Delayed Fixation of Acetabular Fractures Affects Functional Outcomes and Health-Related Quality of Life, Not Just Quality of Reduction

Background

Delayed operative fixation of acetabular fractures remains a major problem in many parts of the world. No previous studies have reported the effect of fixation delay on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We aimed to investigate the effect of delayed operative fixation of acetabular fractures on health-related quality of life, EuroQol-5 Dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), and other related outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 117 patients who underwent open reduction internal fixation for displaced acetabular fractures between 2014 and 2021. Patients were divided into groups based on the admission-to-surgery time (interval between injury and definitive surgery): 1–14, 15–21, and >21 days. Patients were analysed for associations between admission-to-surgery time and postoperative outcomes, including operative time, estimated blood loss, blood transfusion, postoperative complication, and quality of reduction. Eighty-five patients with a mean follow-up time of 3.94 ± 1.84 years were analysed for the association between admission-to-surgery time and conversion to total hip arthroplasty, the Modified Merle d’Aubigné and Postel score, EQ-5D score, ability to sit cross-legged, and ability to sit squat. Multivariable linear regression was used for continuous outcomes and logistic regression for categorical outcomes associated with delayed operative fixation.

Results

An admission-to-surgery time > 14 days was associated with significantly higher blood loss [785 mL (236–1335), p = 0.006]. For associated fractures, an admission-to-surgery time > 21 days increased the risk of poor reduction [odds ratio (OR), 5.21 (1.42–19.11), p = 0.013]. Further, admission-to-surgery time > 21 days was associated with poor Modified Merle d’Aubigné and Postel scores [OR, 8.46 (1.48–48.29), p = 0.016], EQ-5D pain domain [OR, 3.55 (1.15–11), p = 0.028], and EQ-5D usual activity domain [OR, 4.24 (1.28–14), p = 0.018].

Conclusion

Delayed operative fixation of acetabular fractures after 21 days affected the functional outcomes and HRQOL, independent of the reduction status. Surgical interventions and patient referrals should occur at the earliest and within 21 days from the time of injury.