Periprosthetic fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [Periprothetische frakturen bei patienten mit rheumatoider arthritis]

Postoperative periprosthetic fracture is a rare but serious complication after joint replacement surgery. Due to poor bone quality, multiple joint involvement with the replacement of different joints and considerable comorbidity, the presence of rheumatoid arthritis is associated with a high risk of periprosthetic fractures. For the same reasons, periprosthetic fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis can be very difficult to treat, and their management often requires an interdisciplinary approach. On the basis of the current literature, the present work describes different aspects of the epidemiology of periprosthetic fractures, principles of their classification, different treatment options and the results of treatment of these fractures. Special attention is paid to the situation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. © 2007 Springer Medizin Verlag.