Hip Pelvis 2023; 35(4): 217-227
Published online December 31, 2023
https://doi.org/10.5371/hp.2023.35.4.217
© The Korean Hip Society
Correspondence to : Young Hak Roh, MD
(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7192-4046)
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, 1071 Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul 07985, Korea
TEL: +82-2-2650-2639
E-mail: rohyh@ewha.ac.kr
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Purpose: Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty, and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a common surgical treatment. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of ORIF in patients with different fracture patterns (Vancouver B1 and B2).
Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed from inception to August 2022. We conducted a pair-wise meta-analysis (with a fixed-effects model) on the 10 comparative studies and a proportional meta-analysis on the data from the 39 articles to determine a consensus. The outcomes were the incidence of reoperations that included osteosynthesis, irrigation/debridement and revision arthroplasty.
Results: The pair-wise meta-analysis showed similar outcomes between two groups; the risk of reoperation (odds ratio [OR]=0.82, confidence interval [CI] 0.43-1.55, P=0.542), nonunion (OR=0.49; CI 0.22-1.10, P=0.085) and deep infection (OR=1.89, CI 0.48-7.46, P=0.361). In proportion meta-analysis, pooled prevalence of reoperation was 9% (95% CI, 6-12) in B1 and 8% (95% CI, 2-15) in B2 (heterogeneity between two groups (Q), P=0.772). The pooled prevalence of nonunion was same as of 4% in B1 and B2 (Q, P=0.678), and deep infection was 2% (95% CI, 1-3) in B1 and 4% (95% CI, 2-7) in B2 (Q, P=0.130).
Conclusion: ORIF is a feasible treatment for B1 and B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures, with acceptable outcomes in terms of, nonunion and infection. The results of this study would help clinicians and provide baseline data for further studies validating PFF.
Keywords Femoral fractures, Open fracture reduction, Malunited fractures, Infections, Meta-analysis
Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a rare but potentially serious complication associated with high mortality when occurring in frail, elderly patients1,2). PFFs are generally classified according to the Vancouver system, which is helpful to clinicians in assessing the severity of the fracture and in making decisions about an appropriate treatment plan3,4,5). Vancouver type is classified as A, B, or C according to the location of the fracture and Vancouver type B is a fracture located around a stem. Vancouver B1 implies a well-fixed stem, B2 a loose stem with good bone stock.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is one of the surgical options for treatment of PFF6,7,8,9). The goal of ORIF is to provide immediate stability to the fracture, promote bone healing, and maintain the patient’s mobility10,11,12). However, evidence from comparison of the outcomes of ORIF for B1 and B2 PFFs is limited. B1 PFFs show a stable fracture pattern without significant bone loss, whereas B2 PFFs are unstable and associated with bone loss, which can make ORIF more challenging13,14,15).
Previous studies have reported varying outcomes for ORIF in B1 and B2 PFFs. Some studies have suggested that outcomes after ORIF are better for B1 PFFs than for B2 PFFs4). Other studies have reported that no significant differences in the outcomes of ORIF were observed between B1 and B2 PFFs16,17,18). However, most of these studies included small sample sizes, were retrospective, and the follow-up periods were limited.
Relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses are rare due to variations in the method used for measurement and the bone site evaluated. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed by including all eligible cohort studies that evaluated results of surgery for PFF. Our aim was to (1) estimate the pooled rate of nonunion, deep infection, and overall revision nonunion rate after surgery for PFF and (2) compare these outcomes between Vancouver B1 and B2 PFF in patients who were treated using the ORIF technique.
A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted for identification of studies comparing the outcomes of ORIF between B1 and B2 PFFs published from January 1990 to August 2022 according to the updated guidelines of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocols 2020 statement (Supplementary Table 1)19). A search of multiple comprehensive databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases and KoreaMed for studies was conducted. The search strategy was developed in collaboration with a librarian and an overview of the search strategy is provided in Supplementary Material 1. Articles that met the selection criteria (including prospective and retrospective case-control studies) were included in the meta-analysis. We contacted the authors of articles with insufficient or missing data as an attempt to obtain complete data.
Only a few relevant studies directly comparing Vancouver B1 and B2 were identified in the initial search, thus single cohort studies examining clinical results after ORIF of PFFs were included.
All publications were categorized using EndNote X20 for Windows (Clarivate). Screening pertinent titles and abstracts for studies was performed independently by two reviewers (B.H.Y. and S.G.P.) and a search based on full-text review was then performed. Discrepancies between these two reviewers were resolved by a third reviewer (Y.H.R.). Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Published as an original article in English or Korean. (2) The study was a comparative or single-cohort study examining the outcomes for patients treated with ORIF for PFF; defined as Vancouver B1 and B2. (3) At least one of the following main clinical outcomes was reported: the incidence of nonunion and infection.
Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) the study included only distal femur fractures (Vancouver C); (2) the study included inter-prosthetic fractures or osteosynthesis of failed fixation (non-union); (3) the study included periprosthetic fracture after total knee arthroplasty or pathologic fracture; (4) the study used national registry data; and (5) the article was a review, expert opinion, case report, animal study or basic science study.
The primary outcome for this meta-analysis was the incidence of reoperations, which was defined as cases requiring at least one reoperation (osteosynthesis, irrigation/debridement and revision arthroplasty)20). Performance of osteosynthesis or revision surgery due to failure following osteosynthesis in PFFs was regarded as nonunion. Surgical irrigation and debridement without removal of osteosynthesis was regarded as a deep infection.
For every eligible study, the following data were extracted and entered into a spreadsheet by two reviewers (blinded by the authors): the family name of the first author, year of publication, inclusion period, country, number of patients, type of fracture according to Vancouver classification, fracture pattern (oblique, spiral, transverse, and comminuted), fixation device, use of cortical strut bone graft, surgical technique, mean years after the index operation, sample characteristics (age, sex ratio, body mass index).
Independent evaluation of the quality of all studies was performed by two of the authors (B.H.Y. and S.G.P.), using the Newcastle-Ottawa scales for observational studies and discrepancies between these two reviewers were resolved by a third reviewer (Y.H.R.). Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to assess the presence of publication bias.
Pair-wise meta-analysis was performed from the articles that examined the outcomes of both Vancouver B1 and B2. The forest plots were generated with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a fixed-effect model in all clinical outcomes.
Second, a proportion meta-analysis of data from all relevant studies that reported the incidence of nonunion and deep infection was performed. All patients included in the selected studies were then divided into two groups, according to Vancouver type (B1/B2), and heterogeneity between the two groups was also calculated. Trials containing zero cells are augmented with addition of 0.5 successes to each arm.
The cortical strut bone graft, which provides better fixation strength and enhances fracture-healing, could be an important covariant to clinical outcomes. Therefore, we attempted to perform an additional analysis by only including studies that used a strut bone graft. However, a cortical allograft augmentation was used where necessary (case by case), thus performance of subgroup analysis was not possible. Fracture pattern can also be regarded as another covariant to union rate. However, the results were classified according to fracture pattern in only two studies, so that performance of subgroup analysis was also not possible.
All analyses were performed using STATA software (ver. 14.0; Stata Corporation). Because published data were used in this study, ethical approval was not required.
The primary search of the databases yielded 871 records. After removal of duplicates, screening of 676 articles by title and abstract was performed. As a result, 112 full-text articles were selected and reviewed for eligibility. A total of 39 studies were finally included in the systematic review (Fig. 1). Among 39 studies, 10 articles compared the results of Vancouver B1 PFFs treated with ORIF with that of B2 PFFs, and were included in a pair-wise meta-analysis4,6,7,8,9,16,17,18,21,22). Twenty-five single cohort studies1,2,5,20,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43) reported outcomes after surgery for treatment of Vancouver B1 PFFs, and four single cohort studies with Vancouver B244,45,46,47). The studies identified for the meta-analysis included 1,348 femurs: 917 Vancouver B1 PFFs, and 431 Vancouver B2 PFFs (Table 1).
From the results of meta-analysis on ten comparative studies, no differences in reoperation rate (OR, 0.82; CI, 0.43-1.55;
According to the results of proportion meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of reoperation was 9% (95% CI, 6-12) from all studies; 9% (95% CI, 6-12) in Vancouver B1 PFFs and 8% (95% CI, 2-15) in Vancouver B2 PFFs (Supplementary Fig. 1). No significant difference in reoperation rate was observed between the two groups (heterogeneity between the two groups [Q],
According to the results of proportion meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of nonunion was 4% (95% CI, 3-5) from all studies; 4% (95% CI, 3-6) in Vancouver B1 PFFs and 4% (95% CI, 1-6) in Vancouver B2 PFF (Supplementary Fig. 2). No significant difference in nonunion rate was observed between the two groups (Q,
According to the results of proportion meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of deep infection was 3% (95% CI, 2-4) from all studies; 2% (95% CI, 1-3) in Vancouver B1 PFFs and 4% (95% CI, 2-7) in Vancouver B2 PFFs (Supplementary Fig. 3). No significant difference in deep infection rate was observed between the two groups (Q,
After evaluation of methodologic quality, the mean value of awarded stars was 6.4 (five stars [1 study], six stars [21 studies], seven stars [17 studies]) (Supplementary Table 2). The Begg’s funnel plot was symmetrical, and the
Discussion of periprosthetic fractures can include many aspects such as their epidemiology, classification, and treatment. ORIF can be applied as a viable treatment option for both B1 and B2 PFFs; however, there are challenges due to the presence of the prosthesis, which are primarily endured by elderly patients with osteoporosis26,32). We examined the outcomes by focusing on the rate of union and deep infection of PFF after THA.
The results of our meta-analysis showed that ORIF can be regarded as an acceptable treatment for B1 and B2 PFFs, and shows satisfactory outcomes in terms of nonunion; 4% (95% CI, 3-6) in Vancouver B1 PFFs and 4% (95% CI, 1-6) in Vancouver B2 PFFs. While B2 fractures are generally regarded as more complex and unstable than B1 fractures, several studies have demonstrated that similar outcomes can be achieved with use of ORIF in both groups of patients, particularly when using cemented stems. A study by Slullitel et al.21) comparing the outcomes of ORIF in B1 and B2 PFFs reported that no significant differences in the revision rate, functional outcomes, or complication rates were observed between the two groups. Similarly, a study by Powell-Bowns et al.6) reported that all Vancouver B fractures located around Exeter stems could be managed with fixation as opposed to revision arthroplasty when the bone-cement interface was intact and the fracture could be reduced. Many studies have reported noninferior outcomes of ORIF for management of B2 PFFs, with the advantage of a shorter operating time, lower blood transfusion rate, and overall fewer complications26,48). For example, ORIF, which can preserve the existing implant and provide good functional outcomes, may be preferred in treatment of stable B2 fractures with a good bone stock and minimal implant loosening49,50,51). Thus, there is potential for selection bias in the included studies reporting outcomes of ORIF in Vancouver B2 PFFs44,45,46). We suggest that clinicians interpret the results of individual studies, with a particular focus on the decision to perform ORIF in B2 fractures, which is typically made on a study-by-study basis.
Deep Infection is another potential devastating complication resulting in major morbidity for the patient; the reported risk of infection after PFF ranges from approximately 2% to 10%52,53). According to the results of our meta-analysis, pooled prevalence of deep infection was 3% from all studies and no significant difference in the OR of postoperative deep infection was observed between B1 and B2. While use of ORIF in management of B2 fractures may require more extensive dissection and may be associated with a longer recovery time, there is no evidence to suggest that development of a deep infection is more likely when compared with B1 fractures. However, the actual rate of infection may be even higher in certain patient populations, such as those with previous infection or multiple revision surgery; therefore, surgeons have also noted that this risk should be minimized54,55).
In past years, PFFs after hip arthroplasty, particularly in elderly patients, were associated with extremely high rates of mortality and morbidity. This may be due to a combination of factors, including the age and frailty of the patient, and the potential for reoperation such as infection or nonunion. According to the results of our meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of reoperation was 9% (95% CI, 6-12) from all studies, which is in agreement with promising results from recent studies48,56). In recent decades, there have been significant advancements in orthopedic surgery techniques and implants including management of PFF for elderly patients5,25,28,33). Thus, because treatment of PFFs can be challenging, it is important for the surgeon to approach the procedure with confidence and diligence.
The current study has several limitations. First, outcomes can be influenced by other factors including quality of the bone stock, use of cerclage cables or wires, and the surgical skill and experience of the treating surgeon; however, we were not able to adjust for all covariables. Second, the heterogeneities of the pre-implants, follow-up period, enrollment time after fracture, and variable outcomes were also limitations of this meta-analysis. Third, evaluation of other outcomes such as functional scores or mortality was not performed in this meta-analysis. Fourth, there is a difference in the number of included studies between the two groups.
In conclusion, ORIF is an acceptable treatment for B1 and B2 PFFs, and satisfactory outcomes have been achieved in terms of nonunion, infection, and reoperation. The results of this study would be helpful to clinicians and provide baseline data for use in conduct of additional studies for validation of PFF.
The detailed search strategy for selection of relevant clinical studies.
hp-35-217-s001.pdfUpdated Checklist for Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
hp-35-217-s002.pdfMethodological Quality Assessment of Included Studies Measured by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale
hp-35-217-s003.pdfThe overall pooled incidence of reoperation was calculated using proportion meta-analysis.
hp-35-217-s004.pdfThe overall pooled incidence of nonunion was calculated using proportion meta-analysis.
hp-35-217-s005.pdfThe overall pooled incidence of deep infection was calculated using proportion meta-analysis.
hp-35-217-s006.pdfPRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flow diagram detailing the process of selecting relevant clinical studies.
The risk was calculated as odds ratios in patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation between Vancouver B1 and B2 fracture. (
Begg’s funnel plot and P-value by Egger’s test indicate publication bias. There was asymmetry, but there was no significant publication bias. (
Table 1. The Outcomes Form Included Studies Which Investigated the Clinical Results of Vancouver Type B1 or B2 Periprosthetic Femoral Fracture
Study | Enrollment period | Vancouver classification | No. of fractures | No. of nonunion | No. of deep infection | No. of revision arthroplasty | Mean age (yr) | Applying strut bone graft |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marino et al.16) (2022) | 2017-2020 | Vancouver type B1 | 17 | 0 (0) | 1 (5.9) | NA | 84.4 | NA |
Vancouver type B2 | 12 | 0 (0) | 1 (8.3) | NA | NA | |||
Lv et al.23) (2022) | 2010-2019 | Vancouver type B1 | 17 | 1 (5.88) | 1 (5.9) | 0 (0) | 67.2 | None |
Kubik et al.24) (2022) | 2008-2019 | Vancouver type B1 | 31 | 2 (6.45) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 71.3 | None |
Agostini et al.17) (2022) | 2012-2018 | Vancouver type B1 | 24 | 1 (4.16) | 1 (4.2) | NA | 74.3 | NA |
