Periprosthetic fractures. An interdisciplinary challenge

Demographic changes and rising numbers of implanted prostheses accompanied by increasing demands on mobility and activities of the elderly will lead to an increasing number of periprosthetic fractures in the future. Poor bone quality, geriatric comorbidities and multiple prostheses result in an increased risk for this type of fracture in the old patient. Management of these patients is challenging and demanding and needs an interdisciplinary approach. The present work describes the different aspects of periprosthetic fractures in the geriatric patient with regard to epidemiology, risk factors, prevention and treatment options.