Acetabular fractures in the elderly are associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Conservative management is reserved for those unfit for extensive reconstruction, or those who achieve ‘secondary congruence' of a complex fracture. We present demographic data and the results of conservative management in patients over 65 years of age. The Fracture Outcome Research Database (FORD) at our unit was interrogated for all patients over 65 years, who had sustained an acetabular fracture between June 2008 and June 2016. 410 patients were identified. Following exclusions, thirty-two patients were included for analysis. They had a mean age of 80 (66–91), and a mean ASA equivalent score of 3.1 (2–4). Mean follow up was five (1–9) years. Twenty-five patients lived in their own home and seven in a nursing home. Thirty had low energy injures, two high energy. Twenty-four (75%) had anterior column posterior hemitransverse fractures, seven (22%) had associated both column and one (3%) had a T-type fracture. The mean length of inpatient stay was 43 days (4–140). Maximum post-operative mobility was limited to a hoist in eight (25%), a frame with or without assistance in 15 (47%), a stick in five (16%) and independence in four (13%). Thirty-day mortality was 6%- and one-year mortality 22%. The data demonstrates that conservative treatment in this cohort leads to long inpatient stays, poor mobility and significant levels of mortality. Complex reconstruction remains demanding on both surgeon and patient. Innovative ways of managing these patients are needed to improve outcomes.

Acetabular fractures in the elderly are associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality and are becoming more common. Treatment is complicated by osteoporosis and multiple comorbidities. We present the early results of the use of a coned hemi-pelvis component and total hip arthroplasty in the primary treatment of these injuries. We have prospectively monitored a series of seventeen patients (18 cases) with a mean follow-up of sixteen (4–36) months. They have been reviewed clinically and radiographically. The mean patient age was 78 (64–87), and they had a mean ASA score of 3.3 (3–5). There were (Letournel classification) three elementary fractures, and 15 associated fractures. Mean operative time was 94 (61–134) minutes. There were seven minor post-operative complications. One patient suffered a pre-operative bilateral sciatic nerve injury, partially resolved. Sixteen of 17 patients were allowed to mobilise full weight bearing day one post-operatively. Mean length of hospital stay was 12 (5–27) days. Mortality at 30 days was 0%, and at one year 8%. There have been no thromboembolic events, dislocations or deep infections and no cases of prosthesis migration. Early weight bearing is essential for a successful outcome in this cohort. The coned hemi-pelvis bypasses the fracture, creating an immediately stable construct that allows immediate weight bearing. This is the first description of an innovative use of this prosthesis in the treatment of a complex fracture that is traditionally associated with poor outcomes. Early results suggest this to be a safe technique with an acceptable early complication rate.