Bilateral symmetrical periprosthetic (mirror) fractures of knee fixed with dual plating technique

Introduction: Periprosthetic fracture following total knee arthroplasty is a potentially serious condition. Here we report a case of bilaterally symmetrical (mirror) fracture of supracondylar area following trivial trauma.

Presentation of case: Both fractures were OTA 33A2 and according to Rorabeck classification they were type II. Both fractures were fixed by dual plating technique using non locking plates. Intra operative fracture site biopsy revealed marked osteopenia and hence the patient was treated for osteoporosis.

Discussion: Both fractures united well at 14 weeks. At final follow up of 6 years there were no radiological signs of implant loosening and the patient was able to walk without any aids and had a range of 80° and 60° flexion in the right and left knees respectively.

Conclusion: We conclude that in the pre locking plate's era such difficult case has been successfully managed by dual plating technique.