Reviving mobility: conversion arthroplasty as a solution for failed proximal femur fixation

Proximal femur fractures are very common both in young and old age group and are usually managed surgically. In case of failed fixations, young patients are managed with subsequent attempts of osteosynthesis to achieve union and maintain integrity of femoral head. However, in case of elderly patients, arthroplasty of hip joint may be considered keeping in mind the poor bone quality, loss of bone or injury to the articular cartilage. This study is aimed to assess the outcomes and consequences of conversion arthroplasty following unsuccessful fixation of intertrochanteric fractures. We report 3 cases of proximal femur fixation, who were initially managed with intramedullary nailing subsequent to trauma. But patients post operatively developed complications like implant failure, non-unions and post traumatic arthritis of hip for which conversion arthroplasty was done as a rescue procedure following failed fixation.