[Epidemiology and treatment of fractures in old age]

The frequency of fractures in the elderly has risen dramatically and will increase further in the future. This is partly a socio-economic problem and is familiar both to surgeons and to the general population. Fractures in such patients have clinical and pathomechanical implications, with unassociated conditions needing treatment. It is necessary to standardize treatment, including operative procedures, which can be performed in every hospital. The therapeutic measures available involve close cooperation between the surgeon, the geriatrician and ancillary workers. For some fractures in the elderly there are already operative procedures that ensure efficient rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Osteoporosis can make osteosynthesis problematic. Radiological measurements of bone density are of diagnostic rather than therapeutic value. Operative procedures and their effectiveness in common fractures in the elderly (hip, distal radius, shoulder) are discussed. It is stated that surgical treatment is very important in mastering this challenge, but other aspects, particularly ethical considerations, are paramount.