Vancouver type B2 | 14 | 0 (0) | 1 (7.1) | NA | NA | |||
Taha et al.25) (2021) | 2017-2019 | Vancouver type B1 | 24 | 1 (4.16) | 2 (8.3) | 0 (0) | 77 | None |
Slullitel et al.21) (2021) | 2010-2018 | Vancouver type B1 | 47 | 1 (2.12) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 83 | None |
Vancouver type B2 | 27 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 2 (7.4) | None | |||
Roche-Albero et al.26) (2021) | 2014-2017 | Vancouver type B1 | 37 | 0 (0) | 1 (2.7) | 0 (0) | 80.7 | None |
Powell-Bowns et al.6) (2021) | 2008-2016 | Vancouver type B1 | 69 | 6 (8.69) | 1 (1.4) | 0 (0) | 77.9 | None |
Vancouver type B2 | 45 | 1 (2.22) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | None | |||
González-Martín et al.44) (2021) | 2009-2019 | Vancouver type B2 | 39 | 0 (0) | 4 (10.3) | 2 (5.1) | 78.4 | None |
Gausden et al.4) (2021) | 2008-2017 | Vancouver type B1 | 47 | 6 (12.7) | 1 (2.1) | 3 (6.4) | 72 | Partial |
Vancouver type B2 | 125 | 4 (3.2) | 8 (6.4) | 3 (2.4) | ||||
Del Chiaro et al.27) (2021) | 2010-2016 | Vancouver type B1 | 32 | 3 (9.37) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 76.7 | None |
Bhalchandra Londhe et al.28) (2021) | 2015-2018 | Vancouver type B1 | 15 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | NA | 74 | None |
Zajonz et al.29) (2020) | 2010-2016 | Vancouver type B1 | 20 | 2 (10) | NA | 1 (5) | 76 | NA |
Zheng et al.1) (2020) | 2008-2016 | Vancouver type B1 | 35 | 2 (5.71) | 0 (0) | 3 (8.6) | 50.1 | Partial |
Ciriello et al.30) (2020) | 2013-2019 | Vancouver type B1 | 22 | 1 (4.54) | 0 (0) | NA | 84.8 | None |
Min et al.20) (2020) | 2001-2018 | Vancouver type B1 | 63 | 7 (11.1) | 1 (1.6) | 2 (3.2) | 67.6 | None |
Smitham et al.45) (2019) | 2002-2014 | Vancouver type B2 | 52 | 2 (3.84) | NA | 0 (0) | 82 | NA |
Park et al.46) (2019) | - | Vancouver type B2 | 27 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 70.8 | None |
Manara et al.22) (2019) | 2006-2015 | Vancouver type B1 | 16 | 0 (0) | NA | NA | 75.7 | Yes |
Vancouver type B2 | 6 | 0 (0) | NA | NA | Yes | |||
Min et al.31) (2018) | 2011-2017 | Vancouver type B1 | 37 | 2 (5.4) | 0 (0) | 1 (2.7) | 70.1 | None |
Lee et al.32) (2018) | 2014-2016 | Vancouver type B1 | 13 | 3 (23.07) | NA | NA | 75 | None |
Kim et al.2) (2017) | 1998-2014 | Vancouver type B1 | 25 | 3 (12) | 1 (4) | 1 (4) | 63 | Yes |
Ricciardi et al.7) (2017) | 2003-2012 | Vancouver type B1 | 36 | 2 (5.55) | NA | NA | 69 | None |
Vancouver type B2 | 15 | 0 (0) | NA | NA | None | |||
Yeo et al.33) (2016) | 2009-2014 | Vancouver type B1 | 17 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 74 | Yes |
Solomon et al.47) (2015) | 2000-2010 | Vancouver type B2 | 15 | 0 (0) | NA | NA | 79 | None |
Russo et al.34) (2015) | 2007-2010 | Vancouver type B1 | 14 | 2 (14.28) | 0 (0) | 1 (7.1) | - | NA |
Lunebourg et al.8) (2015) | 2002-2007 | Vancouver type B1 | 18 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 79 | None |
Vancouver type B2 | 23 | 0 (0) | 1 (4.3) | 1 (4.3) | None | |||
Kinov et al.35) (2015) | 2004-2013 | Vancouver type B1 | 16 | 1 (6.25) | 0 (0) | NA | 64.7 | None |
Niikura et al.18) (2014) | 2005-2013 | Vancouver type B1 | 19 | 1 (5.26) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 78.5 | None |
Vancouver type B2 | 4 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | None | |||
Holder et al.36) (2014) | 2004-2009 | Vancouver type B1 | 15 | 2 (13.33) | NA | NA | 78 | None |
Dargan et al.37) (2014) | 2010-2012 | Vancouver type B1 | 20 | 0 (0) | 1 (5) | 0 (0) | 74 | None |
Khashan et al.38) (2013) | 2006-2011 | Vancouver type B1 | 21 | 5 (23.8) | 2 (9.5) | 1 (4.8) | 80 | Partial |
Baba et al.39) (2013) | 2004-2009 | Vancouver type B1 | 30 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | NA | 76.1 | None |
Froberg et al.5) (2012) | 2002-2011 | Vancouver type B1 | 58 | 3 (5.17) | 4 (6.9) | 2 (3.4) | 78 | None |
Apivatthakakul et al.40) (2012) | 2007-2008 | Vancouver type B1 | 10 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 74 | None |
Pavlou et al.9) (2011) | 1995-2007 | Vancouver type B1 | 6 | 2 (33.3) | 0 (0) | NA | 75 | NA |
Vancouver type B2 | 27 | 15 (55.5) | 1 (6.7) | NA | Partial | |||
Ebraheim et al.41) (2009) | 2005-2006 | Vancouver type B1 | 13 | 0 (0) | 1 (7.7) | 0 (0) | 77 | None |
Buttaro et al.42) (2007) | 2003-2005 | Vancouver type B1 | 14 | 1 (7.14) | 0 (0) | NA | 68 | Partial |
Old et al.43) (2006) | 1993-2005 | Vancouver type B1 | 19 | 1 (5.26) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 78 | None |
NA: non-available.
Hip Pelvis 2023; 35(4): 217-227
Published online December 31, 2023 https://doi.org/10.5371/hp.2023.35.4.217
Copyright © The Korean Hip Society.
