Acetabular fractures in the elderly: modern challenges and the role of conservative management

Introduction  The incidence of acetabular fractures in the elderly population is ever increasing. While management of acetabular fractures in young patients following high-energy trauma is well described, treatment of the elderly patient subgroup is complex and requires a unique, individualized appr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Irish journal of medical science 2022-06, Vol.191 (3), p.1223-1228
Main Authors: Mohan, Kunal, Broderick, James M., Raza, Hasnain, O’Daly, Brendan, Leonard, Michael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acetabulum - injuries
Acetabulum - surgery
Aged
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip
Conservative Treatment
Family Medicine
Fracture Fixation, Internal
Fractures, Bone - epidemiology
Fractures, Bone - surgery
General Practice
Hip Fractures - surgery
Humans
Internal Medicine
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Neck Injuries - surgery
Review
Review Article
Spinal Fractures - surgery
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Introduction  The incidence of acetabular fractures in the elderly population is ever increasing. While management of acetabular fractures in young patients following high-energy trauma is well described, treatment of the elderly patient subgroup is complex and requires a unique, individualized approach. A variety of treatment strategies including operative and non-operative approaches exists to manage this vulnerable patient group. Conservative management of acetabular fractures in the elderly continues to play an important role in treatment of both stable fracture patterns and those medically unfit for surgery. Aim  This review assessing the current literature was undertaken with the purpose of summarising the challenges of management in this at-risk cohort as well as quantifying the role and outcomes following conservative management in the elderly.  Conclusion Our recommendation is that conservative management of acetabular fractures in the elderly can be considered as a treatment option on a case-by-case basis accounting for patient, injury, and surgical factors. If it is to be pursued, we advise a multidisciplinary approach focused on early mobility, minimisation of risk and regular follow-up to optimise patient outcomes.
ISSN:0021-1265
1863-4362
DOI:10.1007/s11845-021-02711-2