[What treatment expectations does the elderly patient have from surgery and what can surgery achieve? From the viewpoint of joint surgery].

Age-dependent wear, increasing proneness to injury during unsuitable activities and sudden falls caused by a general frailness are the reasons why the aged patient meets the joint surgeon. The desired treatment comprises different aims: painless and free motion, full weight-bearing capacity, avoidance of permanent nursing, facilitation of nursing. Adequate osteosynthetic techniques and the application of artificial joint replacement usually allow a fair restoration with early mobilisation and weight-bearing. The operative risks in the acute situation are higher than in elective surgery, while the long-term results of hip and knee replacements are very good.