title: Central fractures of the acetabulum.
abstract: A series of 26 patients with central fractures of the acetabulum is presented with a follow-up of 3-13 years. Three patients had undisplaced fractures. In the remaining 23, long-term results of treatment by traction in 15 and by primary open reduction in 8 have been compared. A numerical grading system has been used for assessment. Results in the non-operative group were generally poor, only 2 being satisfactory. Some of the poorest scores in this group were associated with initial roof damage. Three patients required secondary salvage procedures because of severe pain and disability approximately 2 years after injury. Of the open reduction patients, all with roof damage, 4 had satisfactory results. Reasons for failure is the remaining 4 patients are discussed. Galloping degeneration due presumably to irreversible intra-articular cartilage damage at the initial injury, developed in 2 patients in the non-operative group and in one in the operative group.
mesh_terms: D000077:Acetabulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006617:Hip Dislocation / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D014143:Traction / Q000379:methods