Functional outcome and quality of life in patients with hip fracture after total knee arthroplasty

Hip fractures are a cause of significant morbidity. While rare, ipsilateral hip fractures within 12 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can negatively affect the functional outcome and the quality of life for patients who have had TKA. This aim of this study is to investigate (1) the incidence of hip fracture within 12 months after TKA and (2) the influence of hip fracture after TKA on functional outcome and quality of life in patients.Methods: Between March 1999 and February 2012, 25 patients who sustained an ipsilateral hip fracture within 12 months after TKA were included in this study. A propensity score matching algorithm was used to select a 1:3 control group without hip fracture. All patients were assessed using the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Function Score (KSFS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of SF-36®.Results: The incidence of hip fracture was 0.16% among male patients and 0.20% for female patients. At 24 months after TKA, the OKS was 36 ± 7 in the hip fracture group versus 41 ± 5 in the control group ( p = 0.003). The KSFS was 50 ± 24 in the hip fracture group versus 68 ± 21 in the control group ( p = 0.001), while the KSKS was 83 ± 12 and 87 ± 8, respectively ( p = 0.166). The PCS was 37 ± 12 in the hip fracture group versus 47 ± 11 in the control group ( p < 0.001), while the MCS was 55 ± 10 and 54 ± 11, respectively ( p = 0.664).Conclusion: Although hip fracture during the rehabilitation period after TKA is uncommon, these patients have poorer functional outcome and quality of life. We recommend additional caution against hip fracture after TKA.