title: Surgical treatment of displaced acetabular fractures: report of 13 clinical cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Displaced acetabular fractures are complex lesions which may cause severe consequences if not appropriately treated. The results are linked to the quality of the articular reduction. Anatomical reduction, through surgical treatment with rigid internal fixation, should be considered to obtain an early mobilization, reduce long term osteoarthritis evolution and make the acetabular cavity suitable to eventually recive a total hip prosthesis. The aim of this study is to evaluate functional and radiographic outcome of patients with displaced acetabular fractures surgically treated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2005 and 2011, 29 displaced acetabular fracures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. This study highlight our results in 13 patients with a mean follow-up of 29,5 months (range 5,5-66,3). Clinical evaluation was done according to the Harris hip score, while the radiological criteria were those of Kellgren-Lawrence. The associated injuries and complications were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the latest follow-up the radiological results, based on the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale, showed 3 patients with a I grade of osteoarthritis, 5 with a II grade, 3 with a III grade and 2 with a IV grade. The average Harris hip score was 77 (range 37-100). Postoperative complications included avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 3 patients and heterotopic ossification in 2 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirm that open reduction and internal fixation in displaced acetabular fractures represents the best treatment able to lead to a satisfactory functional outcome. Moreover, it posticipates long-term arthrosis and eventually makes easier the implant of total hip prosthesis. (www.actabiomedica.it).
authors: Orthopaedical Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Parma, Parma Hospital, Parma, Italy.
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Pompili
authors: Michele Arcangelo
authors: MA
authors: Verdano
authors: Letizia
authors: L
authors: Marenghi
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Corsini
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Ceccarelli
mesh_terms: D000077:Acetabulum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome