Cable fixation and early total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of acetabular fractures in elderly patients

J Arthroplasty. 2004 Apr;19(3):344-8. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2003.08.020.

Abstract

Eighteen patients with acetabular fractures, with a mean age of 76 years, were treated with cable fixation and acute total hip arthroplasty. Nine were T-shaped fractures, 4 associated transverse and posterior wall, 2 transverse, 2 posterior column and posterior wall, and 1 anterior and posterior hemitransverse fractures. One patient experienced 3 episodes of hip dislocation within 10 months after surgery. All the others had a good outcome at a mean follow-up time of 36 months. Radiographic assessment showed healing of the fracture and a satisfactory alignment of the cup without loosening. This option provides good primary fixation, stabilizes complex acetabular fractures in elderly patients, and permits early postoperative mobilization.

MeSH terms

  • Acetabulum / injuries*
  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal*
  • Fracture Healing
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Hip Joint / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay / statistics & numerical data
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome