Traumatic damage to the cartilage influences outcome of anatomically reduced acetabular fractures: a medium-term retrospective analysis

Quality of life from return to work and sports activities to sexual dysfunction after surgical treatment of acetabular fractures

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the outcomes of patients treated for acetabular fractures in terms of Quality of Life (QoL), return to work, functional outcome, sports activities, and post-operative sexual dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The database of a level 1 trauma center was used to investigate the results of patients treated for acetabular fractures from 2010 to 2020. The minimum patient follow-up was 12 months. QoL was evaluated with the SF-12 questionnaire, return to work with the Workplace Activity Limitation Survey (WALS), functional outcomes and sports activities with Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Tegner activity scores, respectively, and the sexual function damage with a 0-10 NRS.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients (44 men, 21 women) were enrolled, mean age at surgery of 53.4 years (20-85 years). The HHS and Tegner scores were 79.0 ± 19.4 and 2.6 ± 1.5, respectively, and 18.5% of patients underwent THA after 21.3 ± 28.6 months. QoL evaluated with the SF-12 showed the worst results in terms of Bodily Pain and Role Physical; 35.4% of the patients who were working before the trauma lost their job, and one third was affected at sex functional level. Sex was found to influence significantly both Harris Hip Score (p < 0.05) and Tegner activity score (p < 0.05), with men reporting better scores. On the other hand, men presented a higher impact in terms of job loss and sexual dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Acetabular fractures affect patients' life as a whole, beyond the mere functional outcomes, often leading to a high rate of job loss and a significant probability of sexual functional worsening, especially for men. A significant number of patients also underwent THA at an early follow-up. Further efforts should aim at optimizing the surgical management, to improve functionality and the entire QoL sphere of patients affected by acetabular fractures.

Pararectus Approach in Acetabular Fractures in Patients Older Than 65 years. Is it Possible to Improve the Technique?

OBJECTIVES

Review clinical results of the treatment for acetabular fractures using the pararectus approach and analyze surgical variations of the traditional approach.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Tertiary referral hospital.

PATIENTS

46 patients over 65 years of age who sustained an acetabular fracture and underwent surgery using the pararectus approach.

INTERVENTION

Fractures were treated using a pararectus approach. Three variations of the original technique were performed: (1) Ligature of the deep iliac circumflex artery and vein, (2) separation of the psoas and iliacus muscles, and (3) isolation of the spermatic cord in men and round ligament in women together with the iliac and epigastric vessels.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Outcomes measures included surgical, demographic, and clinical data, and information related to follow-up.

RESULTS

Duration of surgery, 125 minutes (95-210). Quality of reduction on postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan; anatomic in 22 patients (47.8%), incomplete in 16 (34.8%), and poor in 8 (17.4%). In patients in whom the hip was preserved (n = 41), functional status was excellent in 15 patients (36.5%), good in 17 (41.4%), fair in 6 (14.7%), and poor in 3 (7.4%), with mean functional score of 16 points (7-18). Seven patients (15.2%) developed posttraumatic osteoarthritis and 4 of these patients underwent total hip replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports positive outcomes in fracture reduction and clinical outcomes with low complications in older patients who suffered acetabular fractures and were treated using a pararectus approach. Small variations in the technique, such as those proposed in this study, may help to widen access to the surgical site and simplify the technique.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Primary joint replacement for the treatment of acetabular fractures]

Open reduction and internal fixation are the gold standard for the treatment of dislocated acetabular fractures. A primary joint replacement is only justified in isolated cases. The indications are merely non-reconstructable acetabular fractures, accompanying displaced fractures of the femoral neck and non-reconstructable fractures of the femoral head.Because of the difficulties in achieving sufficient cup stability, joint replacement for the treatment of acetabular fractures regularly requires implants designed for revision arthroplasty. The Kocher-Langenbeck approach provides the most versatile options, as it enables simultaneous stabilization of the dorsal acetabular structures, which are essential for the stability of the cup.For primary joint replacement as a treatment of acetabular fractures, survival of the prosthetic cup is markedly worse when compared to elective primary joint replacement. Particularly in younger patients but also in aged patients, every effort should be made to achieve a press fit of the cup. In most cases, this will include reduction and fixation of the fracture for stabilization of the acetabulum prior to joint replacement. A staged approach with an early secondary replacement intervention seems to provide better overall results than simultaneous fracture fixation and joint replacement.

A review of Risk Factors for Post-traumatic hip and knee osteoarthritis following musculoskeletal injuries other than anterior cruciate ligament rupture

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a common form of osteoarthritis that might occur after any joint trauma. Most PTOA publications mainly focus on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. However, many other traumatic injuries are associated with PTOA, not only for the knee but also for the hip joint. We aim to identify and summarize the existing literature on the musculoskeletal injuries associated with knee and hip PTOA and their risk factors in determining those with a worse prognosis, excluding ACL injuries. Despite the narrative nature of this review, a systematic search for published studies in the last twenty years regarding the most relevant injuries associated with a higher risk of PTOA and associated risk factors for OA was conducted. This review identified the six more relevant injuries associated with knee or hip PTOA. We describe the incidence, risk factors for the injury and risk factors for PTOA of each. Meniscal injury, proximal tibial fracture, patellar dislocation, acetabular, femoral fractures and hip dislocations are all discussed in this review.

Surgical hip dislocation in fixation of acetabular fractures: Extended indications and outcome

BACKGROUND

Surgical hip dislocation has been described as an excellent method for reduction and fixation of acetabular fractures. It allows a 360-degree access to the acetabulum and acetabular dome. However, reproducibility of this technique is still a concern. The primary outcome of this study was to investigate the short term functional and radiological outcome with the use of surgical hip dislocation in acetabular fractures. The secondary outcome was to describe different indications and methods of reduction using this technique.

METHODS

This is a retrospective consecutive case series for the use of surgical hip dislocation in acetabular fractures. Between July 2013 and February 2017, we used this technique to manage 36 cases of acetabular fractures. Two patients were lost to follow up leaving 34 patients eligible for the study. All surgeries were done by a 5-years and a 10-years' experience surgeons in pelvic and acetabular trauma surgeries. Through Gibson approach, we used the technique of surgical hip dislocation as described by the Bernese group. Different methods of fracture reduction were used. Intraoperative grading of cartilage injury was done using Disler's grading system. Postoperative fracture reduction was evaluated using the criteria described by Matta. Clinical evaluation was done using the modified Merle d'Aubigne ́ and Postel system.

RESULTS

The mean intra-operative blood loss was about 700 ± 35.4 ml. The mean units of blood transfused were 1 ± 0.1 unit. The mean surgical time was 135 ± 11.7 minutes. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 27 patients (79.4%). At a mean of 30 ± 16.8 months (median = 26 and IQR 22) follow up, the functional score was excellent in 5 (14.7 %), very good in 8 (23.5%), good in 9 (26.5%), fair in 2 (5.8%), and poor in 10 (29.4%) patients. Four patients (11.7%) developed AVN at a mean of 8 months postoperatively. Conversion to THA was done in 5 patients (14,7%). Trochanteric osteotomy showed osseous healing in all cases. No patient developed nerve injury or infection. One patient developed severe (grade III) heterotopic ossification.

CONCLUSIONS

Besides the indications of surgical hip dislocation mentioned before as reduction of the anterior column in T and Transverse fractures, associated femoral head fractures, intraarticular fragments, and labral injuries, it can be used in other indications as entrapped posterior wall, roof impaction, pure impaction injuries and cranial extension of the posterior wall fractures. The technique is reproducible; however, the learning curve is steep and needs to be performed by experienced acetabular trauma surgeons.

Supination Adduction Ankle Fractures Are Associated With Arthritis and Poor Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To compare complications and functional outcomes between supination adduction type II (SAD) injuries and torsional ankle injuries (TAI).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients (n = 1531) treated for ankle fractures (OTA/AO 43B or 44) over 16 years were identified. The most recent 200 consecutive adult patients treated for TAI (OTA/AO 44, not SAD) served as controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complications, unplanned secondary procedures, and patient-reported functional outcome scores, as measured by the Foot Function Index and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients with SAD injuries (4.2%) were included. They were younger (43.2 vs. 47.7 years, P = 0.08) and more commonly involved in a motorized collision, (58.5% vs. 29.0%) and more often multiply injured: other orthopaedic injuries (66.2% vs. 31.0%) and other nonorthopaedic injuries (40.0% vs. 7.5%, all P < 0.001 vs. TAI). Overall complication and unplanned secondary procedure rates were not different between groups. Those with a SAD injury had more posttraumatic arthrosis (80.0% vs. 40.9%, P = 0.004), but no differences were noted in infection, wound healing, malunion, or nonunion. The mean functional outcome scores were worse for SAD patients over 6 years after injury among all the Foot Function Index and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment categories; however, these differences were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

SAD injuries represented 4.2% of all ankle fractures, occurring in younger patients through higher-energy mechanisms and more often associated with polytrauma. Despite 80% of SAD patients developing posttraumatic arthrosis, secondary procedures were not more common, and functional outcomes after a SAD injury were not different from TAI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head after traumatic posterior hip dislocation with and without acetabular fracture

PURPOSE

Traumatic hip dislocation can be isolated or associated with acetabular fracture. Both injuries require emergency reduction of the dislocated hip. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) is a potential complication that accompanies these severe injuries. Our objective is to identify the risk factors that cause AVN.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients with traumatic hip dislocations (Group A) and patients with posterior fracture-dislocation of the acetabulum (Group B). The average follow-up was 5.38 years in Group A, 5.59 years in Group B. We used the Thompson-Epstein classification for hip dislocation and the Harris Hip Score (HHS) for evaluating final outcomes.

RESULTS

In Group A, we analyzed 21 patients with isolated posterior hip dislocation. We had one (4.76%) case of AVN. In Group B, we analyzed 23 patients with posterior acetabular fracture-dislocation. We had eight (34.78%) patients with AVN (p = 0.016, p < 0.05). With hip reduced 6-12 h after injury, we had AVN in one (4.34%) patient, with reduction 12-24 h, AVN was present in two (8.69%), while in hip reduction done after 24 h of injury, AVN was present in five (21.73%) patients (p = 0.030, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

An essential prerequisite for the prevention of AVN of the femoral head after hip dislocation is emergency hip reduction. In acetabular fracture-dislocation, emergency hip reduction, anatomical reduction of the acetabular fracture and early stable osteosynthesis are also important. Main factor affecting the development of AVN is late reduction of the hip.

Open reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures in patients of old age

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There is an ongoing debate on which treatment for acetabular fractures in elderly patients is the most appropriate. This study was set up to identify the role of open reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures in persons of old age. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts and radiological data of all patients older than 65 years, who suffered an isolated acetabular fracture and were admitted in our Department between 2010 and 2014 (5-year period). Complications, outcome and mortality were recorded. Of all surviving patients, quality of life (QoL), mobility and independence were graded with European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level (EQ-5D-3L), European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-5D-VAS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) and Tinetti Mobility Test (TMT).

RESULTS

Seventy patients could be identified. There were 52 men (74%) and 18 women (26%) with a median age of 79.0 years (range: 65-104 years). Forty-six patients (66%) had been treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), 24 (34%) conservatively. There were negative predictive factors-subchondral impaction, damage to the femoral head and multiple fragments-in 54% of the operative group. With ORIF, an anatomical reduction could be achieved in 27 patients (59%), an acceptable in 18 (39%) and a poor in one (2%). At follow-up, 18 patients (26%) had died and 23 (33%) were not able to participate. The follow-up rate of the surviving operatively treated patients was 77%. Eleven of 46 operated patients (24%) needed a conversion to a total hip arthroplasty (THA). All patients undergoing conversion had imperfect reduction after surgery. No patient in the non-operative group underwent conversion to THA during follow-up. The median follow-up time of operatively treated patients without conversion (n = 17) was 30 months (range, 16-73 months), of patients with THA (n = 9) 30 months after conversion (range, 17-55 months). Quality of reduction correlated to QoL, mobility and independence in all recorded parameters. Patients with secondary THA had similar good outcomes as patients after ORIF without later conversion. Men had better outcome than women.

CONCLUSION

ORIF of acetabular fractures in patients of old age results in excellent outcomes at short-term follow-up when anatomical reduction can be achieved. In case of negative predictive factors, ORIF cannot be regarded as a definitive solution, rather as the construction of a stable socket for secondary THA. The decision of therapy should be made dependent on pre-operative radiographic parameters.

