title: [Case-control study on therapeutic effects of surgery for the treatment of complex acetabular fractures and effect of waiting time for surgery on clinical results].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the operative effects and evaluate how the waiting time before surgery influence the outcome of complex acetabular fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2006 to December 2008, 33 patients, 28 males and 5 females, with complex acetabular fractures were operated in our hospital. All of them were followed up for an average 24 months (ranged, 14 to 47 months). The average age was 42 years (ranged,27 to 57 years). According to the waiting time before surgery, all patients were divided into two groups, namely preoperative waiting time of more than 14 days group and preoperative waiting time of less than 14 days group. Postoperative reduction quality and long-term radiographic results were evaluated according to the Matta radiological systems. The modified Merle d' Aubigne-postel hip scoring system was used for evaluating the functional outcomes. The Mos SF-36 was used to evaluate the quality of life.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Anatomical reduction in 28 cases, good in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case. According to the mean Merle d'Aubigne and Postel Score, 22 patients got excellent result, 4 good, 4 fair and 3 bad. Average score of the Mos SF-36 was (70.63 +/- 17.03). When time was measured as a categorical variable, an anatomical reduction and an excellent or good functional outcome were more likely if surgery was performed within 14 days. Postoperative complications: iatrogenic injuries of sciatic nerve in 2 cases, heterotopic ossification in 6 cases,traumatic osteoarthritis in 3 cases, and femoral head necrosis in 1 case.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Good image evaluation,correct approaches, appropriate time before surgery and approach, early functional rehabilitation are essential for better outcomes in the treatment of complex acetabular fractures, of which, time to surgery is a crucial and controllable prognostic factor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
authors.forename: Chao-liang
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Lü
authors.forename: Fang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yue
authors.forename: Tian-fu
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Guang-lin
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Liu
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lei
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000077:Acetabulum / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000517:prevention & control; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000517:prevention & control; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011859:Radiography; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000293:injuries; D013997:Time Factors