Fracture after arthrodesis of the hip and knee.

In 27 cases of fracture after arthrodesis of the hip and knee, there was a characteristic location and appearance which depended upon whether or not metal implant was present. Fracture healing and preservation of motion of adjacent joints was achieved in all cases with internal fixation using the plating techniques described by the A-O group. There is also always the opportunity to decorticate and add supplementary bone grafts for an arthrodesis that had failed before the time of fracture. Metal implants should be removed when there is evidence of consolidation and maturation of bone at both the arthrodesis and fracture sites.