Total hip arthroplasty after acetabular fracture surgery

PURPOSE

Acetabular fractures are accompanied by complications such as post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. The aim of the study was to evaluate improvement of life quality and functional recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with post-traumatic OA and AVN.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 23 patients with post-traumatic OA of the hip and AVN of the femoral head who undergone THA, out of 63 patients who were previously surgically treated for acetabular fractures. Final functional outcomes are defined according to the Merle d'Aubigné score, and the pain intensity according to VAS from 0 to 10.

RESULTS

Out of 63 patients with acetabular fractures from 2008 to 2018, we analyzed 23 (36.5%) patients, with an average age of 51.5 ± 13.8 years, who required THA due to post-traumatic OA and AVN of the femoral head. THA was done after the average of 4.28 years (range 1 to 8) from previous acetabular osteosynthesis. According to Merle d'Aubigné score, final functional outcomes before THA were moderate with average points of 4.86 (4-6). Post-THA final functional outcomes were excellent with an average point of 10.04 (10-12) (p < 0.001). The ratio of VAS before and after THA was 9.04:1.95(p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

THA is a method which gives the best results in the treatment of post-traumatic OA of the hip and AVN of the femoral head after previous osteosynthesis of the acetabular fracture. After THA, life quality and functional status of a patient are significantly improved.

Supination adduction ankle fractures: Ankle fracture or pilon variant?

BACKGROUND

Supination adduction (SAD) fractures are rotational ankle fractures with a characteristic vertical medial malleolus fracture and tension failure fibula fracture. While these fractures are considered rotational injuries, they can have joint impaction that could lead to early joint degeneration. The purpose of this study was to characterize SAD ankle fractures and compare these injuries with partial articular pilon fractures.

METHODS

Following IRB approval, we retrospectively reviewed ankle and pilon fractures (OTA 43 & 44) treated at two academic level-1 trauma centers from 2008-2016. Our primary outcome was failure defined as either ankle arthrodesis or arthroplasty. Infection and significant arthrosis were also compared. We performed multivariate Cox regression to compare failure between SAD ankles and pilon fractures.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine SAD ankle and 91 pilon fractures met inclusion criteria. Patient demographics including age and open injury did not differ between groups. For SAD ankle fractures, impaction occurred in 66% (44/79) of injuries. Impaction failed to be significant risk factor for arthrosis after adjustment for malreduction (p = 0.13). Failure was significantly more common in pilon fractures (11/91, 12%) than SAD fractures (5/79, 6%) (HR=0.25, 95% CI:[0.07,0.92], p = 0.036). Infection and arthrosis rates failed to show a difference between the groups (p = 0.19, 0.63, respectively). Malreduction was significantly associated with joint arthrosis (OR=7.05, 95% CI: [1.63,36.12], p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Rotational ankle fractures have low rates (<2%) of ankle arthrodesis or arthroplasty. The present study demonstrates that SAD ankles have failure (6%) that remains somewhere between rotational ankle fractures and pilon fractures (12%) on the ankle injury spectrum.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3, Prognostic.

Outcomes after surgical treatment of acetabular fractures: a review

Acetabular fractures are fractures that extend into the hip joint and pose a challenge for orthopaedic trauma surgeons. The first known descriptions of surgical fixation of acetabular fractures were case reports in 1943. In 1964, Robert Judet, Jean Judet, and Émile Letournel published a landmark article describing a classification system and surgical approaches to treat acetabular fractures. These teachings had a significant effect on clinical outcomes after surgical fixation of acetabular fractures. In 1980, Letournel demonstrated 80% good-to-excellent results in 492 hips, and in 2012, Joel Matta demonstrated 79% survivorship in 816 patients follow surgical acetabular fixation. Both Letournel and Matta have definitively shown that anatomic reduction of the fracture is the most influential factor predictive of clinical outcome. The intent of this review is to summarize the salient factors affecting clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of acetabular fractures.

