Periprosthetic Stress Fractures at the Sleeve/Stem Junction of the Sivash-Range of Motion Modular Femoral Stem

We report on 13 cases of periprosthetic stress fracture at the sleeve/stem junction using the Sivash-Range of Motion femoral prosthesis. Radioisotope bone scans confirmed the incidence of fracture, and review of the lateral radiographs revealed anteromedial notching of the distal sleeve on the metaphyseal throat of the femur. Treatment in all cases was expectant with full resolution of symptoms. However, there were 3 cases of recurrence, 1 of which needed revision to a more distally loading stem. This is a rare complication when using this prosthesis, but we recommend a slight alteration of the entry point for the femoral reamer when using this stem and advise nonsurgical management if it occurs, as the natural history is for the condition to settle.