Periprosthetic femoral fractures in sideways fall configuration: comparative numerical analysis of the influence of femoral stem design

• Published in: Hip international 2020-12, Vol.30 (2_suppl), p.86-93
• Main Authors: Franceschini, Massimo, Barbera, Luigi La, Anticonome, Alberto, Ottardi, Claudia, Tanaka, Atsuki, Villa, Tomaso
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip - adverse effects; Femoral Fractures - etiology; Femoral Fractures - surgery; Femur - diagnostic imaging; Femur - surgery; Humans; Italy; Periprosthetic Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Periprosthetic Fractures - etiology; Periprosthetic Fractures - surgery
• ISSN: 1120-7000; 1724-6067
• DOI: 10.1177/1120700020971312

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of periprosthetic fractures occurring as a result of a sideways fall in total hip arthroplasty patients, and to compare the predictions of numerical models in terms of load distribution on the implanted femur with clinical data. Materials and methods: 3 numerical models were built: 1 for intact femur and 2 for implanted femur with a straight stem (resembling PBF, Permedica) and with an anatomical stem (resembling ABG II, Stryker). 4 loading configurations were simulated; 1 simulates a vertical load, and 3 simulate a fall with impact on the greater trochanter in different directions. Stress state calculated in the implanted femur was compared for the 2 models with reference to the intact case. These were compared with clinical data collected at a single centre (Istituto Ortopedico Gaetano Pini, Milan, Italy) where 41 patients were investigated after periprosthetic fracture: 26 patients had a straight uncemented stem and 15 an anatomical uncemented stem. Results: The maximum calculated strain in compression in the case of ABG II implanted femur was 2 times higher than in the presence of PBF stem in the vertical loading configuration. For configurations of sideways fall, in both models, there was a progressive increase of stress state in the bone with increasing angle. Simulations of sideways fall elicited results in accordance with clinical observations: due to the peculiar stem design and consequent state of stress in the bone, anatomical stems seem to induce trochanteric fractures more frequently, while for straight stems type B fractures are more likely to occur. Conclusions: Clinical findings confirmed numerical model predictions: stem design seems to highly influence distribution of stress in the bone and consequent localisation of the fracture site.