Acetabular Fractures

The most common mechanism for acetabular fractures is motor vehicle accidents. These fractures are often associated with pelvic ring fractures, femoral head fractures, and hip dislocations. The most widely used classification system for acetabular fractures is the Judet–Letournel system. This system describes basic injuries to the acetabulum as column, rim, and transverse fractures as elementary fractures (see Pelvic Fractures). Five additional combinations of these elementary fractures are described and are classified as associated injuries. Most acetabular fractures require surgery to maintain the congruency of the hip joint. The most common long term complication is degenerative joint disease.

Fractures, Pelvis