The inverted Vancouver C fracture. Case series of unstable proximal femur fractures above a knee revision stem treated by short cephalomedullary nail and lateral submuscular overlapping plate

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2021 Jan;31(1):193-198. doi: 10.1007/s00590-020-02738-8. Epub 2020 Jul 20.

Abstract

Unstable proximal femur fractures above a knee revision stem are an emerging complication that is especially difficult to treat. Since this pattern does not adapt to any previously reported classification, we named it "inverted Vancouver C fracture". In this single-centre case series, we pose a nail-plate combination for the treatment of such clinical picture. The incidence was low among proximal and implant-related femoral fractures. All the fractures healed without records of major local complications. Thus, we consider this technique safe and reproducible.

Keywords: Complications; Hip fractures; Knee replacement arthroplasties; Periprosthetic fractures.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / adverse effects*
  • Bone Nails
  • Bone Plates
  • Female
  • Femoral Fractures* / classification
  • Femoral Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Femoral Fractures* / etiology
  • Femoral Fractures* / surgery
  • Femur / diagnostic imaging
  • Femur / injuries
  • Femur / surgery
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary
  • Humans
  • Knee Prosthesis
  • Male
  • Periprosthetic Fractures* / classification
  • Periprosthetic Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Periprosthetic Fractures* / etiology
  • Periprosthetic Fractures* / surgery
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies