If you’ve undergone a total or partial knee replacement or a hip replacement, you’ve likely experienced significant relief from chronic pain and an improvement in your quality of life. But a rare yet serious complication can arise: periprosthetic fractures.
A periprosthetic fracture is a break in the bone surrounding the replaced joint and can happen because of trauma, such as a fall or accident, repetitive stress on the joint, or underlying conditions like osteoporosis that weaken the bone.
Factors that can increase your risk of experiencing a periprosthetic fracture include advanced age, being female, having osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis, and undergoing revision surgery on a joint replacement.
While these fractures are relatively uncommon, affecting about 1% of total hip replacements, they require immediate medical attention to prevent further complications and ensure the stability of the joint.
Recognizing the signs of a periprosthetic fracture is key for seeking timely and appropriate treatment. At his private practice in Houston, Texas, board-certified surgeon Kevin Park, MD, and our team are here to help.
Using a personalized treatment approach, we specialize in the latest medical technology and surgical techniques to provide the best care possible. Keep reading to learn about the telltale signs of a periprosthetic fracture and how we can help.
One of the most immediate and obvious signs of a periprosthetic fracture is sudden and intense pain around the site of your joint replacement.
This pain usually follows a specific incident, such as a fall or direct blow to the joint. But it can also develop gradually because of repetitive stress or an existing bone condition like osteoporosis.
The pain is usually sharp and severe, making it difficult to move the affected joint or bear weight on it. If you experience this type of pain, especially after trauma or injury, seek medical attention immediately.
Another common sign of a periprosthetic fracture is swelling and bruising around the site of your joint replacement.
The area may become swollen, tender to the touch, and discolored due to bruising. This swelling results from inflammation and bleeding within the joint and surrounding tissues.
The swelling and bruising can make it difficult to move your joint and may be accompanied by a feeling of warmth or heat in the affected area.
A periprosthetic fracture often leads to an inability to bear weight on the affected leg or to walk. This is because of the instability of the joint and the severe pain due to the fracture.
You may find that even attempting to put weight on the leg is excruciatingly painful, and you need to use crutches or a walker to move around.
In severe cases, your leg may appear deformed or shorter than the other leg due to the displacement of the fractured bone.
If you’re unable to walk or bear weight on your leg, seek medical help right away to prevent further damage.
If you notice that your joint looks misaligned or deformed, this could be a sign of a periprosthetic fracture.
Misalignment can occur when the fracture has disrupted the normal structure and stability of your joint. For example, you might notice that the leg with the affected joint appears shorter or rotates differently than your other leg.
This change in alignment can cause significant mobility issues.
Treating a periprosthetic fracture typically requires surgery to repair the fracture and stabilize the joint. The specific surgical approach depends on the location and severity of the fracture, the quality of the bone, and the condition of the implant.
During your procedure, Dr. Park may use screws, plates, or rods to secure the fractured bone and ensure the joint remains stable.
If the prosthetic implant is loose or damaged, it may need to be replaced. Sometimes, bone grafts may be necessary to strengthen the bone around the joint.
Recovery from periprosthetic fracture surgery involves a hospital stay and a period of rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility to the affected joint.
Dr. Park and our team work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and provide the care and support you need to recover fully.
If you suspect you’re experiencing a periprosthetic fracture, don’t wait to schedule an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Park in Houston, Texas.
