More Implants, More Complexity: The Rise of Periprosthetic Fractures

In this episode of Hipcast, we’re joined by Associate Professor Chris Wall, Director of the Department of Orthopaedics at Toowoomba Hospital, Orthopaedic Surgery Co-Chair of the Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry, and Assistant Deputy Registry Clinical Director for the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry.

In this conversation, we explore periprosthetic femur fractures - an increasingly common and complex challenge as rates of joint replacement continue to rise. Chris outlines what these fractures are, who they affect, and why they matter in modern orthopaedic and orthogeriatric care.

We discuss key aspects of management, including surgical decision-making and the challenges of fixation versus revision, as well as what current data tells us about patient outcomes.

Importantly, the episode highlights why including periprosthetic fractures in registry data is critical, and how this can support better understanding, improved care, and system-wide quality improvement.

🎙️ Hipcast is hosted by Dr Niamh Dove and produced by the Australian and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry, dedicated to improving outcomes and experiences for people with hip fracture and those who care for them.