Effect of periprosthetic greater trochanter fractures (Vancouver AG) on primary stability of the femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty: a biomechanical micromotion analysis

Abstract Purpose Primary stability is a crucial factor for the long-term success of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). Periprosthetic fractures represent an important cause of loss of primary implant stability. While Vancouver AG fractures rarely lead to stem loosening, their effect on the metaphyseal anchoring of the stems has not yet been investigated. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of a Vancouver AG fracture on the primary stability of the CLS Spotorno stem. Methods Six fourth-generation composite femora were implanted with cementless CLS Spotorno stems (Zimmer, Warsaw, USA). Primary stability was determined by three-dimensional digital image correlation under dynamic loading conditions (300–1700 N, 1 Hz) simulating physiological gait. Micromotion was recorded at six standardized measurement points (proximal, mid, distal, medial and ventral) before and after a simulated Vancouver AG fracture. Data was statistically analyzed using paired one-sided t-tests (α = 0.05). Results The results revealed no significant increase in micromotion at the primary anchorage zone of the stem. However, a non-significant increase in micromotion was observed at the prosthesis tip (DGventral and DGmedial), where the micromotion values increased from 164.4 μm (± 59.6 μm) and 140.4 μm (± 75.6 μm) to 193.1 μm (± 48.8 μm) and 186.9 μm (± 60.5 μm), respectively. Conclusion Vancouver AG fractures did not significantly affect the primary anchorage zone of the CLS Spotorno stem in this study. Further studies with larger sample sizes and varying implant designs are needed to confirm these findings and their clinical implications.