Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Management of neglected residually displaced acetabular fractures is a big challenge. ORIF is often doomed to failure so a primary total hip replacement is usually kept in mind as a method of choice. However THR is a technically difficult and results are quiet unpredictable. OBJECTIVE. To present our experience with THR in maltreated grossly displaced acetabular fractures and to discuss operative technique and prognostic factors in that complicated surgery.
MATERIAL
THR was applied in 14 patients (11 males and 3 females, mean age 51 years) with at least three-months old and significantly displaced acetabular fractures. In 12 cases preceding treatment was conservative, and in 2 it was operative. Fracture nonunion was recognized in 5 cases, old hip dislocation in 4 and protusion in 3. Large interfragmentary gaps and local bone defect were detected in almost all cases.
METHOD
THR was performed 3–31 months after injury. Extensile iliofemoral or Y-shaped approach with trochanteric osteothomy was used in most cases. Depending of particular situation a variety of techniques were applied to provide adequate bone stock for the cup, such as an approximate ORIF, periacetabular osteotomy, structural or morcelised bone grafting. Reinforcement ring was used in 6 cases. The cup fixation was cemented in 12 procedures and uncemented in 2. Cemented stem was introduced in 10 cases and uncemented in 4. Preoperative selective embolisation of superior gluteal artery was carried out in 1 patient.
RESULTS
The operative duration was 3–7 hours and blood loss was 850–2200 ml. The only intraoperative accidentwas jatrogenic lesion of superior gluteal artery required embolisation. The follow up was a 16–94 months. Average postoperative Harris Hip Score was 78, compared with 54 before surgery (P<0.01). There was 2 aceptic and 1 septic loosenings with subsequent revisions (21.4%). In 2 cases sight asymptomatic migration of the cap was noted.
DISCUSSION
The most difficult but most important stage of operation is a creating of sufficiently stable bone stock for the acetabular cap, impeded by by fragment displacement, nonunion or prolonged hip dislocation. If nonuion the achievement of bone healing is essential. Any instability should be overcomed by stable osteosynthesis. The gaps should be filled by ORIF or bone grafting. We consider cemented fixation possibly with reinforcement ring as a most secure way to provide strong cup anchorage. Uncemented pess-fit cup may be used in cases with lesser initial displacement. In spite of all late results are considerable worse than in conventional hip replacement.
CONCLUSION
THR after neglected acetabular fractures is a challenging and demanding procedure. Successful outcome may be only expected if a solid bone stock is made using various surgical techniques.
