Focus on fragility fractures of the pelvis

Excerpt

Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) are a clinical entity with an increasing frequency. Epidemiological publications indicate an important growth of the number of female patients with FFP, especially those above the age of 80 [1‐3]. FFP are related to a considerable decrease in bone mineral density in the pelvic bone. This phenomenon is responsible for a reduction of its resistance against external forces. The fragility fractures may be localized in the anterior pelvic ring, in the posterior pelvic ring or in both. Patients with an FFP present with intense pain, loss of mobility, and diminution of independency. A comprehensive classification provides a framework for the evaluation of the degree of instability. It differentiates into four main categories: anterior pelvic fractures only, non-displaced posterior fractures, and unilateral resp. bilateral displaced posterior fractures. The classification also provides recommendations for the type of treatment needed [4, 5]. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence about origination, natural progress, and the most appropriate treatment of FFP until today. The frailty of these elderly patients, which suffer FFP, requires specific, less invasive treatment algorithms. …