Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcome of acetabular fractures treated in our institution with marginal impaction.
Patients and Methods: Over a 5 year period consecutive acetabular cases treated in our institution with marginal impaction were eligible for inclusion in this study. Exclusion criteria were patients lost to follow up and pathological fractures. A retrospective analysis of prospectively documented data was performed. Demographics, fracture types according to the Judet-Letournel classification, radiological criteria of intra-operative reduction (Matta) and secondary collapse, complication rates, and the Euro-Qol-5D questionnaire were documented over a median period of follow-up of 40months (12–206).
Results: Out of 400 cases, eighty-eight acetabular fractures met the inclusion criteria. The majority (93.2%) involved males with a median age of 40.5years (16–80). Half of them were posterior-wall fractures, 21.6%bicolumn, 14.7%posterior-wall and column, 6.8%transverse, 5.7%anterior-column, 1.1%anterior-column posterior hemi-transverse. In 75% of the cases anatomical intra-operative reduction was achieved. Structural-bone-graft was used in 73.9%, and two-level reconstruction in 61%. At the last follow-up, the originally achieved anatomical reduction was lost in 17/66 (25.8%), (10 PW, 4 PC+PW, 1 PC, 1 Transverse, 1 Bicolumn fracture). Avascular necrosis developed in 9.1% and heterotopic ossification in 19.3%. Full return to previous activities was documented in 48.9% of cases, the EuroQol general heath state score had a median of 80% (30–95%), full recovery was recorded as to the patients’ mobility in 51.1%, as to pain in 47.7%, as to self-care in 70.5%, as to work-related activities in 55.7%, and as to emotional parameters in 65.9%. Reoperation (heterotopic-ossification excision, total-hip-arthroplasty, removal of metalwork) was necessary in 19.2% of cases.
Conclusion: Utilising different techniques of elevation of the articular joint impaction leads to joint preservation with satisfactory overall functional results. Secondary collapse was noted in 25.8% of the patients predisposing to a poorer outcome
Correspondence should be addressed to: EFORT Central Office, Technoparkstrasse 1, CH – 8005 Zürich, Switzerland. Tel: +41 44 448 44 00; Email: office@efort.org
Author: Peter Giannoudis, United Kingdom
E-mail: pgiannoudi@aol.com
