Background: Between 1991 and 2008, approximately 80 cases of fracture (neck or stem) have been reported. This study aimed at determining factors predisposing to implant fracture.
Methods: Clinical, surgical, radiological, and retrieval data were collated. Risk factors associated with fracture were categorized to patient related (weight and activity levels), surgical related (poor medial support, component size, and placement), and anatomic/implant related (head size/offset).
Results: Data was available on 60 patients (32 stem and 28 neck fractures). Mean patient age at fracture was similar for both neck and stem fractures (69 years, 67 years, respectively). Also, 77% neck and 52% stem fractures occurred in men. Mean weight was 107 kg in neck and 96.5 kg in stem fractures with 68% neck and 38% stem fractures either obese or morbidly obese. Mean time to fracture was 78 months (range, 36-144 months) for neck and 76 months (range, 2-155 months) for stem fractures. 44#2 and 44#3 were the most common sizes associated with neck fractures. Stem fractures occurred more commonly (84%) in the smaller sizes (35.5 to 44#1). Elongated femoral heads were used in 69% neck and 14% stem fractures.
Conclusion: Neck fractures were most commonly associated with patient-related (increased weight and activity) and implant-related (use of an elongated femoral head) factors. Stem fractures were most commonly associated with correctable surgical-related causes, predominantly secondary to stem undersizing or inadequate medial support (84%).
Keywords: Exeter; failure; fracture; incidence; prosthesis.
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