A periprosthetic fracture is a rare but serious complication that can occur in the wake of a joint replacement procedure. During a periprosthetic fracture, the bone around the prosthetic implant breaks, compromising the stability and function of the replacement joint. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why these fractures develop, and more importantly, how periprosthetic fractures can be prevented and treated.
Understanding Periprosthetic Fractures After Joint Replacement
After a hip replacement procedure, most periprosthetic fractures develop from the stem of the metal piece that has been placed in your femur. Following a knee replacement procedure, periprosthetic fractures can develop in any of the three bones in the knee joint – the femur, the tibia and the patella. But what causes these fractures to set in?
In the majority of cases, periprosthetic fractures develop in the wake of a fall. Any significant trauma on the artificial joint can contribute to these fractures, especially during the early stages of recovery, but an unexpected fall is the most common reason people end up developing a periprosthetic fracture. Patients with higher levels of osteoarthritis degeneration in the joint may also have an elevated risk for periprosthetic fractures after joint replacement surgery, meaning less trauma is needed to cause a fracture to develop.
While you may not know that you’ve suffered a periprosthetic fracture at the moment, it will be obvious that there is something significantly wrong with your artificial joint. Common symptoms that patients experience in the hip or knee area following a periprosthetic fracture include:
- Inability to bear weight through the leg
- Pain at or around the affected joint
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Visible deformity or loss of symmetry between the two legs.
Diagnosing, Treating And Preventing Periprosthetic Fractures
Again, it will be apparent that something is wrong with your surgically addressed joint, but your surgeon will want to take a closer look with imaging tests to better understand the full extent of the damage. An X-ray or MRI will detail the damage, and if a periprosthetic fracture is present, surgery will be in your future. During the procedure, your surgeon will examine the prosthetic component to determine if any loosening has occurred. If so, they’ll replace the artificial components before repairing and stabilizing the fracture. Hardware like screws, rods and metal plates are typically used to hold the bones in place to allow healing to take place. A bone graft may also be inserted to expedite healing and strengthen the bone in the area.
You can’t always protect against unexpected falls or other traumatic events, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of suffering a periprosthetic fracture. First and foremost, follow your joint replacement surgeon’s instructions in regards to your rehab and recovery. Never step outside of your physical restrictions. If you have questions or believe you could be cleared for more activities, ask your doctor first. Bending improperly or partaking in other activities that are restricted can greatly increase your risk of a traumatic fall. Stay within your limitations while healing progresses, and you’ll be able to reduce your fracture risk.
Some other ways to prevent falls and promote optimal bone health after a joint replacement procedure include:
- Attend all physical therapy sessions and do your home-based exercises
- Eat a healthy diet full of essential vitamins and nutrients
- Pick up tripping hazards around the house
- Avoid strenuous physical activities, especially while on pain medication
If you keep the above tips in mind and trust your procedure to a skilled surgeon like Dr. Botero, we’re confident that you’ll be pleased with your recovery after joint replacement surgery. For more information, reach out to his office today at (865) 558-4444.
