Fractures of the acetabulum in patients aged 60 years and older: an epidemiological and radiological study

Using a prospective database of 1309 displaced acetabular fractures gathered between 1980 and 2007, we calculated the annual mean age and annual incidence of elderly patients > 60 years of age presenting with these injuries. We compared the clinical details and patterns of fracture between patients > 60 years of age (study group) with those < 60 years (control group). We performed a detailed evaluation of the radiographs of the older group to determine the incidence of radiological characteristics which have been previously described as being associated with a poor patient outcome. In all, 235 patients were > 60 years of age and the remaining 1074 were < 60 years. The incidence of elderly patients with acetabular fractures increased by 2.4-fold between the first half of the study period and the second half (10% (62) vs 24% (174), p < 0.001). Fractures characterised by displacement of the anterior column were significantly more common in the elderly compared with the younger patients (64% (150) vs 43% (462), respectively, p < 0.001). Common radiological features of the fractures in the study group included a separate quadrilateral-plate component (50.8% (58)) and roof impaction (40% (46)) in the anterior fractures, and comminution (44% (30)) and marginal impaction (38% (26)) in posterior-wall fractures. The proportion of elderly patients presenting with acetabular fractures increased during the 27-year period. The older patients had a different distribution of fracture pattern than the younger patients, and often had radiological features which have been shown in other studies to be predictive of a poor outcome.

Safety and efficacy of the extended iliofemoral approach in the treatment of complex fractures of the acetabulum

There remains uncertainty about the most effective surgical approach in the treatment of complex fractures of the acetabulum. We have reviewed the experience of a single surgeon using the extended iliofemoral approach, as described by Letournel.

A review of the database of such fractures identified 106 patients operated on using this approach with a minimum follow-up of two years. All data were collected prospectively. The fractures involved both columns in 64 (60%). Operation was undertaken in less than 21 days after injury in 71 patients (67%) and in 35 (33%) the procedure was carried out later than this. The reduction of the fracture was measured on plain radiographs taken after operation and defined as anatomical (0 to 1 mm of displacement); imperfect (2 to 3 mm) or poor (> 3 mm). The functional outcome was measured by the modified Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score. The mean follow-up was for 6.3 years (2 to 17).

All patients achieved union of the fractures. The reduction was graded as anatomical in 76 (72%) of the patients, imperfect in 23 (22%), and poor in six (6%). The mean Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score was 15 (5 to 18) with 68 patients (64%) showing good or excellent and 38 (36%) fair or poor results. Function correlated significantly with the accuracy of the reduction (p < 0.009). Significant heterotopic ossification developed in 32 patients (30%) and was associated with a worse mean Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score of 13.7.

The extended iliofemoral approach can be performed safely in selected complex acetabular fractures with an acceptable clinical outcome and rate of complications. Effective prophylaxis against heterotopic ossification should be strongly considered.

Superior gluteal artery in the extended iliofemoral approach

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of superior gluteal artery injury following fracture of the acetabulum and to determine whether the combination of a superior gluteal artery injury and the use of an extended iliofemoral approach to the acetabulum creates abductor muscle necrosis.

DESIGN

Prospective protocol, consecutive cases.

SETTING

A consecutive series from the referral practice of the senior author plus seven cases from the practices of two other authors.

PATIENTS

Two hundred twenty-seven patients with fractures of the acetabulum were treated operatively between November 1992 and January 1995. Forty-one were treated with the use of the extended iliofemoral approach. Preoperative angiograms were not performed for any of the patients. All fractures involved the posterior column, and all but two fractures had displacement of the greater sciatic notch. The average displacement of the notch was 2.5 centimeters (range 6 to 60 millimeters).

INTERVENTION

All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation via the extended iliofemoral approach. Intraoperative Doppler examination of the superior gluteal artery was performed before and after reduction and fixation of the posterior column.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Wound complications, abductor manual muscle testing, hip range of motion.

RESULTS

Pulsatile flow was confirmed in forty of forty-one patients. All patients were followed for a minimum of six months with an average follow-up of 1.4 years. At most recent follow-up, no patients had evidence of complete loss of abductor function. Sixty-three percent of patients had achieved Grade 4 of 5 motor strength, and 25 percent of them had achieved normal motor strength.