Byung-Ho Yoon, MD , Seong Gyun Park, MD , Young Hak Roh, MD
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Correspondence to:Young Hak Roh, MD
(https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7192-4046)
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, 1071 Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul 07985, Korea
TEL: +82-2-2650-2639
E-mail: rohyh@ewha.ac.kr
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Purpose: Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty, and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a common surgical treatment. We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of ORIF in patients with different fracture patterns (Vancouver B1 and B2).
Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and KoreaMed from inception to August 2022. We conducted a pair-wise meta-analysis (with a fixed-effects model) on the 10 comparative studies and a proportional meta-analysis on the data from the 39 articles to determine a consensus. The outcomes were the incidence of reoperations that included osteosynthesis, irrigation/debridement and revision arthroplasty.
Results: The pair-wise meta-analysis showed similar outcomes between two groups; the risk of reoperation (odds ratio [OR]=0.82, confidence interval [CI] 0.43-1.55, P=0.542), nonunion (OR=0.49; CI 0.22-1.10, P=0.085) and deep infection (OR=1.89, CI 0.48-7.46, P=0.361). In proportion meta-analysis, pooled prevalence of reoperation was 9% (95% CI, 6-12) in B1 and 8% (95% CI, 2-15) in B2 (heterogeneity between two groups (Q), P=0.772). The pooled prevalence of nonunion was same as of 4% in B1 and B2 (Q, P=0.678), and deep infection was 2% (95% CI, 1-3) in B1 and 4% (95% CI, 2-7) in B2 (Q, P=0.130).
Conclusion: ORIF is a feasible treatment for B1 and B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures, with acceptable outcomes in terms of, nonunion and infection. The results of this study would help clinicians and provide baseline data for further studies validating PFF.
Keywords: Femoral fractures, Open fracture reduction, Malunited fractures, Infections, Meta-analysis
Periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a rare but potentially serious complication associated with high mortality when occurring in frail, elderly patients1,2). PFFs are generally classified according to the Vancouver system, which is helpful to clinicians in assessing the severity of the fracture and in making decisions about an appropriate treatment plan3,4,5). Vancouver type is classified as A, B, or C according to the location of the fracture and Vancouver type B is a fracture located around a stem. Vancouver B1 implies a well-fixed stem, B2 a loose stem with good bone stock.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is one of the surgical options for treatment of PFF6,7,8,9). The goal of ORIF is to provide immediate stability to the fracture, promote bone healing, and maintain the patient’s mobility10,11,12). However, evidence from comparison of the outcomes of ORIF for B1 and B2 PFFs is limited. B1 PFFs show a stable fracture pattern without significant bone loss, whereas B2 PFFs are unstable and associated with bone loss, which can make ORIF more challenging13,14,15).
Previous studies have reported varying outcomes for ORIF in B1 and B2 PFFs. Some studies have suggested that outcomes after ORIF are better for B1 PFFs than for B2 PFFs4). Other studies have reported that no significant differences in the outcomes of ORIF were observed between B1 and B2 PFFs16,17,18). However, most of these studies included small sample sizes, were retrospective, and the follow-up periods were limited.
Relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses are rare due to variations in the method used for measurement and the bone site evaluated. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed by including all eligible cohort studies that evaluated results of surgery for PFF. Our aim was to (1) estimate the pooled rate of nonunion, deep infection, and overall revision nonunion rate after surgery for PFF and (2) compare these outcomes between Vancouver B1 and B2 PFF in patients who were treated using the ORIF technique.
A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted for identification of studies comparing the outcomes of ORIF between B1 and B2 PFFs published from January 1990 to August 2022 according to the updated guidelines of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocols 2020 statement (Supplementary Table 1)19). A search of multiple comprehensive databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases and KoreaMed for studies was conducted. The search strategy was developed in collaboration with a librarian and an overview of the search strategy is provided in Supplementary Material 1. Articles that met the selection criteria (including prospective and retrospective case-control studies) were included in the meta-analysis. We contacted the authors of articles with insufficient or missing data as an attempt to obtain complete data.
Only a few relevant studies directly comparing Vancouver B1 and B2 were identified in the initial search, thus single cohort studies examining clinical results after ORIF of PFFs were included.
All publications were categorized using EndNote X20 for Windows (Clarivate). Screening pertinent titles and abstracts for studies was performed independently by two reviewers (B.H.Y. and S.G.P.) and a search based on full-text review was then performed. Discrepancies between these two reviewers were resolved by a third reviewer (Y.H.R.). Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) Published as an original article in English or Korean. (2) The study was a comparative or single-cohort study examining the outcomes for patients treated with ORIF for PFF; defined as Vancouver B1 and B2. (3) At least one of the following main clinical outcomes was reported: the incidence of nonunion and infection.
Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) the study included only distal femur fractures (Vancouver C); (2) the study included inter-prosthetic fractures or osteosynthesis of failed fixation (non-union); (3) the study included periprosthetic fracture after total knee arthroplasty or pathologic fracture; (4) the study used national registry data; and (5) the article was a review, expert opinion, case report, animal study or basic science study.
The primary outcome for this meta-analysis was the incidence of reoperations, which was defined as cases requiring at least one reoperation (osteosynthesis, irrigation/debridement and revision arthroplasty)20). Performance of osteosynthesis or revision surgery due to failure following osteosynthesis in PFFs was regarded as nonunion. Surgical irrigation and debridement without removal of osteosynthesis was regarded as a deep infection.
