Speaker Biography

Herbert Resch

University Hospital Salzburg, Austria

Title: A new prosthetic implant for the treatment of acute fractures of the acetabulum in elderly

Biography:

Dr. Herbert Resch is affiliated to the Department of Department of Traumatology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg. Dr. Herbert Resch is currently providing services as Professor. Dr. Herbert Resch has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed scientific papers and presented works at many national and International conferences. Dr. Herbert Resch contributions have acclaimed recognition from honourable subject experts around the world. Dr. Herbert Resch is actively associated with different societies and academies. Dr. Herbert Resch academic career is decorated with several reputed awards and funding. Dr. Herbert Resch research interests include Trauma and Orthopedics

Abstract:

Introduction: Fractures of the acetabulum in elderly patients pose a major problem as osteosynthesis may not provide sufficient stability due to poor bone quality. Additionally, the fracture pattern is often quite different compared to younger people not allowing perfect reduction. Prosthetic replacement would be desirable in the acute phase in these patients. Unfortunately, commonly available prosthetic implants do not allow stable fixation of the acetabulum component. 

Material and Method: A new fixation implant for the stable fixation of the acetabulum component in a fractured acetabulum was developed. The key element is a metallic titanium ring with an integrated plate enabling the stable fixation of the ring on the ala of the ilium bone with numerous angle stable screws. The direction of the screws is such that high primary stability of the implant is provided. The resected femoral head is used for bone grafting on the bottom of the fractured acetabulum. In the metallic ring a commonly available polyethylene socket is cemented.

So far 30 patients were operated on between 2009 and 2014. The av. age was 79 years (68 to 92). All patients were suffering from an acute acetabulum fracture, 6 of them were periprosthetic. 29 of the 30 patients were operated on within one week after injury.

Results: All patients except four were followed up prospectively with an av. time of 18 months (range, 6 to 46). Four patients died within 3 months after surgery.  All patients were allowed to be mobilised with full weight bearing within one week after surgery. No signs of loosening were observed. 26 patients could be followed up radiologically for at least 6 months showing bony healing around the metallic ring.

Conclusion: This implant offers the opportunity of early mobilisation despite a fracture  which is disastrous for old patients.