CONCLUSIONS

No instances of superior gluteal artery laceration and only one instance of superior gluteal artery thrombosis were encountered in these forty-one patients despite significant fracture displacement involving the sciatic notch. The incidence of superior gluteal artery injury was significantly less than would be expected from previous studies. Massive abductor necrosis resulting from superior gluteal artery injury combined with an extended approach has been described primarily in animal and cadaver studies. Although arteriograms are useful in the control of hemodynamic instability, we cannot support the recommendation of preoperative angiographic study of all patients undergoing acetabular fracture surgery via an extended approach. In one case, an extended iliofemoral approach was tolerated in a patient with absent superior gluteal artery flow.

Factors related to hip muscle weakness following fixation of acetabular fractures

Two hundred twenty-five acetabular fractures treated surgically by one surgeon using a single surgical approach were reviewed to identify the incidence of clinically significant hip muscle weakness. Clinical grade of fair or poor and presence of radiographic signs of osteoarthritis were most strongly correlated with hip muscle weakness (P<.0001). Other factors related to muscle weakness were >21 days to repair, abdominal trauma, infection, avascular necrosis, heterotopic ossification resection, chest trauma, and head trauma. The presence of arthritis at follow-up increased the incidence of hip muscle weakness (46% [41/89]; P<.0001) independent of surgical approach.

Periacetabular osteotomy through the Smith-Petersen approach

Sixty-six hips in 58 patients that had undergone periacetabular osteotomy for residual acetabular dysplasia were available for clinical and radiographic followup at a minimum of 2 years (average, 4 years) after surgery. The final clinical results were graded as 17% excellent, 59% good, 12% fair, and 12% poor. No patient who met the ideal indications for surgery had a poor result during the study period. After reviewing the results, the authors remain positive regarding the periacetabular osteotomy and recommend it for individuals with hip pain and radiographic evidence of acetabular dysplasia.

Does indomethacin reduce heterotopic bone formation after operations for acetabular fractures? A prospective randomised study

We have studied prospectively the effect of indomethacin on the development of heterotopic ossification (HO) after the internal fixation of acetabular fractures. After operation 107 patients randomly received either a six-week course of indomethacin or no treatment against HO. Plain radiographs of 101 patients at a mean of 7.9 months after surgery showed HO in 47.4% of the 57 patients who received indomethacin and in 56.8% of the 44 who did not. This difference was not statistically significant. Heterotopic ossification of Brooker class II or more was seen in four patients (7%) with prophylaxis and in one without (p = 0.51). Measurements of the volume of HO on 3-D CT reconstructions showed a median value of 1.5 cm3 in patients with indomethacin and 4.0 cm3 in those without (p = 0.28). When only the 57 patients in whom the operation was carried out through either a Kocher-Langenbeck or an extended iliofemoral approach were included the indomethacin group showed a median volume of 1.7 cm3 compared with 3.6 cm3. On plain radiographs Brooker class II or above was seen in 9.4% of the patients receiving indomethacin and in 4.8% of those who did not. Indomethacin was therefore not effective in preventing ectopic bone formation after surgery for acetabular fractures. There was a significant association of male gender with volume of HO using a non-parametric analysis of variance.

DOES INDOMETHACIN REDUCE HETEROTOPIC BONE FORMATION AFTER OPERATIONS FOR ACETABULAR FRACTURES?

We have studied prospectively the effect of indomethacin on the development of heterotopic ossification (HO) after the internal fixation of acetabular fractures. After operation 107 patients randomly received either a six-week course of indomethacin or no treatment against HO. Plain radiographs of 101 patients at a mean of 7.9 months after surgery showed HO in 47.4% of the 57 patients who received indomethacin and in 56.8% of the 44 who did not. This difference was not statistically significant. Heterotopic ossification of Brooker class II or more was seen in four patients (7%) with prophylaxis and in one without (p = 0.51).

Measurements of the volume of HO on 3-D CT reconstructions showed a median value of 1.5 cm3 in patients with indomethacin and 4.0 cm3 in those without (p = 0.28). When only the 57 patients in whom the operation was carried out through either a Kocher-Langenbeck or an extended iliofemoral approach were included the indomethacin group showed a median volume of 1.7 cm3 compared with 3.6 cm3. On plain radiographs Brooker class II or above was seen in 9.4% of the patients receiving indomethacin and in 4.8% of those who did not.

Indomethacin was therefore not effective in preventing ectopic bone formation after surgery for acetabular fractures. There was a significant association of male gender with volume of HO using a non-parametric analysis of variance.

Diagnosis and management of closed internal degloving injuries associated with pelvic and acetabular fractures: the Morel-Lavallée lesion

Closed internal degloving is a significant soft-tissue injury associated with a pelvic trauma in which the subcutaneous tissue is torn away from the underlying fascia, creating a cavity filled with hematoma and liquefied fat. It commonly occurs over the greater trochanter but may also occur in the flank and lumbodorsal region. When this closed internal degloving occurs over the greater trochanter, it is known as a Morel-Lavallée lesion. We reviewed 24 patients who sustained a closed internal degloving injury. Cultures from the closed internal degloving injury were positive in 46% (11 of 24 cases). The incidence of positive cultures was not dependent on the time from injury to debridement. All wounds were treated by thorough debridement before or during pelvic or acetabular surgery. Three patients subsequently developed deep-bone infections, only one of whom had a positive culture at the initial debridement. One patient whose wound was primarily closed over suction drains developed a chronic deep soft-tissue infection requiring multiple debridements. The development of hematoma in the zone of operation reduces the safety of early operative intervention by increasing the risk of infection. An expanding hematoma in a closed internal degloving injury may further compromise the skin vascularity if not promptly drained. The injured soft tissues should be debrided early, either before or at the time of fracture fixation. The wound should be left open, and repeated surgical debridement of the injured tissue is recommended.

Hip fusion through an anterior approach with the use of a ventral plate

A new technique to achieve a reliable fusion of the hip joint through an anterior approach with use of a ventral low contact dynamic compression plate and a lateral 6.5 mm lag screw is presented in detail. The advantages of this technique are that the approach does not jeopardize the vascularity of the femoral head, that the fixation on the pelvic side uses the strong bone stock of the sciatic buttress, and that the hip abductor muscles and greater trochanter are preserved. The authors also present the indications and the results of their experience with 12 patients. The followup period averaged 24.8 months (range, 10-42 months). Ten patients (83%) achieved a solid fusion by radiologic and clinical criteria. Although a moderately symptomatic nonunion developed in 1 patient, another patient went on to a painful nonunion to whom another attempt for fusion has been recommended. According to the hip score of Merle d'Aubigné and Postel, the average figures for pain and ambulation increased from 3.2 points to 5.0 points and from 2.7 points to 4.5 points, respectively, after surgery. Six of the 12 patients regained the ability to work in their former jobs or in new occupations. Eight patients felt no or minor restrictions in doing their former sports activities. Patient satisfaction was high with a majority reporting minor discomfort mainly around the fused hip.

Fractures of the acetabulum: accuracy of reduction and clinical results in patients managed operatively within three weeks after the injury

The results were reviewed for 259 patients who had open reduction and internal fixation of 262 displaced acetabular fractures within twenty-one days after the injury. Two hundred and fifty-five hips were followed for a mean of six years (range, two to fourteen years) after the injury; the remaining seven, which clearly had a poor result, were followed for less than two years. According to the classification of Letournel and Judet, associated fracture types accounted for 208 (79 per cent) of the fractures, with both-column fractures being the most common type (ninety-two hips; 35 per cent). Two hundred and fifty-eight hips were operated on with a single operative approach (Kocher-Langenbeck, ilioinguinal, or extended iliofemoral). The four remaining hips were operated on with a Kocher-Langenbeck as well as an ilioinguinal approach. The reduction was graded as anatomical in 185 hips (71 per cent). The rate of anatomical reduction decreased with increases in the complexity of the fracture, the age of the patient, and the interval between the injury and the reduction. The over-all clinical result was excellent for 104 hips (40 per cent), good for ninety-five (36 per cent), fair for twenty-one (8 per cent), and poor for forty-two (16 per cent). The clinical result was related closely to the radiographic result. The clinical result was adversely affected by associated injuries of the femoral head, an older age of the patient, and operative complications. It was positively affected by an anatomical reduction and postoperative congruity between the femoral head and the acetabular roof. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head was noted in eight hips (3 per cent), and progressive wear of the femoral head was seen in thirteen (5 per cent). Subsequent operations included a total replacement of seventeen hips (6 per cent), an arthrodesis in four (2 per cent), and excision of ectopic bone in twelve (5 per cent). These findings indicate that in many patients who have a complex acetabular fracture the hip joint can be preserved and post-traumatic osteoarthrosis can be avoided if an anatomical reduction is achieved. An increase in the rate of anatomical reduction and a decrease in the rate of operative complications should be the goals of surgeons who treat these fractures.

Indications for anterior fixation of pelvic fractures

From April 1982 to August 1995, the author treated 127 patients with pelvic ring injuries by open reduction and internal fixation within 3 weeks of injury. Fifty-five (43%) patients (none of whom had a symphysis dislocation) had posterior internal fixation without anterior pelvic internal or external fixation. In 37 patients (29%) anterior and posterior internal fixation was performed whereas 35 patients (28%) were treated by anterior internal fixation alone. Plates and screws were used for all anterior fixations. Bladder or urethral injury was not considered a contraindication to anterior internal fixation. Of 109 patients who were observed until union of their fractures, 3 required a repeat surgery because of loss of reduction or failure of fixation or both. All 3 patients maintained reduction and healed after the second intervention. Of 72 anterior internal fixations, 1 deep infection was the only surgical complication. A single plate is reliable for fixation of the symphysis pubis and when necessary, the superior pubic ramus. However, even in displaced and unstable pelvic ring injuries, most fractures of the pubic rami do not require stabilization by internal or external fixation. Eighty-eight of 105 fractures of the obturator ring were not internally fixed and none required subsequent treatment for nonunion or loss of reduction; nor did their initial instability cause failure of posterior fixation. Internal fixation of the anterior pelvic ring, though safe and reliable, should be reserved for symphysis pubis dislocations and only a minority of pubic ramus fractures.

Neurologic injuries in pelvic ring fractures

Unstable fractures of the pelvic ring are an increasingly frequent outcome of motor vehicle trauma. Neurologic injury after such injuries can be a cause of significant morbidity. The available literature on neurologic injuries was reviewed and compared with a clinical review of 90 unstable pelvic injuries treated during a 3-year period. Eighty-three patients were available for followup examination. Neurologic injuries were seen in 21 % of the patients. Thirty-seven percent of patients had sensory deficits alone whereas the remaining 63% had motor and sensory findings. All patients showed some evidence of neurologic recovery at an average or 24-months followup. At least 1 grade of muscle function improvement was consistently seen and 53% of patients had complete neurologic recovery. Improvement in function was seen as many as 24 months postinjury, but L5 function was least likely to progress to full recovery. The incidence of neurologic injuries and their distribution was similar to that reported in the literature, whereas the prognosis for neurologic recovery was significantly better. This may be related to techniques of early anatomic reduction and stabilization of unstable pelvic ring injuries.

Surgical treatment of pelvic nonunions and malunions

From 1984 to 1995, 37 patients with nonunion, malunion, and combined nonunion malunion of the pelvic ring were treated. Included among the patients were many different initial injury patterns and subsequent variable combinations of malunion and malpositioned nonunion. The typical surgical repair was performed in multiple stages and often created uniquely to solve a patient's particular problem. Thirty-two of 37 patients were satisfied with their outcome, although 19% of the patients suffered complications.

Outcome of operatively treated unstable posterior pelvic ring disruptions

Forty-six patients with 48 operatively fixed unstable posterior pelvic ring disruptions were observed for an average of 44 months. Two thirds of the patients returned to their original jobs and 16% changed jobs because of an associated injury. Sixty-three percent of the patients had no pain or pain only on strenuous activity and ambulated without limitation. However, 35% of the patients had significant neurologic injuries that compromised their final result. Properly performed open reduction and internal fixation of unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries may he expected to yield good functional results in the majority of patients. Associated injuries continue to be a major source of disability.

Internal fixation of unstable pelvic ring injuries

One hundred and seven unstable pelvic fractures were treated operatively. Reductions were graded by the maximal displacement measured on the 3 standard views of the pelvis. Criteria were: excellent 4 mm or less, good 5 to 10 mm, fair 10 to 20 mm, and poor more than 20 mm. Overall there were 72 excellent, 30 good, 4 fair, and 1 poor reduction. Ninety-five percent of all reductions were excellent or good. Open reduction and internal fixation within 21 days were associated with a higher percentage of excellent reductions than in reductions performed after 21 days (70% versus 55%). These differences were not statistically significant, however. Complications were infrequent using the techniques described.

Outcome of rotationally unstable pelvic ring injuries treated operatively

Twenty-nine patients with unstable rotational injuries treated operatively were observed for an average of 39 months. There were 24 associated orthopaedic injuries. Twenty-seven patients had symphysis disruption (4 with rami fractures) and 2 had rami fractures associated with an acetabular fracture. Followup evaluation of those who could be evaluated in each category revealed that 96% had no pain or pain only on strenuous activity, ambulated without assistance or limitations, and returned to work. Open reduction and internal fixation of rotationally unstable pelvic fractures results in a high functional success rate.

[New technique for a hip arthrodesis using an anterior approach and a ventral plate]

The authors present a new technique for fusion of the hip joint through an anterior approach (Smith-Petersen) with the use of a ventral plate and a lateral compression screw. The indications for fusion of the hip joint are discussed and some cases are presented. The advantages of this technique are that strong bone stock for fixation is used on the pelvic side, that the abductor muscles and vascularization of the femoral head are left intact, and that no external fixation (cast) is routinely used for after-treatment.

Operative treatment of acetabular fractures through the ilioinguinal approach. A 10-year perspective

The ilioinguinal surgical approach was found to be effective for treatment of 119 (about 33%) of the 373 acetabular fractures treated operatively by the author over a 10-year period. It is indicated for anterior wall, anterior column, associated anterior and posterior hemitransverse fractures, as well as certain both column and transverse fractures. The approach offers the advantages of a cosmetic incision, rapid recovery of muscle function, and minimal ectopic bone formation. Complications included 3% surgical wound infection, 2% iatrogenic nerve palsy, 1% significant ectopic bone, and 1% death from pulmonary embolus. Clinical results at a minimum of 1-year, and an average of 3-years' followup, were, excellent in 37%, good in 47%, fair in 14%, and poor in 2%. Two patients later required total hip arthroplasty for posttraumatic arthritis.

Surgical revision of malreduced acetabular fractures

Early failure of open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the acetabulum presents a treatment challenge even more difficult than that of the primary injury. This study evaluates the success of reoperation for 64 patients with surgical malreduction or secondary loss of reduction. In 36 patients (56%) the reconstruction achieved was within 2 mm of being anatomic as judged by plain radiography. Overall, 27 patients (42%) had excellent or good outcomes at an average 4.2 year followup. Delay to reoperation appeared to have an adverse affect on the result of surgery. At followup 57% of patients reoperated on within 3 weeks of injury were rated good or excellent. This figure dropped to 29% when the delay exceeded 12 weeks. These data do not compare favorably with results obtained in large series of singly operated fractures; however, they do indicate that it is possible to salvage a significant number of failed open reductions by reoperation.

Delayed reconstruction of acetabular fractures 21-120 days following injury

A retrospective review was performed of 207 patients treated by delayed reconstruction of acetabular fracture between 21 and 120 days following injury. Nineteen patients were lost to followup. One hundred eighty seven patients had 188 fractures classified as follows; 35 posterior wall, 9 posterior column, 5 anterior wall, 4 anterior column, 13 transverse, 49 transverse/posterior wall, 21 T shape, 8 posterior column/posterior wall, 8 anterior column posterior hemitransverse, and 34 both column fractures. The average preoperative delay was 43 days. Followup averaged 6.5 years (range, 9 months-30 years). Overall good to excellent results were achieved in 65% of patients, fair in 9%, and poor in 26%. Good to excellent results by fracture type were; posterior wall (51%), posterior column (89%), anterior wall (60%), anterior column (100%), transverse (69%), transverse/posterior wall (59%), T shape (62%), posterior column/posterior wall (88%), anterior column/posterior hemitransverse (75%), and both column (72%). Heterotopic ossification developed in 49 of 168 patients without prophylactic treatment, in 6 of 12 treated prophylactically with diphosphonate, and in 2 of 27 receiving prophylactic indomethacin therapy. There were 20 postoperative sciatic nerve palsies, 3 immediate and 5 delayed infections, 5 cases of pulmonary embolism, and 26 cases of avascular necrosis. Delayed management of acetabular fractures increases the difficulty of operative treatment and may result in a significant reduction in good to excellent results. Simple anterior or posterior wall fractures, associated transverse + posterior wall fractures, and T shape fractures have an increased risk of failure when treated within this time period.

Heterotopic ossification following operative treatment of acetabular fracture. An analysis of risk factors

A total of 237 patients with surgically treated acetabular fractures were analyzed to identify the risk factors predisposing to development of heterotopic ossification (HO) following operative treatment, and to evaluate both clinical significance of HO and the clinical outcome of operative excision of ectopic bone. All patients had a minimum of 1 year followup time. The degree of HO was determined from anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis at the 1 year followup and was classified as Grade 0 or Grade 1 according to the amount of ectopic bone present. Forty patients (17%) who developed a moderate to severe amount of ectopic bone were classified as Grade 1. Nine who developed significant ectopic bone resulting in 20% or greater loss of hip motion underwent excision of the ectopic bone; all six available for followup showed an improvement in range of motion. A significant correlation was found between poor clinical results at the 1 year followup and Grade 1 ectopic bone formation (p < 0.001). Four factors found to highly correlate with Grade 1 ectopic bone formation were: (1) the iliofemoral surgical approach; (2) multiple (2 or more) operative findings; (3) T type fractures; and (4) the presence of associated injuries to the abdomen and chest.

Prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in acetabular and pelvic fracture surgery

In a prospective nonrandomized study, a protocol was examined for prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients with operative treatment of acetabular and pelvic fractures. There were 197 patients in the study with 203 fractures, including 148 acetabular and 55 pelvic fractures. There were 2 cases of bilateral acetabular fractures and 4 cases with both acetabular and pelvic fractures. The protocol involved preoperative noninvasive screening of the lower extremities, intraoperative and postoperative use of mechanical antithrombotic devices, and chemical prophylaxis with warfarin for 3 weeks following removal of surgical drains. There were 11 cases (6%) of preoperative deep venous thrombosis detected. There were 6 cases of postoperative deep venous thrombosis and 2 cases of pulmonary embolism. The incidence of postoperative venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was 3% and 1%, respectively. The protocol was found to be effective for preoperative detection of venous thrombosis and prevention of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in trauma patients with minimal bleeding complications and no morbidity from embolic disease.

The computerized tomography subchondral arc: a new method of assessing acetabular articular continuity after fracture (a preliminary report)

The criteria to treat acetabular fractures operatively versus nonoperatively continue to evolve. The technique of roof arc measurements was developed to identify the extent of superior acetabulum left intact after fracture. Computerized tomography (CT) of the superior 10 mm of the acetabular articular surface evaluates the area equivalent to roof arc measurements of 45 degrees. CT provides increased detail of the superior acetabulum involved with the fracture. Our current criteria for selecting cases for nonoperative treatment are as follows: 1. The acetabular articular surface is intact in the superior 10 mm of the joint on CT evaluation. (Fractures that enter the acetabular fossa, but not the articular surface in the superior 10 mm are included in this group.) 2. The femoral head remains congruent with the superior acetabulum out of traction on the anteroposterior and 45 degree oblique radiographic views of the pelvis. 3. When a posterior wall fracture is part of the injury pattern, a minimum of 50% of the posterior wall articular surface is intact at the most involved level as determined by CT.

Unrecognized posterior dislocation of the hip associated with transverse and T-type fractures of the acetabulum

Five patients who had displaced transverse or T-type fractures of the acetabulum and who were transferred 3-5 days after their injury with an unrecognized posterior dislocation of the hip are reported. On the anteroposterior pelvis radiograph, central displacement of the acetabular fragment dominated the radiographic appearance; however, superior displacement of the femoral head with superimposition on the intact acetabular roof was a consistent finding. The typical radiographic findings of adduction and internal rotation of the femur were not present. Oblique views of the pelvis, and/or a computed tomography scan made the diagnosis obvious. Appropriate initial radiographic evaluation is imperative in all patients with acetabular fractures. Failure to recognize the posterior hip dislocation in this group of patients may have led to an increased incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, nerve palsy, and femoral head articular cartilage damage. We recommend either closed reduction with the patient under anesthesia followed by skeletal traction and delayed open reduction/internal fixation, or immediate open reduction/internal fixation if the reduction is not stable.

