Internal fixation versus revision arthroplasty for Vancouver B2–B3 fractures: mortality and functional outcomes in frail patients. Insights from the PIPPAS study of 485 patients

Abstract

Background Periprosthetic femoral fractures following hip arthroplasty (FH-PPF) represent a severe complication, especially in elderly patients with compromised health. Traditionally, revision arthroplasty is recommended for B2–B3 FH-PPF, yet internal fixation has emerged as a debated alternative in select patients. The hypothesis was that fixation, in selected patients with B2–B3 FH-PPF, decreases mortality and surgical complication rates with the same functional outcomes as revision arthroplasty. Materials and methods PIPPAS is a multicenter prospective observational study. This cohort substudy includes 485 patients across 57 hospitals with B2–B3 FH-PPF between January 2021 and May 2023. Management strategy, revision or fixation, was at the attending surgeon’s discretion. Propensity score matching, controlled for age, age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (a-CCI), prefracture mobility, Pfeiffer scale, and ASA score, was done. Mortality risk factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Out of 485 patients, 164 received fixation, and 321 underwent revision. Fixation patients were older (88 versus 82 years, p < 0.001) and frailer. Fixation was associated with shorter hospital stay (13 versus 15 days, p = 0.003) but higher 1-year mortality (25% versus 14.3%, p = 0.04). There were no differences in medical or surgical complications (p = 0.83 and p = 0.36) at any time, but dislocation rate was higher in the revision group (p = 0.001). The 1-year mortality rate in patients with no weight-bearing restrictions was higher for the revision group (p = 0.01). The propensity score matching showed higher 1-year mortality rate in the fixation group but no differences in functional outcomes, complications, or up to 6-months mortality. In the multivariate analysis a-CCI, cognitive impairment, B3 fractures, and prefracture independent walking impairment were independent mortality risk factors. Conclusions Revision arthroplasty showed less 1-year mortality rate and weight-bearing restrictions than fixation. However, frail patients with B2–B3 FH-PPF managed with fixation allowing full weight-bearing showed a lower 1-year mortality rate. Fixation in B2–B3 FH-PPF is a treatment option in frail patients, while aiming for stable constructions allowing full weight-bearing.