There has been considerable debate regarding the factors that predict clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with acetabular fractures and associated posterior hip dislocations. We used a prospective database of acetabular fractures to identify variables associated with clinical and radiographic outcomes. Quality of fracture reduction was identified as the only significant predictor of radiographic grade, clinical function, and development of post-traumatic arthritis. Our findings support Letournel’s report that quality of the fracture reduction remains the most important factor associated with outcome in patients with acetabular fractures and concomitant posterior hip dislocations.

There has been considerable debate regarding the factors that predict clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with acetabular fractures and associated posterior hip dislocations.

To identify variables associated with clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Utilizing a prospective database of acetabular fractures, we identified patients with posterior hip dislocations operatively managed within three weeks of injury and having a minimum of two years of follow up. Demographic information, operative findings, and outcomes were recorded. We conducted a series of uni-variable analyses to determine whether any independent variables were significantly associated with the dependent variable.

Among one hundred and nine eligible patients with posterior hip dislocations, the most common fracture types included the posterior wall and transverse with associated posterior wall fractures. An anatomic reduction of the fracture was achieved in ninety-six patients. At their most recent follow up, the majority of patient maintained a good to excellent radiographic grade. Of those who underwent clinical outcome grading (ninety-four patients), 83% achieved good or excellent outcomes. Overall radiographic grade correlated with each domain of the clinical grade including ambulation, range of motion, and pain. Quality of fracture reduction was identified as the only significant predictor of radiographic grade, clinical function, and development of post-traumatic arthritis. All patients with poor reductions and imperfect reductions, respectively, had developed arthritis compared to 24% of patients with anatomic reductions.

Our findings support Letournel’s report that quality of the fracture reduction remains the most important factor associated with outcome in patients with acetabular fractures and concomitant posterior hip dislocations.

Funding: This study was funded by a research grant from Stryker Orthopaedics, Los Angeles, California. Dr. Bhandari was funded, in part, by a fellowship from AO International, Davos, Switzerland and AO North America, Paoli, Pennsylvania.