ABSTRACT
The mechanical competence of bone deteriorates with age resulting not only in fragility fractures but also in an escalating challenge to treat these fractures by surgical fixation techniques. Fragility fractures are typically more complex and occur at different anatomical locations as traumatic fractures, thus often requiring specially adapted fixation techniques in order to achieve adequate bone healing. This chapter explains the deterioration of bones mechanical competence and how this affects the performance of surgical techniques to stabilize fragility fractures. Fixation techniques that achieve sufficient mechanical stabilization of mechanically deteriorated bones will be presented. Consequent implementation of existing technologies together with thoughtful application of supportive measures for fracture augmentation provide the essential prerequisites for successful fracture treatment and minimize fixation failures and healing complications.
