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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology

Open Access 12-04-2024 | Acetabular Fracture | Original Article

Unclassified acetabular fractures: Do they really exist?

Authors: Mohammad Kamal Abdelnasser, Bahaaeldin Ibrahim, Mostafa A. Thabet, Ali Fergani, Mahmoud Badran, Osama Farouk

Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology

Abstract

Purpose

Although Letournel classification is considered the corner stone for classifying acetabular fractures, however, it might not be perfectly inclusive. Unclassified fractures were reported by many authors. The aim of this case series is to report the incidence of unclassified acetabular fractures and description of these rare patterns and why they are considered unclassified acetabular fractures.

Methods

This is a retrospective consecutive case series. In the period between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2017, 235 patients with 236 acetabular fractures were identified from our hospital records. Classification of the acetabular fractures according to Letournel was done by two surgeons. Any discrepancy in the classification between the two surgeons was resolved by the senior author. Before considering the fracture unclassifiable, all fractures were reviewed again by the two surgeon and the senior author.

Results

In the period between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2017, 235 patients with 236 acetabular fractures were included in our study. Twenty-two fractures (9.3%) did not fit into any of the fracture types according to Letournel Classification as follows: 1 case (4.5%) was pure Quadrilateral plate fracture, 1 case (4.5%) was labral avulsion with tiny posterior wall rim, 1 case (4.5%) was pure articular impaction, 1 case (4.5%) was both columns fracture with posterior wall, 4 cases (18.2%) were anterior column and quadrilateral plate fracture, and 14 cases (63.8%) were T with posterior wall.

Conclusion

Several acetabular fracture pattern could be considered unclassified fractures. These unique patterns may require special approaches or special fixation methods. However, this is not a call for a new classification for acetabular classification to include these new types. Subclassification or adding modifiers to Letournel classification can do the job.

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Title: Unclassified acetabular fractures: Do they really exist?
Authors: Mohammad Kamal Abdelnasser
Bahaaeldin Ibrahim
Mostafa A. Thabet
Ali Fergani
Mahmoud Badran
Osama Farouk
Publication date: 12-04-2024
Publisher: Springer Paris
Keyword: Acetabular Fracture
Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology
Print ISSN: 1633-8065
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1068
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-024-03908-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Unclassified acetabular fractures: Do they really exist?

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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