For every eligible study, the following data were extracted and entered into a spreadsheet by two reviewers (blinded by the authors): the family name of the first author, year of publication, inclusion period, country, number of patients, type of fracture according to Vancouver classification, fracture pattern (oblique, spiral, transverse, and comminuted), fixation device, use of cortical strut bone graft, surgical technique, mean years after the index operation, sample characteristics (age, sex ratio, body mass index).
Independent evaluation of the quality of all studies was performed by two of the authors (B.H.Y. and S.G.P.), using the Newcastle-Ottawa scales for observational studies and discrepancies between these two reviewers were resolved by a third reviewer (Y.H.R.). Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to assess the presence of publication bias.
Pair-wise meta-analysis was performed from the articles that examined the outcomes of both Vancouver B1 and B2. The forest plots were generated with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a fixed-effect model in all clinical outcomes.
Second, a proportion meta-analysis of data from all relevant studies that reported the incidence of nonunion and deep infection was performed. All patients included in the selected studies were then divided into two groups, according to Vancouver type (B1/B2), and heterogeneity between the two groups was also calculated. Trials containing zero cells are augmented with addition of 0.5 successes to each arm.
The cortical strut bone graft, which provides better fixation strength and enhances fracture-healing, could be an important covariant to clinical outcomes. Therefore, we attempted to perform an additional analysis by only including studies that used a strut bone graft. However, a cortical allograft augmentation was used where necessary (case by case), thus performance of subgroup analysis was not possible. Fracture pattern can also be regarded as another covariant to union rate. However, the results were classified according to fracture pattern in only two studies, so that performance of subgroup analysis was also not possible.
All analyses were performed using STATA software (ver. 14.0; Stata Corporation). Because published data were used in this study, ethical approval was not required.
The primary search of the databases yielded 871 records. After removal of duplicates, screening of 676 articles by title and abstract was performed. As a result, 112 full-text articles were selected and reviewed for eligibility. A total of 39 studies were finally included in the systematic review (Fig. 1). Among 39 studies, 10 articles compared the results of Vancouver B1 PFFs treated with ORIF with that of B2 PFFs, and were included in a pair-wise meta-analysis4,6,7,8,9,16,17,18,21,22). Twenty-five single cohort studies1,2,5,20,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43) reported outcomes after surgery for treatment of Vancouver B1 PFFs, and four single cohort studies with Vancouver B244,45,46,47). The studies identified for the meta-analysis included 1,348 femurs: 917 Vancouver B1 PFFs, and 431 Vancouver B2 PFFs (Table 1).
From the results of meta-analysis on ten comparative studies, no differences in reoperation rate (OR, 0.82; CI, 0.43-1.55;
According to the results of proportion meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of reoperation was 9% (95% CI, 6-12) from all studies; 9% (95% CI, 6-12) in Vancouver B1 PFFs and 8% (95% CI, 2-15) in Vancouver B2 PFFs (Supplementary Fig. 1). No significant difference in reoperation rate was observed between the two groups (heterogeneity between the two groups [Q],
According to the results of proportion meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of nonunion was 4% (95% CI, 3-5) from all studies; 4% (95% CI, 3-6) in Vancouver B1 PFFs and 4% (95% CI, 1-6) in Vancouver B2 PFF (Supplementary Fig. 2). No significant difference in nonunion rate was observed between the two groups (Q,
According to the results of proportion meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of deep infection was 3% (95% CI, 2-4) from all studies; 2% (95% CI, 1-3) in Vancouver B1 PFFs and 4% (95% CI, 2-7) in Vancouver B2 PFFs (Supplementary Fig. 3). No significant difference in deep infection rate was observed between the two groups (Q,
After evaluation of methodologic quality, the mean value of awarded stars was 6.4 (five stars [1 study], six stars [21 studies], seven stars [17 studies]) (Supplementary Table 2). The Begg’s funnel plot was symmetrical, and the
Discussion of periprosthetic fractures can include many aspects such as their epidemiology, classification, and treatment. ORIF can be applied as a viable treatment option for both B1 and B2 PFFs; however, there are challenges due to the presence of the prosthesis, which are primarily endured by elderly patients with osteoporosis26,32). We examined the outcomes by focusing on the rate of union and deep infection of PFF after THA.
The results of our meta-analysis showed that ORIF can be regarded as an acceptable treatment for B1 and B2 PFFs, and shows satisfactory outcomes in terms of nonunion; 4% (95% CI, 3-6) in Vancouver B1 PFFs and 4% (95% CI, 1-6) in Vancouver B2 PFFs. While B2 fractures are generally regarded as more complex and unstable than B1 fractures, several studies have demonstrated that similar outcomes can be achieved with use of ORIF in both groups of patients, particularly when using cemented stems. A study by Slullitel et al.21) comparing the outcomes of ORIF in B1 and B2 PFFs reported that no significant differences in the revision rate, functional outcomes, or complication rates were observed between the two groups. Similarly, a study by Powell-Bowns et al.6) reported that all Vancouver B fractures located around Exeter stems could be managed with fixation as opposed to revision arthroplasty when the bone-cement interface was intact and the fracture could be reduced. Many studies have reported noninferior outcomes of ORIF for management of B2 PFFs, with the advantage of a shorter operating time, lower blood transfusion rate, and overall fewer complications26,48). For example, ORIF, which can preserve the existing implant and provide good functional outcomes, may be preferred in treatment of stable B2 fractures with a good bone stock and minimal implant loosening49,50,51). Thus, there is potential for selection bias in the included studies reporting outcomes of ORIF in Vancouver B2 PFFs44,45,46). We suggest that clinicians interpret the results of individual studies, with a particular focus on the decision to perform ORIF in B2 fractures, which is typically made on a study-by-study basis.
