Early Stabilization Does Not Increase Complication Rates in Acetabular Fractures of the Elderly: A Retrospective Analysis from the German Pelvis Registry

Background: The incidence of acetabular fractures in geriatric patients has increased. Although there are strong data supporting the early operative treatment of hip fractures in geriatric patients, the optimal timing for acetabular fractures remains unclear and for several reasons, delayed treatment after trauma is common. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the German Pelvis Registry between 2008 and 2017 was performed. Ultimately, 665 patients with fractures of the anterior column or anterior column and posterior hemitransverse were enrolled. Patients above and below 65 years of age with these fracture types were analyzed regarding surgery day (within 48 hours, between 2 and 4 days, after 4 days), complication rate, reduction quality, and hospital stay. Results: The complication rate of the geriatric group was twice as high as that of younger patients; however, this finding was independent of the timing of surgery. Reduction quality and hospital stay were independent of surgical timing. Conclusions: In contrast to other fracture types, such as proximal femur fractures, the timing of surgery for acetabular fractures does not have a significant impact on the patient's outcome. The optimal time for surgery cannot be determined using the current data. However, as expected, there is a significantly higher risk for postoperative complications in the geriatric population.

Is the Direct Fixation of Displaced Quadrilateral Plates in Acetabular Fractures Necessary?

Quadrilateral plate fractures represent a heterogeneous group of acetabular fractures. Accurate reduction is required to prevent post-traumatic arthritis. The purpose of this study is to determine the reduction effect of the direct fixation of quadrilateral plates in acetabular fractures, and to evaluate the strength of direct fixation compared to indirect fixation. Between 2005 and 2021, 49 patients underwent surgery for open reduction and internal fixation in acetabular fractures with severely displaced quadrilateral plates. Twenty-nine patients comprised the indirect fixation group, and twenty patients comprised the direct fixation group. In a comparison of primary outcome between two groups, 10 out of 29 indirect-group patients and 1 out of 20 direct-group patients developed post-traumatic osteoarthritis, wherein the difference between the two groups is statistically significant. In the assessment of postoperative Matta's radiological reduction status, 19 out of 20 patients in the direct group had achieved anatomical and congruent reduction. The treatment using a direct reduction and internal fixation improved the reduction quality of articular displacement and offered a better survivorship of the affected hip joint.

The Association between Acetabulum Fractures and Subsequent Coxarthrosis in a Cohort of 77 Patients-A Retrospective Analysis of Predictors for Secondary Hip Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

the aim of this study was to document the occurrence of THA after acetabulum surgery and examine the factors that predict its occurrence.

METHODS

This study included 77 consecutive patients who were admitted for acetabulum fracture surgery between 2012 and 2019. The inclusion criteria were acetabular fractures and indications for operative management. The exclusion criteria were acetabular fractures treated non-operatively, fractures requiring primary THA, and periprosthetic acetabular fractures. Data concerning demographics, date of injury, date of surgery, surgical approach, stabilization, and further reconstructive surgery were collected retrospectively. The number of patients who underwent THA and their risk factors were recorded. The minimum follow-up for each patient was 2 years of observation. A total of 77 patients with a mean age of 53 years were included.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 2 years, THA was performed in 16 (20.8%) patients due to post-traumatic arthritis. An analysis of the surgical approaches showed that the Kocher-Langenbeck approach increased the risk of THA nearly 12 times compared with the ilioinguinal approach (p = 0.016). Furthermore, the duration of the waiting period for surgery significantly impacted the occurrence of THA, with each additional day leading to an 89% increase in the risk of prosthesis usage (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that acetabular fractures may lead to post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis. The surgical approach and the waiting time for surgery are potential factors that may predict secondary hip osteoarthritis and the need for subsequent THA. However, further investigations should be performed to establish predictors for secondary hip osteoarthritis, and especially to determine the impact of the surgical approach.

Acetabular fractures: Epidemiology and mortality based on 2,132 fractures from the Swedish Fracture Register

Aims

To describe the epidemiology of acetabular fractures including patient characteristics, injury mechanisms, fracture patterns, treatment, and mortality.

Methods

We retrieved information from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) on all patients with acetabular fractures, of the native hip joint in the adult skeleton, sustained between 2014 and 2020. Study variables included patient age, sex, injury date, injury mechanism, fracture classification, treatment, and mortality.

