The unified classification system (UCS) is used for periprosthetic fractures.
The classification is proposed to standardize the classification of periprosthetic fractures and provide a guide to the management of these fractures regardless of the broken bone or the joint affected 1-4.
The classification has been shown to have a high inter and intra-observer reproducibility for periprosthetic fractures around total hip 2 and total knee arthroplasties 3.
Classification
type A: fracture of an apophysis or bone protuberance to which soft-tissue structures are attached (e.g. trochanters of the femur)
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type B: fracture of the bed supporting a prosthetic implant or adjacent to it
B1: the implant is still well fixed
B2: the implant is loose
B3: the implant is loose and there is poor quality of bone bed
type C: fracture of a bone containing a prosthetic implant, but distant from the bed of the implant
type D: fracture of a bone with two prosthetic implants (e.g. the femur following a hip and knee replacement)
type E: fracture of two bones supporting a prosthetic implant (e.g. the femur and tibia following a knee replacement)
type F: fracture of an articular surface that itself was not replaced (e.g. acetabulum following a hemi-arthroplasty of the hip)
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