Surgical management of acetabular fractures:a report of 32 cases

Objective:To explore an effective surgical technique for management of acetabular fractures.Methods:Thirty-two cases of acetabular fractures were treated by surgical procedures.Nineteen cases were operated through Kocher-lengenbeck approach,8 cases ilioinguinal approach and 5 cases combined anterior and posterior approaches.All the cases were internally fixed with the reconstructive plate and screws.Results:All the cases were followed up for an average of 18.5 months (ranging from 1 to 48 months).The function of the hip was evaluated by the mordified Merled' Aubigne and Postel score system.The results were excellent in 15 cases,good in 10 cases,fair in 5 and poor in 2.The total excellent and good rates were 78.1%.Avascular necrosis occurred in 6 cases,traumatic arthritis in 5 cases and sciatic nerve injury in 2 cases.Conclusions:Early operation,proper surgical approach and stable internal fixation are essential to the outcome of the hip function.