Results

In total, 2,132 patients with acetabular fractures from the SFR were included in the study. The majority of the patients were male (62%) and aged over 70 years old (62%). For patients aged > 70 years, the 30-day mortality was 8% and one-year mortality 24%. For patients aged ≤ 70 years, the 30-day mortality was 0.2% and one-year mortality 2%. Low-energy injuries (63%) and anterior wall fractures (20%) were most common. Treatment was most often non-surgical (75%).

Conclusion

The majority of patients who sustain an acetabular fracture are elderly (> 70 years), of male sex, and the fracture most commonly occurs after a simple, low-energy fall. Non-surgical treatment is chosen in the majority of acetabular fracture patients. The one-year mortality for elderly patients with acetabular fracture is similar to the mortality after hip fracture, and a similar multidisciplinary approach to care for these patients should be considered.

[Incidence of pelvic and acetabular fractures in the elderly due to high energy trauma]

INTRODUCTION

as the population pyramid gets inverted, more active and longer lives are lived, geriatric patients with high energy trauma (HET) become more frequent; requiring more resources, getting worse results with more perioperative complications, coupled with a fragile state of health and osteopenia, make these fractures difficult to manage. With the hypothesis that the incidence of pelvic and acetabular fractures in the elderly due to HET is higher than that reported in the world literature, the research question was generated: What is the incidence of pelvic and acetabular fractures in the elderly due to HET, in a 5-year period?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

with the authorization of the Ethics Committee, an observational study of a retrospective cohort was carried out, using medical records, identifying the incidence of these fractures, surgically treated in our institution Clínica Las Vegas, Medellin, Colombia, a level III hospital, from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021.

RESULTS

a cumulative incidence of 1.95 new cases per 100,000 person-years was calculated, a prevalence of 13.8%; resulting in a higher incidence and prevalence, confirming our hypothesis.

CONCLUSION

treatment should be aimed at improving quality of life with stable fixation, identification and treatment of associated injuries, minimizing the risk of mechanical complications and prioritizing the reinforcement of preventive measures, also in the improvement of male role behavior, whom, as it seems, will keep carrying out risky activities despite their age.

New screw technique for posterior column and ischial fixation from the anterior approach for acetabular fractures

Management of the ischial fragment in acetabular fractures is a considerable problem. In this report, we presented how to drill or screw around the posterior column and ischium from the anterior approach using a novel 'sleeve guide technique' and the difficulty of plating. A sleeve, drill, depth gauge and driver from DepuySynthes were prepared. The portal was about 2-3 cm inside the anterior superior iliac spine opposite to the side of the fracture. The sleeve was inserted to the screw point around quadrilateral area through the retroperitoneal space. Drilling, measuring screw length by a depth gauge and the screwing were performed through the sleeve. Case 1 used a one-third plate and case 2 used a reconstruction plate. With this technique, the approach angles to the posterior column and ischium were inclined, and plating and screw insertion could be performed with a low risk of organ injury.

Comparison of Percutaneous Screw Fixation to Open Reduction and Internal Fixation in Acetabular Fractures: A Matched Pair Study Regarding the Short-Term Rate of Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty and Functional Outcomes

Closed reduction and percutaneous internal fixation (CRPIF) for acetabular fractures was introduced as a less invasive alternative to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for moderately displaced fractures. Currently, comparisons of ORIF and CRPIF outcomes are rare. Twenty-three patients treated with CRPIF were matched with patients treated with ORIF based on sex, age, and fracture classification. Surgery-dependent and -independent factors of the in-hospital stay, the conversion rate to total hip arthroplasty (THA), and quality of life were assessed. The ORIF group had a higher preoperative fracture step (p = 0.04) and gull wing sign (p = 0.003) compared with the CRPIF group. Postoperatively, the gap and step size were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). CRPIF required less time (p < 0.0001) and transfusions (p = 0.009) and showed fewer complications (p = 0.0287). Four patients were converted to THA (CRPIF, n = 1; ORIF, n = 3; p = 0.155) because of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Functional outcomes and pain were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The present study revealed less blood loss and a lesser extent of reduction in patients treated with CRPIF than in those treated with ORIF. The rates of conversion to THA and functional outcomes did not differ between CRPIF and ORIF. CRPIF appeared to be a valuable treatment option for selected patients.

WHICH PROBLEMATICS IN THA AFTER ACETABULAR FRACTURES: EXPERIENCE OF 38 CASES

BACKGROUND

Within a timeframe of 8 years (2008-2016), 38 patients have undergone total hip replacement surgery for coxarthrosis or aseptic necrosis secondary to acetabulum fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 27 males and 11 females between 42 and 70 years of age, all of whom came from other institutions. The follow-up period ranged between a minimum of 4.6 and a maximum of 9.7 years.

RESULTS

At the final follow-up, all patients were evaluated using the Merle D'Aubigne and Pastel model. Optimal results were found in all the cases. Three patients benefited from surgical revisitation with implant exchange following infection and one/two state reimplatation at seven, fourtheen et twenty-seven months respectively. Two patients benefited from cotyle revision due to chronic instability of the implant.

CONCLUSIONS

The scope of the study was to present all the possible surgical difficulties that can come up with prosthetic implants. More particularly, hip implants after acetabulum fractures qualifies as a "difficult primary implant".

Simultaneous Total Hip Arthroplasty for Delayed Management of Bilateral Acetabular Fractures due to Alcohol-Withdrawal Seizures

Bilateral acetabular fractures after seizure activity are rare, as most of these injuries are associated with high-energy trauma. It is hypothesized that rapid forceful contracture of hip musculature during a seizure can lead to the femoral head fracturing the medial wall and driving in proximal and medial directions. Absence of standardized surgical treatment algorithms and literature-reported outcomes makes this fracture pattern challenging to orthopedic surgeons. To the best of our knowledge, no published data describe delayed simultaneous total hip arthroplasty for treating seizure-induced bilateral acetabular fractures with protrusio. We present a patient that sustained bilateral acetabular fractures after an alcohol-withdrawal seizure. The patient underwent delayed simultaneous total hip arthroplasty 3 months later with excellent functional outcomes at the 6-month follow-up.

Both-Column Acetabular Fractures: Should Pelvic Ring Reduction or Acetabulum be Performed First?

OBJECTIVE

Both-column acetabular fracture is a type that accumulates both the pelvis and acetabulum with complex fracture line alignment and has variant fracture fragments. The selection of different reduction landmarks and sequences produces different qualities of reduction. This study aims to compare the operation-related items, quality of reduction, and hip functional outcome by using different reduction landmarks and sequences for management of both-column acetabular fractures (BCAF).

METHODS

A consecutive cohort of 42 patients from January 2013 to January 2019 with BCAF were treated operatively with different reduction landmarks and sequences: pelvic ring fractures reduction first (PRFRF group) and acetabular fractures reduction first (AFRF group). Preoperative computer visual surgical procedures were applied. There were 22 patients in PRFRF group and 20 patients in AFRF group. The surgical details, complications, radiographic and clinical results were recorded. The quality of reduction was assessed by the Matta scoring system. The functional outcome was evaluated by the modified Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scoring system. The measurement data were analyzed using the t-test of independent samples and rank-sum test of ranked data.

RESULTS

The real reduction sequence in both groups was almost identical to the preoperative surgical procedures. The excellent/good quality of reduction in PRFRF group (21/22) was better than AFRF group (17/20). Operative time (152.3 ± 16.3 mins) and intra-operative blood loss (639.5 ± 109.9ml) were significantly reduced in PRFRF group (p < 0.05). The incidence of deep vein thrombosis in PRFRF group (2/22) was less than AFRF group (4/20), but without statistical signification.

CONCLUSION

Selection of an appropriate reduction landmark and sequence could result in better quality of reduction, operative time, and decreased blood loss during treatment of BCAF.

The outcome of the uncemented acetabular component in delayed total hip arthroplasty following acetabular fractures

Aims

After failed acetabular fractures, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a challenging procedure and considered the gold standard treatment. The complexity of the procedure depends on the fracture pattern and the initial fracture management. This study’s primary aim was to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for patients who underwent delayed uncemented acetabular THA after acetabular fractures. The secondary aims were to assess the radiological outcome and the incidence of the associated complications in those patients.

Methods

A total of 40 patients underwent cementless acetabular THA following failed treatment of acetabular fractures. The postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated for all the cohort.

