title: Acetabular fractures following rugby tackles: a case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rugby is the third most popular team contact sport in the world and is increasing in popularity. In 1995, rugby in Europe turned professional, and with this has come an increased rate of injury.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a six-month period from July to December, two open reduction and internal fixations of acetabular fractures were performed in young Caucasian men (16 and 24 years old) who sustained their injuries after rugby tackles. Both of these cases are described as well as the biomechanical factors contributing to the fracture and the recovery. Acetabular fractures of the hip during sport are rare occurrences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our recent experience of two cases over a six-month period creates concern that these high-energy injuries may become more frequent as rugby continues to adopt advanced training regimens. Protective equipment is unlikely to reduce the forces imparted across the hip joint; however, limiting 'the tackle' to only two players may well reduce the likelihood of this life-altering injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma Orthopaedics and Reconstructive Pelvic and Acetabular Surgery, Adelaide and Meath Incorporating the National Childrens Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland. goodd@tcd.ie.
authors.forename: Daniel W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Good
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leonard
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lui
authors.forename: Seamus
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: McElwain