Objective: To investigate the effect of early total hip arthroplasty for severe displaced acetabular fractures.
Methods: Total hip arthroplasty was performed on 17 cases of severe fracture of the acetabulum from 1997 to 2003. The mean follow-up was 2.1 years (1-6 years) and the average period from fracture to operation was 8 days (5-21 day). The average age of the patients was 53 years (26-69 years).
Results: At the final follow-up the Harris hip score averaged 82 (69-100) points and 15 cases have got a good outcome. There was one case of heterotopic bone formation. There were no radiographic evidences of late loosening of the prosthesis. One patient had severe central displacement of the cup.
Conclusions: In patients with severe displaced acetabular fractures, particularly in elderly patients, early total hip arthroplasty is probably an alternative efficient way to achieve a painless and stable hip.