Results

The median (interquartile range (IQR)) Oxford Hip Score (OHS) improved significantly from 9.5 (7 to 11.5), (95% confidence interval (CI) (8 to 10.6)) to 40 (39 to 44), (95% CI (40 to 43)) postoperatively at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). It was worth noting that the initial acetabular fracture type (simple vs complex), previous acetabular treatment (ORIF vs conservative), fracture union, and restoration of anatomical centre of rotation (COR) did not affect the final OHS. The reconstructed centre of rotation (COR) was restored in 29 (72.5%) patients. The mean abduction angle in whom acetabular fractures were managed conservatively was statistically significantly higher than the surgically treated patients 42.6° (SD 7.4) vs 38° (SD 5.6)) (p = 0.032). We did not have any case of acetabular or femoral loosening at the time of the last follow-up. We had two patients with successful two-stage revision for infection with overall eight-year survival rate was 95.2% (95% CI 86.6% to 100%) with revision for any reason at a median (IQR) duration of follow-up 50 months (16 to 87) months following THA.

Conclusion

Delayed cementless acetabular THA in patients with previous failed acetabular fracture treatments produces good clinical outcomes (PROMS) with excellent survivorship, despite the technically demanding nature of the procedure. The initial fracture treatment does not influence the outcome of delayed THA. In selected cases of acetabular fractures (either nondisplaced or with secondary congruency), the initial nonoperative treatment neither resulted in large acetabular defects nor required additional acetabular reconstruction at the time of THA.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1067–1074.

Evolving Practice in Management of Pelvic-Acetabular Trauma: COVID-19 Experience From a Tertiary Referral Centre in the UK

Introduction

The United Kingdom was one of the hardest-hit countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The UK government announced three national lockdowns to control the spread of the coronavirus and prevent the NHS from getting overburdened with COVID-19 related attendances. Two of the most significant peaks in terms of COVID-19 related hospitalizations and COVID-19 related deaths were in Summer 2020 (corresponding to lockdown 1, which was in effect from 26th March to 26th May 2020) and early 2021 (corresponding to lockdown 3, which was in effect 6th January to 8th March 2021).

During this time, a significant proportion of NHS resources was being diverted towards the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Measures were being taken to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and reduce patient contact. These included but were not limited to measures to reduce attendances to Emergency departments, introducing telemedicine clinics, and pausing elective services. 

Our hospital is a Major Trauma Centre providing Tertiary Pelvic trauma service to the Greater Manchester area and the North West of England. We conducted this retrospective comparative study to compare the trends in presentation and Management of Pelvic trauma and identify trends in how these changed throughout the pandemic. We want to share these insights with our readers.

Methodology

We conducted a retrospective comparative study by comparing two cohorts of patients, patients presenting to the Pelvic Trauma service during Lockdown 1 and Lockdown 3 in the UK, named Group A and Group B, respectively. Data on patient demographics, injuries, and their management was identified from the Electronic Patient Record System. The data analysis was carried out with the aid of Stata/IC version 16.1. using descriptive Statistics.

Results

Group A contained 19 patients, with a mean age of 66.9 years. Group B contained 23 patients with a mean age of 67.4 years. There was no statistically significant difference in these patients' population demographics, injury patterns, and management (operative vs conservative). However, there was an absolute reduction in the complication rate from Group A to Group B of 17.2% (26.3% vs 9.1%). The higher complication rate during Lockdown 1 can be explained by conservatively managing Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures that would have been eligible for fixation, had COVID-19 not been a factor.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of our study, it appears that operatively managing a carefully selected cohort of acute Pelvic Trauma patients with proper precautions was safe and effective. It is unclear whether there was an added benefit to having a higher threshold to operate and adopting the watch-and-wait policy in Lockdown 1. We recommend continuing to follow the current evidence and fix these fractures early.

Treatment of acetabular fractures in paediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Acetabular fractures are rare in children, constituting approximately 1-4.6% of all paediatric fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Nine patients (4 girls and 5 boys) with a mean age of 14.5 years (range, 12-16.5 years) were treated due to acetabular fractures between 2000 and 2020. Most of the fractures were caused by road accidents. Before the patients were qualified for treatment, they underwent a CT scan (all patients) and an MRI scan (8 patients) of the hip. Surgical treatment was used in 6 patients while the other 2 were managed conservatively.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up period was 6.2 years (range, 2-10 years). Bone union was achieved in all patients after 76 days on average (range, 65-90 days). The mean Merle d'Aubigne score at 12 months after treatment was 17.1 points (range, 13-18 points).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of acetabular fractures in paediatric patients during or after puberty may be the same as in adults. An MRI scan of the hip joint is recommended for assessing the fracture, particularly the triradiate cartilage.