Internal fixation of pelvic ring fractures

The orthopedic care of unstable pelvic fractures requires reduction and stabilization in order to promote union in a satisfactory position and provide a satisfactory clinical result. The results of three treatment techniques, skeletal traction and/or pelvic sling, anterior frame external fixation, and internal fixation, were evaluated over a four-year period.

Displaced acetabular fractures

Displaced acetabular fractures occur primarily in young adults involved in high energy trauma and can lead to disabling posttraumatic arthritis. An initial roentgenographic evaluation with accurate delineation of all fracture lines provides the key to decisions about whether to give closed or open treatment. When open treatment is indicated, a surgical approach can be chosen that will almost always lead to reduction without the necessity of a second approach. The authors have found that the Kocher-Langenbeck, ilioinguinal, and extended iliofemoral approaches are the most useful. A fracture table and specialized reduction instruments aid fracture reduction and fixation. Satisfactory operative reduction of the fracture is the factor that correlates best with a satisfactory clinical result. The rate of satisfactory operative reductions improved gradually over the first 50 operations of a prospective study of 121 displaced acetabular fractures. Overall, there were 80% satisfactory clinical results in this series. Complications included a 3% infection rate and a 5% incidence of nerve palsy. Open reduction and internal fixation are indicated for the majority of displaced fractures. However, closed treatment can produce satisfactory results in selected patients.

Comminuted and rotationally unstable fractures of the femur treated with an interlocking nail

One hundred twelve comminuted or rotationally unstable fractures of the femur were treated with the Grosse-Kempf interlocking nail. Two-thirds of the fractures had comminution involving more than 50% of the cortex. Of the 112 nailings, 82 were static and 30 dynamic. Clinical and radiographic fracture union occurred in 98% of cases; there were two nonunions. There were no instances of deep wound infection or osteomyelitis. Only two patients had a change of limb length greater than 1 cm. Angulation in any plane greater than 10 degrees was noted in three patients (2.5%). External rotation deformities occurred in eight patients (7.0%). The interlocking nail has expanded the indications for the use of closed intramedullary nailing in the treatment of complex fractures of the femur. The incidence of infection and nonunion is remarkably low. Immediate stability of the fracture allows for immediate mobilization of the patient, early rehabilitation of the limb, and a shorter hospital stay.

Fractures of the acetabulum. Early results of a prospective study

One hundred two patients with 105 displaced fractures of the acetabulum were treated for fractures involving at least one column of the acetabulum and displaced at least 5 mm (rim fractures were excluded). The patients were primarily young adults with multiple injuries secondary to motor-vehicle-associated trauma. Fractures were classified according to the classification of Letournel. The most common fractures were the complex associated types with 44 complete both column, 19 T-shaped, and 18 associated transverse and posterior wall. Seventeen fractures were treated closed, and 88 were treated operatively. Closed treatment with skeletal traction was undertaken if roof arc measurements demonstrated a satisfactory remaining acetabular dome following fracture and in some cases of apparent congruence following complete both column fractures. Fractures not meeting these criteria were operated upon through the Kocher-Langenbeck, extended iliofemoral, or ilioinguinal approach. Ninety percent of the operations produced a satisfactory reduction of the fracture (3 mm or less displacement). A follow-up study longer than one year was obtained for 50 fractures. Clinical results were 80% satisfactory overall. Operative complications included 3% infection, 5% nerve palsy, and 7% significant ectopic bone. Operative treatment can produce satisfactory fracture reductions and clinical results with an acceptably low complication rate.

Fractures of the acetabulum. A retrospective analysis

A roentgenographic analysis of 204 acetabular fractures is presented. In addition, 64 displaced fractures (43 treated surgically) are evaluated clinically and roentgenographically (average follow-up period, 3.7 years). Most fractures can be adequately evaluated from anteroposterior and oblique roentgenograms of the pelvis. The roentgenographic and clinical results correlate closely. Fractures must be reduced to a displacement of 3 mm or less, in addition to congruent reduction of the femoral head with the weight-bearing dome of the acetabulum, to achieve a satisfactory clinical result. Most displaced fractures involve the weight-bearing dome and require surgery. With an intact weight-bearing dome, nonoperative treatment is considered. Quantification of this dome with three measurements termed the medial, anterior, and posterior roof arc obtained from the standard roentgenograms is valuable in determination of appropriate treatment for displaced acetabular fractures.