Percutaneous retrograde screwing for stabilisation of acetabular fractures

Summary Objectives: To evaluate the results of retrograde percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) in minimally or undisplaced acetabular fractures in a geriatric population. Patients and method: Between July 1998 and July 2001, 21 consecutive patients with an acetabular fracture underwent fluoroscopic guided percutaneous fixation. The mean age was 81 years (range 67–90 years). In all cases, the fracture was minimally or undisplaced ( Results: Eighteen patients were reviewed at a mean of 3.5 years (range 2–5 years). Soft tissue dissection was minimal. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. At the latest follow-up there was no radiographical evidence of secondary displacement of fragments, degenerative changes, or screw failure. Fractures healed at a mean time of 12 weeks (range 8–15 weeks). Clinical results were satisfactory in 17 patients. Conclusion: Our results show that percutaneous screw fixation under fluoroscopic control is a safe technique to treat some pattern of acetabular fracture.