Clinical failure after posterior wall acetabular fractures: the influence of initial fracture patterns.
OBJECTIVE
To determine radiographic and clinical features that predict rapid failure after open reduction and internal fixation of posterior wall acetabular fractures.


METHODS
Retrospective radiographic review and patient follow-up study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Forty-two patients with posterior wall acetabular fractures.


METHODS
Open reduction and internal fixation.


METHODS
Radiographs, Merle D'Aubigné scores, Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment.


RESULTS
Eleven patients had complete loss of joint space by one year postinjury; eight of these individuals required reconstructive surgery. These patients more commonly had fractures with comminution of three fragments or more (p = 0.001) or fracture into the subchondral arc at the level of the acetabular roof (p = 0.045).


CONCLUSIONS
Poor outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation are associated with certain types of posterior wall fracture patterns.
Saterbak
A M
AM
St. Croix Orthopaedics, P.A., Stillwater, Minnesota, USA.
Marsh
J L
JL
Nepola
J V
JV
Brandser
E A
EA
Turbett
T
T
D000077:Acetabulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D017211:Treatment Failure