Osteosynthesis of geriatric acetabular fractures

The aim of the treatment of acetabular fractures is principally an anatomical reconstruction of the joint surface to avoid posttraumatic arthritis. The increasing number of geriatric patients with acetabular fractures of the anterior column type resulting from simple falls on the side and substantial patient-related inherited comorbidities, represent particular challenges for the surgical approach and osteosynthesis due to the osteoporotic bone quality. Due to the establishment of minimally invasive lateral pelvic accesses to the acetabulum and the adaptation of the osteosynthesis technique and material to these approaches, it appears that even in very old patients with acetabular fractures mobility can be better and more rapidly restored and sequelae caused by immobility can be prevented.