Background: The increasing number of implantations of total knee endoprostheses shows a correlation with an increase in revision operations and periprosthetic fractures.
Objective: This article presents strategies for prevention of complications after open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of periprosthetic fractures in addition to the classification of periprosthetic fractures of the knee joint.
Therapy strategies: Osteosynthetic treatment is only applicable in some of the cases. Although special periprosthetic, angle locking plates are available for osteosynthesis, treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the knee joint remains a challenge with a high complication rate. If the prosthesis becomes loosened, the prosthesis should be replaced and ORIF should not be performed.
Risk factors: The risk factors for failure of osteosynthesis include the prosthesis model and the associated reduction of residual bone and the mostly osteoporotic bone structures.