Reversed tibial locking plates in management of traumatic ipsilateral periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur and proximal tibia after total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Introduction: Ipsilateral distal femoral and proximal tibial periprosthetic fracture following total knee arthroplasty is a rare complication presented to the Emergency Department. Case Report: We report a case of a 50-year-old man who underwent a right total knee arthroplasty one year ago and presented with periprosthetic fractures following a motor vehicle accident. He sustained comminuted fracture of lower third of right femur and proximal tibia, thus producing "Floating Total Knee" but the knee implants remained intact. He was subsequently treated with two reversed tibial locking plates for the femur and a single locking plate for the tibia. Conclusion: Early and prompt management of this condition warrants a comprehensive orthopaedic management which results in a good clinical outcome. We also review various treatment modalities described before for the treatment of periprosthetic fractures.