Pelvic ring fractures in the elderly

Abstract

Pelvic ring fractures are rare injuries in the elderly though the incidence is increasing due to the increasing age of the population. Main goal of treatment is the quickest possible re-mobilization to prevent side-effects of immobilization such as osteopenia, pulmonary infections or thromboembolic events. Isolated anterior pelvic ring fractures are stable injuries and therefore they usually can be treated conservatively, while pelvic ring injuries with involvement of the posterior ring are considered unstable and should undergo surgical stabilization if the patient’s condition allows for it. Conservative treatment includes adequate analgesia, guided mobilization with partial weight bearing if possible and osteoanabolic medication. The appropriate surgical procedure should be discussed in an interdisciplinary round considering patient’s pre-injury condition, anaesthetic and surgical risks. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180062