Femoral neck fracture during physical therapy following surface replacement arthroplasty: A preventable complication? A case report

Abstract

This case report describes two cases of peri-prosthetic fracture during physical therapy in patients who underwent a hip resurfacing, or surface replacement arthroplasty. The fractures occurred with forceful passive combined flexion and external rotation. Functional results were ultimately obtained in both cases, requiring conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Recognizing patient risk factors and cautioning therapists about the possibility of fracture may have prevented these complications. © 2010 Judkins and Dayton; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.