Surgical treatment of unstable pelvic fractures with concomitant acetabular fractures

To explore the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical prognosis of patients with both unstable pelvic fractures and concomitant acetabular fractures.

We retrospectively analyzed 21 cases of unstable pelvic fractures with concomitant acetabular fractures treated between January 2013 and December 2014. All 21 patients (18 males, 3 females), aged 43.5–55 years (range: 21–55 years), underwent surgery within four to 15 days (average = 6.5 days) after injury. We evaluated the pre-operative diagnoses, surgical approaches, types of fixation used, and prognoses.

All 21 patients were followed-up for six to 18 months. The quality of post-operative pelvic fracture reduction (determined using the Matta scoring criteria) was excellent in five cases, good in 12, and fair in four. The clinical outcomes at the final follow-up (scored using the Majeed criteria) were excellent in ten cases, good in eight, and fair in three. The quality of post-operative acetabular fracture reduction (determined using the Matta scoring criteria) was excellent in five cases, good in 11, and poor in five. Hip joint function was evaluated at the final follow-up (using the D’Aubigné scoring system) and was excellent in eight cases, good in nine, and fair in four. The healing time was 12–18 weeks for pelvic fractures and 12–22 weeks for acetabular fractures. Post-operative wound infections in two patients were controlled after second operations featuring debridement and irrigation. We found no instance of heterotopic ossification, ischemic necrosis of the femoral head, or iatrogenic vascular or nerve injury.

Good therapeutic outcomes in patients with unstable pelvic fractures and concomitant acetabular fractures can be achieved via accurate diagnosis, careful pre-operative planning, a well-performed operation, effective reduction and surgical fixation, and appropriate exercise to allow functional rehabilitation.