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Where Is the Fracture?
The relationship between the break and the implant determines which fixation or revision options are possible.
Complex fracture and revision joint care
Periprosthetic Hip & Knee Fracture Surgery in Atlanta
A periprosthetic fracture is a broken bone that occurs around a hip or knee replacement. These injuries require more than standard fracture care because the implant itself may also need to be revised.
The most important question is not only “Where is the break?”
The surgeon must also determine whether the hip or knee replacement remains firmly attached to the bone. That decision changes the entire operation.
Complex fracture fixation
Revision hip replacement
Revision knee replacement
Joint reconstruction expertise
Understanding the injury
What Is a Periprosthetic Fracture?
It is a fracture around or near an existing orthopedic implant—most commonly a hip or knee replacement.
Fractures Around a Hip Replacement
Most occur in the femur near the hip stem. The break may be above the stem, beside it or below it.
The location matters, but implant stability matters even more. A fracture around a firmly fixed stem may be repaired with plates, cables and screws. A loose stem usually requires revision to a longer implant that bypasses the fracture.
Fractures Around a Knee Replacement
These most commonly involve the distal femur above the knee replacement, but they can also involve the tibia or patella.
Treatment depends on the fracture pattern, bone quality and whether the knee components remain stable. Severe bone loss or a loose implant may require revision reconstruction rather than fixation alone.
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These Injuries Usually Require Emergency Hospital Evaluation
After a fall or injury, severe pain, deformity or inability to bear weight around a replaced hip or knee should be evaluated in the emergency room. Tell the ER team that you would like Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists contacted when hospital privileges, coverage and surgeon availability allow.
The three essential questions
What Determines the Correct Operation?
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Is the Implant Stable?
A well-fixed implant may remain in place. A loose stem or component generally needs to be revised rather than simply plated around.
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How Much Bone Remains?
Bone quality, comminution and bone loss determine whether fixation can hold or whether larger reconstructive implants are required.
This Is Where Fracture Surgery and Revision Joint Replacement Meet
The surgeon must be comfortable moving between fracture fixation and complex hip or knee reconstruction. Sometimes the correct operation is a plate. Sometimes it is a revision stem. Sometimes it requires both fixation and implant revision.
Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists routinely performs complex revision hip and knee replacement surgery. That experience gives our team the full reconstructive skill set needed when the fracture and the implant must be addressed together.
Treatment pathways
Fix the Fracture, Revise the Implant—or Do Both
The operation is selected after reviewing the fracture pattern, implant stability, available bone and the patient’s overall health and mobility.
Stable implant
Fracture Fixation
Plates, screws, cables or a nail may stabilize the fracture while leaving a well-fixed hip or knee replacement in place.
Loose implant
Revision Joint Replacement
A loose hip stem or knee component may need to be removed and replaced with a longer or more specialized implant that gains fixation beyond the fracture.
Severe bone loss
Complex Reconstruction
Highly comminuted fractures or poor bone may require major reconstruction such as a proximal or distal femoral replacement.
Why surgeon selection matters
You Want More Than a Fracture Surgeon—and More Than a Routine Joint Surgeon
Periprosthetic fractures demand experience with both complex fixation and revision arthroplasty.
The Full Skill Set May Include
- Locking-plate and cable fixation
- Revision hip stems
- Revision knee components
- Bone-loss reconstruction
- Proximal or distal femoral replacement
- Evaluation for implant loosening or infection
Why Our Revision Experience Matters
Our orthopedic surgery practice performs a high volume of primary and revision hip and knee replacement procedures, including complex reconstructions.
That means the revision option is always available when fixation alone is not enough. The plan is based on what gives the patient the most stable and durable reconstruction—not on a limited surgical tool set.
Local complex fracture care
Periprosthetic Fracture and Revision Joint Care in Atlanta
Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists evaluates fractures around hip and knee replacements and provides complex fixation and revision reconstruction when needed.
Atlanta
Decatur
Snellville
Loganville
Fulton County
DeKalb County
Gwinnett County
Walton County
For an acute fracture, go directly to the emergency room and ask for Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists. For a second opinion or transfer-of-care review, bring all injury X-rays, CT scans, prior operative reports and implant information if available.
Periprosthetic fracture FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a periprosthetic fracture?
It is a broken bone around or near an existing orthopedic implant, most commonly a hip or knee replacement.
What is the most important factor in treatment?
The fracture location matters, but implant stability is often the decisive factor. A stable implant may allow fracture fixation, while a loose component generally requires revision reconstruction.
Can the fracture be repaired without replacing the implant?
Yes, when the implant remains firmly fixed and enough healthy bone is available. Plates, screws, cables or a nail may be used depending on the fracture.
When is revision joint replacement required?
Revision is commonly required when the implant is loose, the fracture compromises its fixation or there is not enough bone for dependable fracture fixation alone.
Why is revision-joint experience important?
The surgeon may need to choose among fracture fixation, implant revision or a combined reconstruction. Experience with both fracture surgery and complex revision hip and knee replacement expands the available treatment options.
Should I go to the office or emergency room?
A new fracture around a hip or knee replacement usually requires emergency hospital evaluation. Go to the ER and ask the team to contact Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists when appropriate.
A Fracture Around a Joint Replacement Requires the Right Reconstructive Skill Set
Choose an orthopedic team prepared to fix the fracture, revise the implant or perform complex joint reconstruction when the injury demands it.
A suspected fracture around a hip or knee replacement usually requires emergency evaluation. This page provides general educational information and does not guarantee a specific surgeon’s availability, hospital coverage, transfer acceptance or recommended procedure.