Risk of Total Hip Arthroplasty After Acetabular Fracture Fixation: The Importance of Age

BACKGROUND

Geriatric patients are the most rapidly growing cohort of patients sustaining acetabular fractures (AFs). The purpose of this study was to examine the risk of a secondary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in older patients (>60 year old) with a prior AF open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) compared with younger patients (<60 year old) with an AF ORIF on a large population level.

METHODS

Using administrative health care data from 1996 to 2010 inclusive of all 202 hospitals in Ontario, Canada, all adult patients with an AF ORIF and a minimum of two year follow-up were identified and included. The risk of THA was examined using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for patient risk factors. Secondary outcomes included surgical complications and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 1725 patients had an AF ORIF; 1452 (84.2%, mean age of 38.3 ± 12.1 years) aged <60 years ("younger") and 273 (15.8%, mean age of 69.9 ± 7.8 years) > 60 years ("older"). The mean (SD) follow-up time for all patients was 6.9 (4.2) years. In older patients, 19.4% (53 of 273) went on to receive a secondary THA with a median time to event of 3.9 years, compared with 12.9% (187 of 1452) in the younger patient cohort with a median time of 6.9 years (HR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.3). As expected, older patients had a higher 90-day mortality rate compared with younger patients (7.7% vs. 0.7%, respectively; HR 9.2, 95% CI: 4.3-19.9; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Older patients with an AF ORIF are at a significantly higher risk for a secondary THA than younger patients with an AF ORIF.

Osteosynthesis of Common Acetabular Fractures Operated on Through a Single Posterior (Kocher-Langenbeck) Approach with or without Trochanteric Flip Osteotomy. A Case Series

BACKGROUND

The Kocher-Langenbeck approach is recommended in the majority of common posterior acetabular injuries. Trochanteric osteotomy can be used to extend the exposure of the Kocher-Langenbeck approach superiorly and anteriorly. We evaluated the functional outcome of common acetabular fractures operated on through the Kocher-Langenbeck approach with or without trochanteric flip osteotomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study enrolled 42 patients with posterior wall, posterior column, transverse, posterior wall with posterior column, transverse with posterior wall and both column acetabular fractures. The Kocher-Langenbeck approach was used in 35 patients and trochanteric flip osteotomy was done in 7 patients. The radiological outcome was evaluated by Matta's criteria and the functional outcome was evaluated using modified Merle d&apos;Aubigné and Postel criteria.

RESULTS

D'Aubigne Postel scores at the final follow-up were excellent in 12 patients, good in 18, fair in 8 and poor in 4. Thirty-seven patients had congruent reduction (anatomical in 29, imperfect in 8) and 5 patients had non-congruent reduction on radiographs as per Matta's criteria. Radiographic congruity (88.09%, 37 out of 42 cases) correlated fairly well with the functional outcome (excellent or good functional outcome in 71.4%, 30 out of 42 cases). The complications included traumatic nerve palsy (3 cases), iatrogenic nerve palsy (2 cases), deep venous thrombosis (2 cases), wound infection (3 cases), non-congruent reduction (5 cases), 8 cases of osteoarthritis of hip, 2 cases of avascular necrosis of femoral head and 3 cases of heterotrophic ossification.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Surgical treatment of common acetabular fractures with major posterior involvement can be attempted via a single posterior approach (Kocher-Langen-beck with or without trochanteric flip osteo-tomy) and leads to good-to-excellent results in a majority of the cases. 2. It is superior to conservative management, which has been found to be accompanied by a much higher rate of complications. 3. A thorough study of the pre-opera-tive radiographs, Judet's views and 3D-reconstructed CT images helps in classifying the fracture and thereby assigning or not assigning it for the posterior approach.

