Fracture fixation problems in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, or loss of bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, does not only enhance risk of fracture but also represents a problem in osteofixation of fractures in fracture treatment. Aging of the western population changes the epidemiology of fractures. An increasing socioeconomic interest in geriatric traumatology makes the need for much urgent study in the field of osteoporotic fractures self evident. It is no longer the province of only one medical group to took for fragmented solutions in the treatment of osteoporotic fractures. Efforts have to be united across professional boundaries to meet the challenge of this problem. Assessment of bone mineral may be used in evaluation of fracture risk but also in the choice of implant as well as in the design of implants used in fracture treatment. The differences in mechanical properties of different types of bone in the same individual have to be respected. Changes in the pattern of fractures and problems with implant anchorage in bone, due to a demographic increase in patients with osteoporosis remain problems requiring new solutions. Still basic principals in fracture treatment may not be eclipsed by new fixation devices. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.