J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2024 Feb;59(1):1-8. 10.4055/jkoa.2024.59.1.1 .

Surgical Outcomes of Atypical Femoral Fracture

• Choi JH
• You YJ
• Park KC

• KMID: 2553342
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2024.59.1.1

Abstract

An intramedullary nail is the standard surgical treatment for atypical femoral fractures. On the other hand, atypical femoral fractures usually have severe bowing of the femur and a narrow intramedullary canal, making surgery difficult. Although the bone union rate is relatively high at 85%–98%, the healing period is longer than typical femoral fractures. Atypical femoral fracture has higher functional recovery after surgery than proximal femoral fragility fractures because it occurs in a relatively active elderly population. Recently, periprosthetic atypical femoral fractures have also been reported, but the outcomes of surgical treatment are yet to be satisfactory. Complications after surgery include nonunion, peri-implant fractures, and contralateral atypical femoral fractures. To prevent these complications, a stable implant should be used to fix the entire length from the femoral head to the lower part of the femur, accurate fracture reduction should be obtained, and the correction of lower extremity alignment can be helpful if there is severe anterolateral bowing. In addition, periodic follow-up is necessary to consider the possibility of contralateral atypical femoral fracture. The authors of this paper aim to analyze the results, complications, and reoperations after the surgical treatment of atypical femoral fractures based on previously published studies.

Keyword

atypical; femur; fracture; surgery; outcome