The authors reviewed all patients treated for periprosthetic femur fractures between March 1, 2007, and January 31, 2010 at the senior author's institution. Demographic features, mechanism of injury, radiographs, and computed tomography scans were reviewed to determine the type and stability of the femoral implant at the time of injury. All Vancouver B1 fractures were treated with a novel technique that used a contoured distal femoral locking plate intended for the contralateral femur and reversed to accommodate the ipsilateral femoral bow and contour of the proximal femur. Fixation was achieved around the implant with percutaneously placed unicortical and/or bicortical screws. Radiographs were reviewed for fracture healing, malunion, implant failure, and prosthetic loosening. Fifteen patients were identified and underwent the procedure as described. One patient died soon after surgery of complications from a ruptured preexisting esophageal ulcer. Of the remaining 14 patients, the average duration of follow-up was 25 months (range, 6-31 months). Two patients did not achieve union; however, repeat interpretation of the presenting radiographs showed likely misdiagnosed Vancouver B2 fractures. The first patient had late aseptic loosening and underwent revision surgery 22 weeks postoperatively. The other had early loss of fixation that required revision with a long stem prosthesis. Other complications included 1 deep venous thrombosis and 2 superficial wound infections. The infections were successfully treated with a single formal irrigation and debridement, primary closure, and a short course of oral antibiotics. Ultimately, in 86% of patients (12/14), fracture healing occurred with this biologically friendly technique.
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