Abstract
Purpose
We reviewed data to determine outcomes for 21 consecutive Vancouver type B1 or type C periprosthetic fractures that we treated between 2001 and 2008 using a nickel–titanium shape-memory sawtooth-arm embracing fixator.
Methods
The study participants were 12 men and 9 women (mean age, 70.8 years; range, 42–85 years). The average duration of follow-up monitoring was 39.7 months (range, 1–78 months). In five cases, cables and screws were used for further stabilisation. No bone grafting was performed for any of the patients.
Results
Results were satisfactory, except for one patient who died one month after surgery from a cause unrelated to arthroplasty. Bone union was achieved in the remaining 20 cases within an average of 5.25 months. No implant failures or malunions occurred in any of the patients. The average Harris hip score at the final follow-up examination was 79.3 points.
Conclusions
Our results show that the embracing fixator is a valid alternative treatment for Vancouver type B1 or type C periprosthetic femoral fractures.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ahuja S, Chatterji S (2002) The Mennen femoral plate for fixation of periprosthetic femoral fractures following hip arthroplasty. Injury 33:47
Brady OH, Garbuz DS, Masri BA, Duncan CP (2000) The reliability and validity of the Vancouver classification of femoral fractures after hip replacement. J Arthroplasty 15:59
Chakravarthy J, Bansal R, Cooper J (2007) Locking plate osteosynthesis for Vancouver type B1 and type C periprosthetic fractures of femur: a report on 12 patients. Injury 38:725
Dai Kerong, Ni Cheng, Wu Xiaotao (1994) An experimental study and preliminary clinical report of shape-memory sawtooth-arm embracing internal fixator. Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi 32:629 (in Chinese)
Dai K, Wu X, Zu X (2002) An investigation of the selective stress-shielding effect of shape-memory sawtooth-arm embracing fixator. In Chu YY, Zhao LC (ed) Shape memory materials and its applications. Trans Tech Publication, Switzerland
Dai KR, Chu Y (1996) Studies and applications of NiTi shape memory alloys in the medical field in China. Biomed Mater Eng 6:233
Kääb MJ, Stöckle U, Schütz M et al (2006) Stabilisation of periprosthetic fractures with angular stable internal fixation: a report of 13 cases. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 126:105
Kobbe P, Klemm R, Reilmann H, Hockertz TJ (2008) Less invasive stabilisation system (LISS) for the treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures: a 3-year follow-up. Injury 39:472
Kujala S, Ryhänen J, Jämsä T et al (2002) Bone modeling controlled by a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy intramedullary nail. Biomaterials 23:2535
Kumar V, Kanabar P, Owen PJ, Rushton N (2008) Less invasive stabilization system for the management of periprosthetic femoral fractures around hip arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 23:446
Liu X, Xu S, Zhang C, Su J, Yu B (2010) Application of a shape-memory alloy internal fixator for treatment of acetabular fractures with a follow-up of two to nine years in China. Int Orthop 34(7):1033–1040
Miura F, Mogi M, Ohura Y, Hamanaka H (1986) The super-elastic property of the Japanese NiTi alloy wire for use in orthodontics. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthoped 90:1
Mukundan C, Rayan F, Kheir E, Macdonald D (2010) Management of late periprosthetic femur fractures: a retrospective cohort of 72 patients. Int Orthop 34(4):485–489
Noorda RJ, Wuisman PI (2002) Mennen plate fixation for the treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures: a multicenter study of thirty-six fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am 84A:2211
Ricci WM, Bellabarba C, Evanoff B et al (2001) Retrograde versus antegrade nailing of femoral shaft fractures. J Orthop Trauma 15:161
Sandhu R, Avramidis K, Johnson-Nurse C et al (2005) Dall-Miles cable and plate fixation system in the treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures: a review of 20 cases. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 13:259
Tadross TS, Nanu AM, Buchanan MJ, Checketts RG (2000) Dall-Miles plating for periprosthetic B1 fractures of the femur. J Arthroplasty 15:47
Tsiridis E, Haddad FS, Gie GA (2003) Dall-Miles plates for periprosthetic femoral fractures: a critical review of 16 cases. Injury 34:107
Venu KM, Koka R, Garikipati R et al (2001) Dall-Miles cable and plate fixation for the treatment of peri-prosthetic femoral fractures—analysis of results in 13 cases. Injury 32:395
Wu X, Dai K, Ni C (1995) The experimental observation of fracture healing fixed by shape memory sawtooth arm embracing internal fixator. J Bone Joint Inj 10:164 (in Chinese)
Zheng H, Zhu Z (2006) Experimental investigation on the effect of inner diameter and extended distance of arms of shape memory alloy sawtooth-arm fixator (SSEF) on the embracing force. J Med Biomech 21:129 (in Chinese)
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implant and Fund for Key Disciplines of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission (J50206), China.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors state that there is no conflict of interest.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zhao, X., Zhu, Za., Sun, YH. et al. Nickel-titanium shape-memory sawtooth-arm embracing fixator for periprosthetic femoral fractures. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 36, 619–626 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-011-1325-4
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-011-1325-4