RCT Determining Best Treatment for Geriatric Acetabular Fractures

There is debate over the best management for acetabular (hip) fractures that occur within the geriatric population. Geriatric patients, 60 years or older, are at greater risk for operative complications because they tend to have poorer bone quality, complicated fractures, and multiple health problems. Physicians currently have no guidelines as to the best surgical management for these particular fractures, because there is little data on the long-term outcomes of these injuries. The use of internal fixation (a nail or plate) is a standard method for repairing these injuries, however when the injuries are complicated it is predicted to have a poorer outcome than performing internal fixation along with total hip arthroplasty (joint reconstruction). Given the significant problems that result from hip fractures in this population, our study is designed to determine the best method for treatment of acetabular fractures and to clarify the criteria for treatment with guidelines assisting the physician in selecting the appropriate treatment.