Internal fixation of the acetabulum fractures

Acetabulum fractures are due to high-energy trauma; in the past they were treated with bed rest and skeletal traction. Today, thanks to the development of the internal fixation techniques, the functional prognosis has improved greatly. Materials and Method: 31 patients were review in time span from 1992 to 2002; average age 36,8 years, average follow up 50,4 months. The analyzed variables were: diagnosis, mechanism trauma, additional injuries, approach selected and complications. Results: the most frequent cause of trauma was motor vehicles accidents (87%). Affecting first the column only and/or the posterior rebord (36%) in consequence the surgical approach most used was the posterior (68%). A satisfactory anatomic reduction was obtained in 87% of cases. The register complications were: 4 cases of neuroaplaxia, 3 of the sciatic nerve and 1 of the femoral nerve; one patient presented infection of the surgical wound by anterior approach and 4 patients presented a vascular necrosis of the femoral head. Two patients presented material loosening and lost the reduction