Periprosthetic distal femur fractures are a significant source of morbidity and mortality for elderly patients. One treatment option involved a surgical fixation with plates or nails, screws and cables/wires along the side of your fractured bone. The second method consists in replacing your knee joint with an artificial knee prosthesis (artificial knee joint).
The primary objective is to determine if acute distal femur replacement improves knee pain and functional outcomes compared to surgical fixation. Secondary outcomes are mortality, reoperation, complications, post-operative pain and quality of life. A health economic analysis will be conducted to assess the cost-effectiveness of both treatments.
A total of 148 patients (74/group) will be enrolled in the study.
• 65 years and older
Isolated periprosthetic fracture of the distal femur around a stable primary total knee arthroplasty (Lewis and Rorabeck Type 1-2)
Fracture is acute (within 1 week from time of injury)
Patient was ambulatory (with or without walking aids) in the community and at home prior to the injury
• Active infection around the fracture (soft tissue or bone)
Open fracture
Bilateral femur fractures
Major neuro-vascular injury requiring intervention, compartment syndrome and major neurologic injuries
Unity Health Toronto
Lead sponsor
Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada
Collaborator