Deep Infection is another potential devastating complication resulting in major morbidity for the patient; the reported risk of infection after PFF ranges from approximately 2% to 10%52,53). According to the results of our meta-analysis, pooled prevalence of deep infection was 3% from all studies and no significant difference in the OR of postoperative deep infection was observed between B1 and B2. While use of ORIF in management of B2 fractures may require more extensive dissection and may be associated with a longer recovery time, there is no evidence to suggest that development of a deep infection is more likely when compared with B1 fractures. However, the actual rate of infection may be even higher in certain patient populations, such as those with previous infection or multiple revision surgery; therefore, surgeons have also noted that this risk should be minimized54,55).
In past years, PFFs after hip arthroplasty, particularly in elderly patients, were associated with extremely high rates of mortality and morbidity. This may be due to a combination of factors, including the age and frailty of the patient, and the potential for reoperation such as infection or nonunion. According to the results of our meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of reoperation was 9% (95% CI, 6-12) from all studies, which is in agreement with promising results from recent studies48,56). In recent decades, there have been significant advancements in orthopedic surgery techniques and implants including management of PFF for elderly patients5,25,28,33). Thus, because treatment of PFFs can be challenging, it is important for the surgeon to approach the procedure with confidence and diligence.
The current study has several limitations. First, outcomes can be influenced by other factors including quality of the bone stock, use of cerclage cables or wires, and the surgical skill and experience of the treating surgeon; however, we were not able to adjust for all covariables. Second, the heterogeneities of the pre-implants, follow-up period, enrollment time after fracture, and variable outcomes were also limitations of this meta-analysis. Third, evaluation of other outcomes such as functional scores or mortality was not performed in this meta-analysis. Fourth, there is a difference in the number of included studies between the two groups.
In conclusion, ORIF is an acceptable treatment for B1 and B2 PFFs, and satisfactory outcomes have been achieved in terms of nonunion, infection, and reoperation. The results of this study would be helpful to clinicians and provide baseline data for use in conduct of additional studies for validation of PFF.
The detailed search strategy for selection of relevant clinical studies.
hp-35-217-s001.pdfUpdated Checklist for Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
hp-35-217-s002.pdfMethodological Quality Assessment of Included Studies Measured by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale
hp-35-217-s003.pdfThe overall pooled incidence of reoperation was calculated using proportion meta-analysis.
hp-35-217-s004.pdfThe overall pooled incidence of nonunion was calculated using proportion meta-analysis.
hp-35-217-s005.pdfThe overall pooled incidence of deep infection was calculated using proportion meta-analysis.
hp-35-217-s006.pdfPRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flow diagram detailing the process of selecting relevant clinical studies.
The risk was calculated as odds ratios in patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation between Vancouver B1 and B2 fracture. (
Begg’s funnel plot and P-value by Egger’s test indicate publication bias. There was asymmetry, but there was no significant publication bias. (
Table 1 . The Outcomes Form Included Studies Which Investigated the Clinical Results of Vancouver Type B1 or B2 Periprosthetic Femoral Fracture.
Study | Enrollment period | Vancouver classification | No. of fractures | No. of nonunion | No. of deep infection | No. of revision arthroplasty | Mean age (yr) | Applying strut bone graft |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marino et al.16) (2022) | 2017-2020 | Vancouver type B1 | 17 | 0 (0) | 1 (5.9) | NA | 84.4 | NA |
Vancouver type B2 | 12 | 0 (0) | 1 (8.3) | NA | NA | |||
Lv et al.23) (2022) | 2010-2019 | Vancouver type B1 | 17 | 1 (5.88) | 1 (5.9) | 0 (0) | 67.2 | None |
Kubik et al.24) (2022) | 2008-2019 | Vancouver type B1 | 31 | 2 (6.45) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 71.3 | None |
Agostini et al.17) (2022) | 2012-2018 | Vancouver type B1 | 24 | 1 (4.16) | 1 (4.2) | NA | 74.3 | NA |
Vancouver type B2 | 14 | 0 (0) | 1 (7.1) | NA | NA | |||
Taha et al.25) (2021) | 2017-2019 | Vancouver type B1 | 24 | 1 (4.16) | 2 (8.3) | 0 (0) | 77 | None |
