Fracture Treatment in Older Patients

Case Example

Fracture Treatment in Older Patients: Acetabular Fractures (Hip Socket Fractures)

A 63-year-old female fell from a standing height. Radiographs taken at the outside hospital revealed an Anterior Column Type acetabular fracture with displacement of the quadrilateral surface and medial femoral head (hip) protrusion. A CT-Scan was also performed to further delineate the fracture pattern. She was transferred to Hospital for Special Surgery's Orthopedic Trauma Service for definitive management by Dr. David L. Helfet. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed through an ilioinguinal approach with placement of plates and screws. The patient continued to return for regular follow-up visits and had an excellent result. At her most recent follow-up visit at 9 years she has excellent clinical and radiographic results and a full return to her pre-injury status and activities of daily living.

$radiographs demonstrating acetabular fracture from a case example presented by the orthopedic trauma service at hospital for special surgery.$
Radiographs demonstrating a right-sided Anterior Column acetabular fracture with displacement of the quadrilateral surface and medial femoral head protrusion (arrow).

$CT scans delineating acetabular fracture pattern from a case example presented by the orthopedic trauma service at Hospital for Special Surgery.$
CT scan images further delineating the fracture pattern.

CT scans illustrating satisfactory reduction presented by the orthopedic trauma service at Hospital for Special Surgery.
Postoperative anteroposterior and Judet radiographs (left) and postoperative CT scan images illustrating a satisfactory reduction and placement of hardware.

$radiographs 9 years later after acetabular fracture surgery from a case example presented by the orthopedic trauma service at Hospital for Special Surgery.$
Radiographs 9 years following surgery demonstrating an excellent result with maintenance of reduction.

Research Publications

The HSS Orthopedic Trauma Service has conducted many studies. Please see our publications on acetabular fractures, hip fractures and fracture treatment in older populations.