Occult bilateral acetabular fractures associated with high-energy trauma and osteoporosis.
Acetabular fractures that are radiographically occult are associated with osteoporosis, low-energy trauma, and advanced age. We present a case of bilateral occult acetabular fractures in a 65-year-old woman who presented with an open tibia-fibula fracture and compartment syndrome and thoracolumbar spine fractures sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Initial radiographs of the pelvis and a pelvic CT scan did not show any bony injuries when the films were reviewed prospectively. At 6 weeks after injury, a CT scan and plain radiographs showed bilateral healing transverse acetabular fractures with acetabular protrusio on the left. At most recent follow-up, the patient had posttraumatic hip arthritis with moderate protrusio on the left and was ambulating with a cane. Total hip arthroplasty is anticipated in the future.
Schachter
Aaron K
AK
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.
Roberts
Craig S
CS
Seligson
David
D
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000077:Acetabulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000293:injuries; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009104:Multiple Trauma; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000150:complications*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000150:complications; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed