Endosteal Substitution With an Allograft Cortical Strut in the Treatment of a Periprosthetic Femur Fracture: A Case Report

Abstract

The use of allograft cortical struts in the treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the femur has been well described. Allograft struts are used to supplement cerclage wire fixation or may be placed outside the cortex opposite plate and screw fixation to improve screw fixation in osteoporotic bone. This generally requires extensive soft tissue stripping and may lead to delayed bony union. A technique is described wherein an allograft strut was inserted into the medullary canal through the fracture site and used as an endosteal substitution for osteoporotic cortical bone. This technique can improve screw fixation in osteoporotic bone while avoiding devascularization of the fractured femur.