Background: The goal of treating proximal periprosthetic femur fractures in geriatric patients is a timely postoperative mobilization. The purpose of this study is to analyze the results after treating our patients by femoral stem exchange irrespective of fixation status. The study included 32 patients (2001-2009; mean age 82 years; Vancouver classification: 12 type B1, 16 type B2, and 4 type C).
Method: Ambulatory status and activities of daily living pre- and postoperatively were compared. Retrospective data collection was performed by reviewing patients' charts. By interviewing patients, family members, and family physicians missing information was collected.
Results: A total of 22 patients (69%) achieved their pre-traumatic mobilization level; 22 of 26 patients (85%) were reintegrated into their pre-traumatic environment. A 16% (n=5) complication rate and an 87% 12-month survival rate were calculated.
Conclusion: The concept of primary stable periprosthetic fracture care by using a revision prosthetic device potentially reduces complications related to postoperative non-weight-bearing without increasing the complication rate related to a more complex surgical procedure.