8 Facts about Periprosthetic Fracture.

• It means a fracture in the bone surrounding the artificial joint placed there, for Eg. fracture around a Total Knee or Total Hip.
• Usually occurs due to a fall or, in rare cases, excessive stress or Osteoporosis.
• It is important to analyze whether the Prosthesis is loose or well-fitting.
• If the Prosthesis is well-fitting, then we can fix the fracture.
• If the Prosthesis is loose, then we have to fix the fracture and use a new prosthesis that is longer and bypasses the fracture.
• The whole process of treatment is more challenging than treating a normal fracture or only arthritis. More stress to the body. Longer duration of surgery. Slower and longer rehabilitation compared to a normal fracture treatment or an isolated joint replacement.
• The treatment cost is also significantly increased because of the special implant requirement, longer stay, and surgery duration.
• So, Prevention of fracture in patients with a joint replacement should be a priority. We should educate Patients about Fall prevention changes at home, exercises to keep core muscles strong, use walking aids if necessary, take care of osteoporosis.