[Guidelines in trauma surgery--geriatric traumatology].

The treatment of injuries in elderly patients requires thorough planning. Preexisting diseases and the current status determine the priorities and methods of treatment. The advantages of extensive preoperative assessment must be judged against the risks of a delay in undertaking operative measures. Fracture treatment aims at fast, careful and simple fixation, which is nevertheless stable and sufficient. Modern methods and implants allow acceptable results to be achieved, even under the limitations of modern health care systems.