A retrospective and prospective study of functional outcome of surgical management of acetabular fractures

Background: Acetabular fractures are fractures that extend into the hip joint and pose a challenge for orthopaedic trauma surgeons Objective:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the functional outcome of surgically treated acetabular fractures. Methods:A prospective longitudinal study was undertaken in this hospital during the period from February 2012 to December 2014. A total number of 52 patients with the diagnosis of acetabular fracture were included in the study. The main cause of the acetabular injury was a road traffic accident. All the patients were treated surgically with plates and screws. Outcome was assessed radiologically and functionally, employing the Matta‘s radiological criteria. The mean follow-up period of the patients in the postoperative period was 30 months (24–36months). Results: In the present study, Majority of the patients were Males 46 (88.46%). Major injuries were caused by Road accidents. All Posterior wall, Posterior column, Associated Posterior Column and Posterior wall fractures were managed with open reduction and internal fixation through Kocher- Langenback approach with patient in lateral position. In the present study, we observed emergency closed reduction in 8 patients and open reduction done along with fixation in 6 patients. According to radiological assessment 75% were excellent and good. Whereas functional assessment made by Modified Merle d’Aubigne Scale, more than 80.76% patients were satisfied with the results of acetabular surgeries. In the present study, post-operative complications of acetabular fracture such as heterotopic ossification were found in 2.17%, skin infections in 4.34 and vascular necrosis in 4.34% of patients. Conclusion:These results show that internal fixation of acetabular fractures leads to a good outcome in the majority of patients. Early surgical intervention and experienced management is a prime factor in achieving good results.