Treatment of Geriatric Acetabular Fractures Using the Modified Stoppa Approach: A Review Article of Technique, Tips, and Pitfalls.

The surgical treatment of geriatric acetabular fractures is becoming increasingly important due to a demographic change in age. While acetabular fractures used to occur more frequently in younger patients, they are currently more prevalent in geriatric patients. This change has also led to an increase in the frequency of anterior and combined anterior acetabular fractures. Surgery for geriatric acetabular fractures is very challenging, and surgeons need years of experience to be able to deal with the advantages and disadvantages of pelvic surgery. This is why a high level of surgical expertise is required. The aim of this article is to provide an insight into the topic of geriatric acetabular fractures with a critical narrative review of the current literature and a focus on minimally invasive surgical treatment using the modified Stoppa approach without patients' own assessment. The modified Stoppa approach offers excellent visibility of the anterior structures of the acetabulum and can address the quadrilateral surface effectively. Pelvic surgery, in particular acetabular surgery, offers patients many advantages, such as rapid mobilization and the quick relief of pain symptoms. Total hip arthroplasty is currently being discussed as an alternative with good results for certain types of acetabular fractures in older patients, though it requires clarification of studies and recommendations.