[Mechanism and surgical treatment of acetabular roof column fractures with external iliac arterial injury: analysis of 4 cases]

Pelvic arterial injuries caused by pelvic or acetabular fractures are rare (15%-20%), and the complication by external iliac artery (EIA) injuries is even rarer, which can result in a mortality rate as high as 75%-83%. The mechanism of major artery damage caused by pelvic or acetabular fractures remains unclear. We report our experience with surgical treatment of 4 patients with acetabular roof column fracture and EIA injury. All the 4 patients underwent injury control resuscitation and surgery after admission. One patient died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and the other 3 patients recovered smoothly. In these cases, as we presume, the occurrence of acetabular roof column fracture caused the EIA, which was connected to the iliopsoas muscle through soft tissues such as the iliac fascia, to be pulled into the fracture space along with the iliopsoas muscle and was cut directly by the fracture end; the EIA may also be punctured during transport and fracture reduction. Although acetabular roof column fractures with EIA injuries rarely occur, the consequences can be fatal. In such cases, clinicians should be highly vigilant about the possibility of large vessel injuries, and its early detection using threedimensional vascular reconstruction based on CT vessels or arterial interventional angiography can be critical for implementation of early treatment to save the limbs.

Percutaneous fixation of acetabular fractures

The objective of surgery for acetabular fractures is to achieve precise reduction to restore joint congruence, fix internal bone fragments, avoid displacement of the fracture and allow rapid rehabilitation.Open reduction and internal fixation is the benchmark method for displaced acetabular fractures, but open reductions can increase morbidity, causing neurovascular injury, blood loss, heterotopic bone formation, infection and poor wound healing.An anatomical reduction with a gap of 2 mm or less is a predictor of good joint function and reduced risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.The percutaneous approach is associated with fewer complications than open techniques, but acetabular geometry makes percutaneous screw insertion a challenging procedure.The percutaneous technique is recommended for non-displaced or slightly displaced fractures, and in obese, osteoporotic and elderly patients who cannot receive total joint arthroplasty.We recommend the use of intramedullary cannulated screws.Fracture reductions are achieved by manual traction of the affected bones. If some fracture displacement remains, accessory windows can be used to introduce a ball spike pusher, a hook or a Steinmann pin which can be used as a joystick to rotate the fracture.In this paper, we describe the accessory windows for the anterior column, the quadrilateral plate and the posterior column. We detail the position, direction and kind of screws used to stabilize the anterior and posterior columns. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170054.

Delayed Total Hip Arthroplasty for Failed Acetabular Fractures: The Influence of Initial Fracture Management on Outcome After Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) provides a successful salvage option for failed acetabular fractures. The complexity of arthroplasty for a failed acetabular fracture will depend on the fracture pattern and the initial management of the fracture. Our objective was to compare the midterm outcome of THA between patients who presented with failed acetabular fractures following initial surgical or nonsurgical treatment.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients underwent cementless THA ± acetabular reconstruction following failed treatment of acetabular fractures. Twenty-seven were initially treated by surgery (group A) and 20 had nonsurgical treatment (group B). Intraoperative measures, preoperative and follow-up clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The mean surgical time, blood loss, and need for blood transfusion were significantly less in group A (P < .05). Acetabular reconstruction to address cavitary or segmental defects was needed in a significantly higher number of patients in group B (P = .006). Significant improvement in modified Merle d'Aubigne and Oxford scores was seen postsurgery in both groups. Acetabular component survival with aseptic loosening as end point was 98%. Overall survival rate with infection, revision, or loosening as end point was 93% at a mean follow-up of 7 years ± 17 months.

CONCLUSION

THA for a failed acetabular fracture is greatly facilitated by initial surgical treatment. Although functional results and survivorship were similar in both groups, failed nonsurgical treatment in complex fractures is associated with migrated femoral head and extensive acetabular defects requiring complex acetabular reconstruction.

Fix and replace; an emerging paradigm for treating acetabular fractures

Although technically challenging even for the experienced surgeon, simultaneous open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of acetabular fracture and total hip replacement (THR) have some potential advantages over the more traditional treatment options in specific patient subgroups; theoretically allowing immediate weight bearing and faster rehabilitation, reducing the cost of inpatient stay, and reducing the risks of early and late local complications associated with standard treatment for this type of injury. We review the evolution of the indications and techniques, outline the surgical challenges, and discuss implant options and outcomes for this treatment paradigm.

How to obtain and identify the acetabular anterior column axial view projection in patients?

PURPOSE

This study aims at sharing our experience as how to obtain and identify axial view image of the acetabular anterior column in patients.

METHODS

Pelvic computed tomography data of six normal adults were used to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) models. The transparency of each 3D model was downgraded at the view perpendicular to the cross section of the anterior column axis to simulate the anterior column axial view image. Fluoroscopy was performed in all patients to obtain the anterior column axial view image in the operating room. Each fluoroscopic image was compared with the corresponding simulation image to analyze potential anatomic landmarks that were helpful to identify the translucent area (projection of the screw path) in the patients.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

To obtain ideal anterior column axial fluoroscopic image, the patient should be positioned supine with the leg of "abnormal side" straight and contralateral side flexion, abduction, and external rotation; the C-arm machine should be placed at the caudal end of the operation table with the C-arm fluoroscopic intensifier first positioned at the pelvic lateral view and then tilted approximately 30° toward the "abnormal side" and rotated approximately 45° toward the caudal end of the operation table. To identify the translucent area on the anterior column axial view fluoroscopic image obtained from the patient, the greater sciatic notch, the true pelvis edge, and the acetabulum should be identified first and the translucent area is located in the area surrounded by these three anatomic landmarks.

Ipsilateral Traumatic Posterior Hip Dislocation, Posterior Wall and Transverse Acetabular Fracture with Trochanteric Fracture in an adult: Report of First Case

Introduction:

Posterior dislocation of the hip joint with associated acetabular and intertrochanteric fracture is a complex injury. Early recognition, prompt and stable reduction is needed of successful outcome.

Case Report:

45 year old male patient presented with posterior dislocation of the hip with transverse fracture with posterior wall fracture of acetabulam and intertrochanteric fracture on the ipsilateral side. The complex fracture geometry was confirmed by CT scan. The patient was successfully managed by open reduction and internal fixation of intertrochanteric fracture was achieved with dynamic hip screw (DHS) plate fixation followed by fixation of acetabular fracture with reconstruction plate.

Conclusion:

Hip dislocation combined with acetabular fracture is an uncommon injury; this article presents a unique case of posterior wall and transverse fractures of ipsilateral acetabulum with intertrochanteric fracture in a patient who sustained traumatic posterior hip dislocation. Early surgical intervention is important for satisfactory outcomes of such complex fracture-dislocation injuries.

Total hip arthroplasty after acetabular fracture: incidence of complications, reoperation rates and functional outcomes: evidence today

The outcome of THA following acetabular fracture was analyzed on 654 patients with a systematic review approach. An uncemented acetabular and femoral component was used in 80.1% and 59.8% of the cases respectively. The median Harris hip score was 88 points. In the early THA group, Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis with any loosening, osteolysis or revision as the end point revealed that the 10-year cup survival was 81% whereas in the late THA group was 76% (P=0.287). The 10-year survival was 95% for the early stems and 85% for the late ones (P=0.001). Due to their complexity these fractures should be managed in highly specializing units where the expertise of arthroplasty and trauma reconstruction is available.

Biomechanical analysis of the acetabular buttress-plate: are complex acetabular fractures in the quadrilateral area stable after treatment with anterior construct plate-1/3 tube buttress plate fixation?

OBJECTIVE

The acetabular buttress-plate has been widely used in treating difficult cases with satisfying clinical results. However, the biomechanical properties of a postoperative acetabular fracture fixed by the buttress-plate are not clear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties of stability after the anterior tube buttress-plate fixation of complex acetabular fractures in the quadrilateral area.

METHODS

A construct was proposed based on anterior construct plate - 1/3 tube buttress plate fixation for acetabular both-column fractures. Two groups of six formalin-preserved cadaveric pelvises were analyzed: (1) group A, the normal pelvis and (2) group B, anterior construct plate-1/3 tube buttress plate with quadrilateral area fixation. The displacements were measured, and cyclical loads were applied in both standing and sitting simulations.

RESULTS

As the load was added, the displacements were A<B, increasing in line. In the 600 N physiological loading, the differences were significant (standing position: p=0.013; sitting position: p=0.009) between groups A and B.

CONCLUSION

The anterior construct plate - 1/3 tube buttress plate fixation provided a better stable construct for early sitting. The standing mode yielded more significant differences between the groups. Placing a 1/3 tube buttress-plate via an anterior approach is a novel method of providing quadrilateral area support in this setting.