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Current concepts: managing acetabular fractures in the elderly population

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Abstract

The aim of this review is to summarise the current concepts in the management of acetabular fractures in the elderly population. A literature review of the evidence regarding the management of elderly acetabular fractures was performed utilising PubMed and Ovid. The predominant causes and fracture patterns of acetabular fractures are changing as populations age. Consequently, the operative management has had to change also. Judet and LeTournel did not offer operative treatment to any patients older than sixty. However, in the present time, according to the German Pelvic Registry, over half the patients aged sixty or over, sustaining acetabular fractures underwent operative fixation. We find that the increasing age of the population raises particular challenges for the operating surgeon. Postoperative rehabilitation should be focused on early mobilisation. More research needs to be focussed on standardised treatment protocols and long-term outcomes for this cohort of patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Trauma and Orthopaedic Department, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom

    Karuniyan Vipulendran & Tim Chesser

  2. Department of Surgery, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia

    Josh Kelly

  3. Orthopaedic Trauma, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia

    Mark Rickman

Authors
  1. Karuniyan Vipulendran
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  2. Josh Kelly
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  3. Mark Rickman
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  4. Tim Chesser
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Correspondence to Karuniyan Vipulendran.

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Appendix

Appendix

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Vipulendran, K., Kelly, J., Rickman, M. et al. Current concepts: managing acetabular fractures in the elderly population. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 31, 807–816 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-021-02931-3

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