Clinical outcome of surgically treated displaced acetabular fractures with central dislocation using combined anterior and medial plating.

Abstract

Aim: Acetabular fractures are complex articular fractures with a big challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. Surgically managed displaced fractures carry favourable outcomes, especially if the articular surface is reduced accurately. This study aims to assess the clinical outcomes of surgically fixed displaced acetabular fractures with central dislocation using combined anterior and medial plating.

Methods: We have retrospectively evaluated sixteen patients, who had surgically managed displaced acetabular fractures with central dislocation at our institute. All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation using combined anterior and medial plating via the Kocher-Langenbeck, the ilioinguinal, or the Stoppa approach. The functional outcome was assessed using the Harris Hip score.

Results: Our study includes sixteen patients (12 males, 4 females) with a mean age of 35 years (range: 15-53 years). The mean follow-up was 7.8 years (range: 5-13 years). Functional outcomes were good to excellent in 12 (80%) patients and fair in 3 (20%) patients. At the final follow-up, the solid union had been achieved in all fractures, the mean HHS was 88.84 ± 7.61.

Conclusion: Early reduction and surgical fixation of displaced acetabular fractures with central dislocation using combined anterior and medial plates appear to have good clinical outcomes.