Clinical Study of Acetabular Fracture

Woo, Young Kyun; Moon, Myung Sang; Park, Won Kyu

Abstract

It appears that frequency of fractures of the aceta ulum is increasing with the number of automobiles on our roads and when they occur they seem to pose difficulties of management. Because, the anatomy of this region is complicated, making surgical approaches difficult. Second, the patients often have major associated injuries, making early operative treatment hazardous. Third, the fractures are often severly comminuted, leading many surgeons to beleave that operative reduction is impossible. Finally, and unfortunately, the fractures are often missed. The aim of treatment must be to restore the fractured acetabulum to its normal anatomy followed by early motion to promote healing and restore function. Undisplaced acetabular fractures have a good prosis with conservative treatment but patients with displaced fractures of the acetabulum not reduced by manipulation and traction should be considered candidates for open reduction. The author experienced 72 cases of acetabular fracture patients who were admitted to the department of Orthopaedic Surgery of Catholic Medical College and Center from January 1979 to August 1983. The results of 48 patients who were followed up over 6 months period were as follows; l. Among 72 cases(44 were male and 28 were female), the most common causes of acetabular fracture was pedestrian struck by car. 2. 56 were treated conservatively and 16 were treated surgically. The result were as follows; Excellent-15(31%), Good-23(48%), Fair-8(17%), Poor-2(4%). 3. 72 cases were classified by Letournel classification. The most common type was posterior wall fracture(14 cases), and second most was T-shaped fracture(13 cases). 4. If the grossly displaced fragments are present they should be reduced and fixed surgically if surgical approach can be done. 5. It is essential to understand the pathologic anatomy of the acetabulum in order to approach the acetabular fracture sefely and with maximum ease.