Acetabular fractures in the elderly Outcome of open reduction and internal fixation

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcome and incidence of hip arthritis in elderly patients with acetabular fractures. Because of poor bone quality in the elderly, even a low-energy trauma may lead to an acetabular fracture. An anatomical reconstruction of the acetabulum is necessary to achieve sufficient stability also for a potential hip arthroplasty. So far, there is very limited information on the outcome of acetabular fractures in the elderly. During a period of 6 years (2001-2006), 48 patients older than 60 years were admitted to our department with an acetabular fracture. Thirty-nine patients were treated operatively and nine patients non-operatively. Twenty-nine operatively treated patients were followed up. Nineteen of them were assessed using EQ-5D, SF-12 and Merle d'Aubign, questionnaires in addition to their clinical examination. Ten other surgical patients were only examined using the questionnaires. Of the 29 patients that were followed up, 5 underwent total hip arthroplasty due to secondary post-traumatic hip arthritis after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The range of motion of the operated hip was comparable to that of the non-operated contralateral side. However, the internal rotation was found to be slightly decreased at the operated side when compared to the non-operated contralateral side. Merle d'Aubign, score and physical and mental SF-12 score components as well as quality of life were better in patients treated with ORIF compared to those patients that were treated by secondary hip arthroplasty. Regarding the different treatment strategies (ORIF vs primary hip arthroplasty vs non-operative treatment) of acetabular fractures in the elderly, data from the literature are conflicting. Our results indicate that ORIF represents a good treatment option for acetabular fractures in the elderly. In patients that did not develop secondary hip arthritis, a good clinical outcome and quality of life was documented.