title: The surgical treatment of anterior column and anterior wall acetabular fractures: short- to medium-term outcome.
abstract: Isolated fractures of the anterior column and anterior wall are a relatively rare subgroup of acetabular fractures. We report our experience of 30 consecutive cases treated over ten years. Open reduction and internal fixation through an ilioinguinal approach was performed for most of these cases (76.7%) and percutaneous techniques were used for the remainder. At a mean follow-up of four years (2 to 6), 26 were available for review. The radiological and functional outcomes were good or excellent in 23 of 30 patients (76.7%) and 22 of 26 patients (84.6%) according to Matta's radiological criteria and the modified Merlé d'Aubigné score, respectively. Complications of minor to moderate severity were seen in six of the 30 cases (20%) and none of the patients underwent secondary surgery or replacement of the hip.
authors.affiliation: Academic Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Wing, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK. pgiannoudi@aol.com
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Giannoudis
authors.forename: N K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Kanakaris
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dimitriou
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mallina
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000077:Acetabulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult