Although considered uncommon, periprosthetic fracture of the femur after hip arthroplasty is a serious complication that can be difficult to treat. Authors analyzed the types of fracture and modality of treatment.

Between Jan. 1983 and Dec. 1997, 17 cases of postoperative periprosthetic fractures had been treated at our hospital. These cases were followed up for an average of 58 (13-123) months. The fractures were classified according to Duncan and Masri classification. Three cases of type A, and 6 cases of type B1, 3 cases of type B2, 3 cases of type B3 and 2 cases of type C. The 3 cases of type A and 2 cases oftype B1 were conservative treatments. The 4 cases of type B1 were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with bone graft. The 3 cases of type B2 and 3 cases in type B3 were treated with long stem revision. The 2 cases of type C were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with bone graft.

Bony union happened in all cases. The results according to Beals and Tower criteria were excellent in 12 cases, good in 3 cases and poor in 2 cases.

The most frequent cause of periprostic fracture was trauma and other causes were loosening and osteolysis. Proper treatment method of periprosthetic fracture were important for stability of femoral stem