Acetabular fractures in the elderly Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Acetabular fractures in the elderly - Essay representativeAccording to some studies, fractures of acetabulum account for more than 24% of shamus fractures n the elderly state (5). Apart from the increase in the elderly population, the rate of acetabular fractures in this segment of population has overly increased (5).Historically, acetabular fractures were treated on conservative lines. The management involved prolonged immobilization, casting, traction and pelvic slings. Advances in surgical technique, imaging modalities and our over all under rest of pelvic anatomy have subject ways for better workman management of acetabular fractures. Increased numbers of patients are now candidates to operative treatment owing to reduction in peri- operative morbidity and mortality, along with advances in anesthesia and medical exam management of multiple co-morbidities. As opposed to historical conservative management that involved prolonged immobilization, operative management provides t he platform for early patient mobilization. Despite these advances, treatment of acetabular fractures continues to pose significant quarrel to the orthopedic surgeons. This article will review conglomerate methods of managing and treating these fractures and their respective outcomes.Fractures of the acetabulum can result from various mechanisms. Majority of fractures involve low to moderate energy injuries and are due to fall from a standing position or short ladder (5 18 23). As the result of a fall, when greater trochanter strikes the ground, the wring due to the hit drives the femoral head in an antero-medial direction into the anterior column and quadrilateral plate. The geological fault of these structures results in medial subluxation of the femoral head which goes beneath the intact fish bearing dome of acetabulum. The weight bearing dome is defined as the superior 10 mm of the acetabulum on axial CT imaging, or the 45 degree roof arc as described by