Introduction. Primary stability of the Burch-Schneider ring (BSR) in case of acetabular revision is discussed controversial. In a retrospective two centre cohort study we analyzed the influence of the mode of screw fixation and the restoration of the center of rotation on migration, loosening and other radiographic parameters. Material/Methods. Patients with a minimal radiographical follow-up of 2 years and suitable for EBRA analysis were included. In group 1 (46 patients) screws were placed through the cranial spherical part of the ring and covered by cement and cup, in group 2 (40 patients) screws were placed through the cranial flange. Preoperative bone defects were classified, the postoperative centre of rotation was determined. Changes of screws were recorded, migration exceeding >1mm was seen as significant. Results. Demographic data and size of bone defect were comparable in both groups. No cups in group 1 and in group 2 were re-revised. In group 1 the centre of rotation was medialized mean 5.5 (SD 8.2) mm, in group 2 it was lateralised mean 11.0 (SD 10.3) mm (p<.001). Screw changes were observed in 5 (10.9%) patients in group 1 and 14 (35%) patients in group 2 (p=.009). Migration at 2 years was observed for 17 (37%) patients in group 1, mean migration was 1.0 (SD 1.0) mm. In group 2 21 (52.5%) patients showed migration at 2 years (p=.193), mean migration was 1.6 (SD 1.7) mm (p=.031). Conclusion. Medialization of the implant and screw fixation with compression of the ring against the acetabular roof reduces migration and screw changes. The improved stability might be due to better osteointegration of the BSR and angular stability of the screws which are additionally fixed with cement

Introduction. Between 2002–2009 we operatively treated 193 acetabular fracture. Among these 44 both-columns fractures according to the classification of Letournel and Judet have been reviewed in order to evaluate the results. These fractures are rare, difficult to treat and often have poor clinical results. Patients and Methods. 44 cases of ORIF of displaced both columns fractures have been studied at a mean 37 months follow-up (range, 13 to 76 months) after the injury. 40 hips were operated with the ilioinguinal approach alone, 1 with Kocker Langenbeck and Smith petersen combined. The 3 remaining hips were operated with a double Kocher-Langenbeck and ilioinguinal approach. Every case was evalueted on X-rays according to Matta criteria and clinically with the Harris hip score and the WOMAC score. Results. The mean Harris hip score has been 85,8% (range 30%–100%) while the mean WOMAC score has been 88,3 points (range 39,1–100). The main complications were 4 early post-traumatic arthritis operated by hip replacement. One patient instead developed a gastric carcinoma. Discussion. The rate of anatomical reduction decreased with the complexity of the fracture, the age, and the interval between the injury and the reduction. The clinical result was adversely affected by associated injuries of the femoral head, an older age of the patient. It was positively affected by an anatomical reduction and postoperative congruity between the femoral head and the acetabular roof. Conclusions. These findings indicate that in many patients who have a complex acetabular fracture the hip joint can be preserved and post-traumatic osteoarthritis can be avoided if an anatomical reduction is achieved. Both column acetabular fractures can be reduced with a combined surgical approaches or with ilioinguinal alone. We used the ilioinguinal approach alone in 91% of cases reaching good results, even comparing Letournel and Matta's results. Surgeon experience and a long learning curve can help in decision making and in obtaining an anatomical reduction with a low rate of post-operative complications

We report the outcome of 161 of 257 surgically fixed acetabular fractures. The operations were undertaken between 1989 and 1998 and the patients were followed for a minimum of ten years. Anthropometric data, fracture pattern, time to surgery, associated injuries, surgical approach, complications and outcome were recorded. Modified Merle D’Aubigné score and Matta radiological scoring systems were used as outcome measures. We observed simple fractures in 108 patients (42%) and associated fractures in 149 (58%).

The result was excellent in 75 patients (47%), good in 41 (25%), fair in 12 (7%) and poor in 33 (20%). Poor prognostic factors included increasing age, delay to surgery, quality of reduction and some fracture patterns. Complications were common in the medium- to long-term and functional outcome was variable. The gold-standard treatment for displaced acetabular fractures remains open reduction and internal fixation performed in dedicated units by specialist surgeons as soon as possible.