone can heal naturally.
Is a hip fracture an emergency?
A fractured hip is an emergency. Call your provider right away or go to the emergency room if you have signs of a hip fracture. A broken hip can be life-changing, especially for older people with other health conditions. Physical therapy can significantly improve outcomes for people with a hip fracture.
How is a hairline fracture of the hip treated?
A hip fracture can be repaired with the help of metal screws, plates and rods. In some cases, artificial replacements (prostheses) of parts of the hip joint may be necessary. Treatment for hip fracture usually involves a combination of surgery, rehabilitation and medication.
What happens if you don’t fix hip fracture?
They can damage surrounding muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. If they’re not treated right away, they could affect your ability to get around for long periods of time. When this happens, you run the risk of a number of complications, like: Blood clots in your legs or lungs.
