title: Open reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures.
abstract: Between 1982 and 1995, 84 patients with displaced acetabular fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation in our institution. The mean follow-up was 5.5 years with a minimum of 2 years. There were 33 simple and 51 complex fractures according to the classification of Judet and Letournels. Reduction after operation was anatomical in 49% of the patients, satisfactory in 24%, and unsatisfactory in 27%. Using Merle d'Aubigné's scale, the clinical results were excellent in 39% of the patients, good in 29%, fair in 8%, and poor in 24%. Factors of statistical significance associated with a poor clinical outcome were T-shaped fractures, unsatisfactory reduction (> 3 mm residual displacement), age > 40 years and development of avascular necrosis. Acetabular surgery is demanding, and a high rate of complications can be expected. Trauma centres should designate a group of surgeons who will consistently treat these fractures in order to obtain more experience and better results.
authors: Hospital del Trabajador, Santiago, Chile.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Fica
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Cordova
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Guzman
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Schweitzer
mesh_terms: D000077:Acetabulum / Q000293:injuries*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome