Periprosthetic Fractures: A Common Problem with a Disproportionately High Impact on Healthcare Resources

The present study evaluated the frequency of periprosthetic fractures and tested the hypothesis that this population’s demographics and outcomes are unique as compared with other arthroplasty patients. The National Hospital Discharge Survey provided the raw data. Individuals admitted with a primary TKA, primary THA, or revision TJA were selected. Annual rates were then calculated and demographics and outcomes compared. 30,624 patients were reviewed. The proportion of admissions for periprosthetic fractures ranged from 4.2% to 7.4% annually. As compared to patients admitted for other TJA diagnoses, individuals admitted with periprosthetic fracture were older, were more often female, were more often admitted emergently/urgently, had longer lengths of stay, had higher rates of discharge to places other than home, and had a significantly elevated mortality.