Hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial components. Any resulting fractures or breaks in the bone around the implant are called periprosthetic hip fractures. They usually occur around the stem of the implant and sometimes to the socket (acetabulum).
Periprosthetic hip fractures may occur due to:
You may experience pain and swell around the hip or thigh. Other symptoms include an inability to bear weight and a deformed leg.
Diagnosis involves a doctor’s examination followed by injury stabilization to prevent further damage. Your hip is stabilized by applying a traction device to keep the leg straight. Your doctor orders an X-ray, MRI or CT-scan. Blood tests may also be ordered.
Periprosthetic hip fractures are usually treated surgically, under general or regional anesthesia. The surgical procedure may be either of the following:
Joint-Revision Surgery: Some cases of periprosthetic hip fracture are caused by a loose implant. Joint-revision involves the removal of the old implant and placement of a new implant with special components to treat the fracture.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): Some cases of periprosthetic hip fracture do not require replacement of the implant. The fractured bone fragments are fixed with the help of screws.
Both types of surgery noted above may include the transplant of bone tissue to fractured or weakened areas – a procedure called bone grafting.
Your surgeon may suggest a recovery in a rehabilitation center. Initially, your physical therapist will train you to use walking aids and bear partial weight. You will be allowed to perform specific physical therapy exercises as you heal.