Journal List > J Korean Orthop Assoc > v.45(4) > 1013013

Koh, Song, and Lee: Pelvis Insufficiency Fracture after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract

Pelvic insufficiency fracture is a very rare complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This fracture occurs in elderly osteoporotic patients, spontaneously or after minor trauma, and its diagnosis can be difficult unless there is a high degree of clinical suspicion. The consequence of missed pelvic insufficiency fracture can be profound: this fracture may progress into an unstable fracture that leads to significant disability. Bone scans assist in the early diagnosis of this fracture. We present a case of osteoporotic pelvic insufficiency fracture after bilateral TKA. A 76 year-old female underwent bilateral TKA for advanced osteoarthritis in her both knees. She also had osteoporosis, and thus we filled an oral bisphosphonate (weekly Risedronate) prescription. Nine months after TKAs, she presented with significant pain around the left buttock and inguinal area without specific trauma. With the use of plain radiographs and a bone scan, a pelvic insufficiency fracture was detected. We successfully treated the patient with conservative management including rest with a pelvic strap, and continued medication for osteoporosis.

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Preoperative lower extremity AP view shows marked osteoarthritis at the medial femorotibial joints and patellofemoral joints of both knees, and disruption of alignment of both knee joints to medial side (genus varus deformity).
jkoa-45-330-g001
Figure 2
Pelvis anteroposterior radiograph taken 9 months after the initial total knee arthroplasty shows the fracture of left pubic ramus.
jkoa-45-330-g002
Figure 3
Whole body bone scan shows densely increased isotope uptakes at both sacroiliac joint region of sacrum and left pubic bone, suggesting sacrum & left pubic bone insufficient fracture. Mildly increased isotope uptakes are seen at 6th and 7th thoracic spines, suggesting old compression fracture changes.
jkoa-45-330-g003
Figure 4
This pelvis anteroposterior radiograph shows sclerotic change and callus formation at previous insufficiency fracture site of left pubic ramus.
jkoa-45-330-g004

References

1. Joshi N, Pidemunt G, Carrera L, Navarro-Quilis A. Stress fracture of the femoral neck as a complication of total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2005. 20:392–395.
crossref
2. Cracchiolo A. Stress fractures of the pelvis as a cause of hip pain following total hip and knee arthroplasty. Arthritis Rheum. 1981. 24:740–742.
crossref
3. Tsiridis E, Upadhyay N, Giannoudis PV. Sacral insufficiency fractures: current concepts of management. Osteoporos Int. 2006. 17:1716–1725.
crossref
4. De Smet AA, Neff JR. Pubic and sacral insufficiency fractures: clinical course and radiologic findings. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1985. 145:601–606.
crossref
5. Aretxabala I, Fraiz E, Pérez-Ruiz F, Ríos G, Calabozo M, Alonso-Ruiz A. Sacral insufficiency fractures. High association with pubic rami fractures. Clin Rheumatol. 2000. 19:399–401.
crossref
6. Kaku N, Tsumura H, Taira H, Sawatari T, Torisu T. Biomechanical study of load transfer of the pubic ramus due to pelvic inclination after hip joint surgery using a three-dimensional finite element model. J Orthop Sci. 2004. 9:264–269.
crossref
7. Schindler OS, Watura R, Cobby M. Sacral insufficiency fractures. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2007. 15:339–346.
crossref
8. Arafat QW, Davies AM. Parasymphyseal insufficiency fracture. Ann Rheum Dis. 1994. 53:421–424.
crossref
9. Fujii M, Abe K, Hayashi K, et al. Honda sign and variants in patients suspected of having a sacral insufficiency fracture. Clin Nucl Med. 2005. 30:165–169.
crossref
10. Thienpont E, Simon JP, Spaepen D, Fabry G. Bifocal pubic stress fracture after ipsilateral total knee arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis. A case report. Acta Orthop Belg. 2000. 66:197–200.
TOOLS
Similar articles