Authors of section

Executive editor

Michael Baumgaertner

Authors

Michael Huo, Michael Leslie, Iain McFadyen

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Fracture around a loose femoral component with good bone stock

General considerations

These fractures (classified by UCPF as V.3-B2) occur when the femoral component has loosened either at the time of injury or because of preexisting osteolysis. Therefore, surgeons need to consider if a V.3-B1 fracture should in fact be classified as V.3-B2.

Radiographic loosening

Etiology

Commonly these occur following a simple fall from standing height.

Occasionally, more active patients might sustain a high energy fracture.

Clinical signs

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Deformity
  • Preceding pain or disfunction

Imaging

Plain X-rays remain the first line of investigation.

CT Scan can help to assess possible fracture extension to the implant interface.

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