To analyze the midterm results of the treatment with a retrograde nail for periprosthetic fractures of the femur following total knee arthroplasty.

Between Jan 1998 and Jan 2004, 11 cases in 11 patients were treated for the periprosthetic fractures following total knee arthroplasty. The mean follow-up was 42.0 (30~98) months and the mean age was 66.0 (57~79) years old. 2 were males and 9 patients were females. In all cases, retrograde nailing was done for the periprosthetic fractures. Postoperative range of motion, HSS knee rating score, femorotibial angle, the time required for union, complications were evaluated.

Postoperative range of motion was 103.6° degrees on an average, HSS knee rating score was 83.5 points on an average at the last follow up. The mean angulation on radiograph was valgus 6.3°. The mean time required for union was 4 months. One had a newly fracture line at proximal part of supracondylar fracture, but there was no significant in clinical course. There was no prostheses required revision.

It appears that retrograde nail is a reliable surgical technique for periprosthetic fractures of the femur following total knee arthroplasty with low complication rate. The midterm results in our study showed that none of the prostheses required revision.