Introduction Surgical treatment of acetabular fractures in elderly
people is challenging. The main aim of this study is to
evaluate retrospectively the indications, results and the complications
of simultaneous open reduction and internal fixation
(ORIF) and acute total hip replacement (THR) in the
management of displaced acetabular fractures.
Methods This study was performed in an academic level I
trauma centre. From January 2011 to December 2014, a consecutive
series of 18 patients (eight females), with average age
of 66 years (range 35–81 years) who had displaced acetabular
fractures were included in our study. All patients underwent
ORIF and simultaneous acute THR. The average duration of
follow up was 21.7 months (range 12–36 months).
Results At the latest follow up, all patients could walk independently.
Thirteen patients (72.7 %) had excellent Harris hip
scores HHS, five, patients (27.7 %) had good results. All
fractures were healed and the acetabular autologous bone
grafts were well incorporated. There were no delayed unions
or non-unions. Two patients (11 %) had heterotropic bone
formation which did not affect the activity of the patients.
There were no signs of loosening of the acetabular cups however
one patient had 2 mm medial migration of the cup. No
vertical migration was observed, and there were no signs of
loosening around the femoral stem.
Conclusion ORIF and simultaneous THR is a good option for
the treatment of certain types of acetabular fractures particularly
in elderly population.