Slullitel et al.21) (2021) | 2010-2018 | Vancouver type B1 | 47 | 1 (2.12) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 83 | None |
Vancouver type B2 | 27 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 2 (7.4) | None | |||
Roche-Albero et al.26) (2021) | 2014-2017 | Vancouver type B1 | 37 | 0 (0) | 1 (2.7) | 0 (0) | 80.7 | None |
Powell-Bowns et al.6) (2021) | 2008-2016 | Vancouver type B1 | 69 | 6 (8.69) | 1 (1.4) | 0 (0) | 77.9 | None |
Vancouver type B2 | 45 | 1 (2.22) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | None | |||
González-Martín et al.44) (2021) | 2009-2019 | Vancouver type B2 | 39 | 0 (0) | 4 (10.3) | 2 (5.1) | 78.4 | None |
Gausden et al.4) (2021) | 2008-2017 | Vancouver type B1 | 47 | 6 (12.7) | 1 (2.1) | 3 (6.4) | 72 | Partial |
Vancouver type B2 | 125 | 4 (3.2) | 8 (6.4) | 3 (2.4) | ||||
Del Chiaro et al.27) (2021) | 2010-2016 | Vancouver type B1 | 32 | 3 (9.37) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 76.7 | None |
Bhalchandra Londhe et al.28) (2021) | 2015-2018 | Vancouver type B1 | 15 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | NA | 74 | None |
Zajonz et al.29) (2020) | 2010-2016 | Vancouver type B1 | 20 | 2 (10) | NA | 1 (5) | 76 | NA |
Zheng et al.1) (2020) | 2008-2016 | Vancouver type B1 | 35 | 2 (5.71) | 0 (0) | 3 (8.6) | 50.1 | Partial |
Ciriello et al.30) (2020) | 2013-2019 | Vancouver type B1 | 22 | 1 (4.54) | 0 (0) | NA | 84.8 | None |
Min et al.20) (2020) | 2001-2018 | Vancouver type B1 | 63 | 7 (11.1) | 1 (1.6) | 2 (3.2) | 67.6 | None |
Smitham et al.45) (2019) | 2002-2014 | Vancouver type B2 | 52 | 2 (3.84) | NA | 0 (0) | 82 | NA |
Park et al.46) (2019) | - | Vancouver type B2 | 27 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 70.8 | None |
Manara et al.22) (2019) | 2006-2015 | Vancouver type B1 | 16 | 0 (0) | NA | NA | 75.7 | Yes |
Vancouver type B2 | 6 | 0 (0) | NA | NA | Yes | |||
Min et al.31) (2018) | 2011-2017 | Vancouver type B1 | 37 | 2 (5.4) | 0 (0) | 1 (2.7) | 70.1 | None |
Lee et al.32) (2018) | 2014-2016 | Vancouver type B1 | 13 | 3 (23.07) | NA | NA | 75 | None |
Kim et al.2) (2017) | 1998-2014 | Vancouver type B1 | 25 | 3 (12) | 1 (4) | 1 (4) | 63 | Yes |
Ricciardi et al.7) (2017) | 2003-2012 | Vancouver type B1 | 36 | 2 (5.55) | NA | NA | 69 | None |
Vancouver type B2 | 15 | 0 (0) | NA | NA | None | |||
Yeo et al.33) (2016) | 2009-2014 | Vancouver type B1 | 17 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 74 | Yes |
Solomon et al.47) (2015) | 2000-2010 | Vancouver type B2 | 15 | 0 (0) | NA | NA | 79 | None |
Russo et al.34) (2015) | 2007-2010 | Vancouver type B1 | 14 | 2 (14.28) | 0 (0) | 1 (7.1) | - | NA |
Lunebourg et al.8) (2015) | 2002-2007 | Vancouver type B1 | 18 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 79 | None |
Vancouver type B2 | 23 | 0 (0) | 1 (4.3) | 1 (4.3) | None | |||
Kinov et al.35) (2015) | 2004-2013 | Vancouver type B1 | 16 | 1 (6.25) | 0 (0) | NA | 64.7 | None |
Niikura et al.18) (2014) | 2005-2013 | Vancouver type B1 | 19 | 1 (5.26) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 78.5 | None |
Vancouver type B2 | 4 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | None | |||
Holder et al.36) (2014) | 2004-2009 | Vancouver type B1 | 15 | 2 (13.33) | NA | NA | 78 | None |
Dargan et al.37) (2014) | 2010-2012 | Vancouver type B1 | 20 | 0 (0) | 1 (5) | 0 (0) | 74 | None |
Khashan et al.38) (2013) | 2006-2011 | Vancouver type B1 | 21 | 5 (23.8) | 2 (9.5) | 1 (4.8) | 80 | Partial |
Baba et al.39) (2013) | 2004-2009 | Vancouver type B1 | 30 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | NA | 76.1 | None |
Froberg et al.5) (2012) | 2002-2011 | Vancouver type B1 | 58 | 3 (5.17) | 4 (6.9) | 2 (3.4) | 78 | None |
Apivatthakakul et al.40) (2012) | 2007-2008 | Vancouver type B1 | 10 | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 74 | None |
Pavlou et al.9) (2011) | 1995-2007 | Vancouver type B1 | 6 | 2 (33.3) | 0 (0) | NA | 75 | NA |
Vancouver type B2 | 27 | 15 (55.5) | 1 (6.7) | NA | Partial | |||
Ebraheim et al.41) (2009) | 2005-2006 | Vancouver type B1 | 13 | 0 (0) | 1 (7.7) | 0 (0) | 77 | None |
Buttaro et al.42) (2007) | 2003-2005 | Vancouver type B1 | 14 | 1 (7.14) | 0 (0) | NA | 68 | Partial |
Old et al.43) (2006) | 1993-2005 | Vancouver type B1 | 19 | 1 (5.26) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) | 78 | None |
NA: non-available..
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PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flow diagram detailing the process of selecting relevant clinical studies.
|@|~(^,^)~|@|The risk was calculated as odds ratios in patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation between Vancouver B1 and B2 fracture. (
Begg’s funnel plot and P-value by Egger’s test indicate publication bias. There was asymmetry, but there was no significant publication bias. (