Periprosthetic tibial fracture after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is rare, but jeopardizes implant survival. The main objective of the present study was to assess treatment efficacy, on the hypothesis that surgery provides good long-term results.

A two-center retrospective study included 15 patients (6 male, 9 female: mean age, 71.8±10.2 years), managed between 1997 and 2017 for isolated tibial fracture after TKA. Patients were assessed clinically (IKS, inverted Oxford, Parker and SF-12 scores) and radiologically. Complications and revision surgeries were collated. Fractures were classified on the SoFCOT classification: 9 stable implants (4 type B1, 5 type C1), 4 periprosthetic osteolyses (1 type A3, 2 type B3, 1 type C3), and 2 loosenings (type A2). Treatments comprised: non-operative treatment (1 bed-ridden patient), 11 osteosyntheses for fracture on stable implant (2 standard plates, 7 locking plates, 2 intramedullary nailings), and 3 implant replacements by cemented long stem models for loosening.

Mean follow-up was 28 months (range, 12–120 months). Consolidation was achieved in 13 cases, at a mean 15 weeks. Complications comprised: 4 infections, 2 cases of secondary displacement, and 2 of non-union. Surgical revision was required in 8 cases, including 2 secondary implant revision procedures. Functional results were good in 10 cases. At last follow-up, mean Parker score was 7 (range, 4–8.5), Oxford score 32 (range, 16–39), and IKS score 150 (range, 85–167) with knee and function scores respectively 78 (range, 55–86) and 75 (range, 30–85).

Radiologic and clinical results were encouraging, but with impaired quality of life and a high rate of complications.

IV, retrospective cohort study.