Surgical results and factors influencing outcome in patients with posterior wall acetabular fracture

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of open reduction and internal fixation in a large series of posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum and to identify the factors that affect the outcomes in this case series. One hundred twenty-one patients who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation of a fracture of the posterior wall of the acetabulum were assessed at a mean of 53 months (range, 24-163) after surgery. The functional outcome was evaluated with use of the modified Merle d'Aubigne scoring system, the Harris Hip Score (HHS), and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. Final follow-up radiographs were graded according to Matta's radiologic criteria. Patient, fracture, and radiographic variables were analyzed to identify possible associations with functional and radiographic outcome. The quality of fracture reduction on postoperative radiographs was anatomical in 115 hips (95.0%), satisfactory in 6 cases (5.0%), and unsatisfactory in none. Final modified d'Aubignè scores were excellent in 45 hips (40.2%), good in 52 (46.4%), fair in 7 (6.3%), and poor in 8 (7.1%). Mean HHS was 91.5±8.9 (48-100). The SF-36 scores were similar with respect to age and sex-matched norms, but physical domains in males remained lower in comparison with the normal population. The early reduction of an associated hip dislocation and quality of surgical reduction were strong positive predictors of functional and radiographic outcomes at follow-up, whereas associated injuries and the existence of pre-operative nerve palsy were negative predictors of patients' functionality. This study of surgically treated fractures of the posterior wall of the acetabulum has shown that functional and radiographic results are satisfactory in most patients, provided that prompt reduction of an associated hip dislocation and anatomical reduction of the fracture are carried out. Associated injuries and nerve lesions affect the final functional outcome.

Patients undergoing surgical hip dislocation for the treatment of acetabular fractures show favourable long-term outcome

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the cumulative ten-year survivorship of hips treated for acetabular fractures using surgical hip dislocation and to identify factors predictive of an unfavourable outcome.

Patients and Methods

We followed up 60 consecutive patients (61 hips; mean age 36.3 years, standard deviation (sd) 15) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for a displaced fracture of the acetabulum (24 posterior wall, 18 transverse and posterior wall, ten transverse, and nine others) with a mean follow-up of 12.4 years (sd 3).

Results

Clinical grading was assessed using the modified Merle d’Aubigné score. Radiographic osteoarthritis was graded according to Matta. Kaplan-Meier survivorship and a univariate Cox-regression analysis were carried out using the following endpoints: total hip arthroplasty, a Merle d’Aubigné score of < 15 and/or progression of osteoarthritis.

Conclusion

The ten-year cumulative survivorship was 82% (95% confidence interval 71 to 92). Predictors for the defined endpoints were femoral chondral lesions, marginal impaction, duration of surgery, and age of patient. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:508–15.

Intra-articular comminution worsens outcomes of distal radial fractures treated by open reduction and palmar locking plate fixation

We studied 50 patients with AO type C2 distal radial fractures and 35 with AO type C3 distal radial fractures treated by open reduction and palmar locking plate fixation. At 3-month clinical assessments, mean wrist flexion arcs, grip strengths and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand scores were significantly better for AO type C2 fractures. At 2-year post-operative clinical assessments, mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand scores were significantly better for AO type C2 fractures than for AO type C3 fractures. At 2-year radiographic examinations, anterior angulations, ulnar variances and arthritis grades were also significantly better for AO type C2 fractures. This study showed that AO type C3 distal radial fractures, which have intra-articular comminution, had poorer clinical and radiographic outcomes than AO type C2 fractures, despite open reduction and palmar locking plate fixation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Early reduction of acetabular fractures decreases the risk of post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis?

BACKGROUND

Acetabular fractures are complex high-energy injuries. Increasing in recent years with the increased use of high-speed motor vehicles. One of the most important complications of acetabular fracture is the post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis; this complication has been associated to poor fracture reduction, type of fracture and delay in the reduction and fixation of acetabular fracture (Timing surgery). The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis after acetabulum fracture and demonstrate whether the delay surgery is associated to early post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Using the database of patients with acetabular fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) over 3 years (2011-2014) with minimum of 2 years follow-up. Data was acquired and saved in a digital format. Demographic information was obtained from each patient with minimum of 2 years follow-up. Acetabular fracture was distributed according to the classification of Judet. The quality of reduction was classified in anatomic (0-1 mm) and non-anatomic (>1 mm) and the timing surgery, early (<7 days) and delay (>7 days). Clinical and radiographic follow-up was generally performed at six weeks, three months, one and two years after fracture fixation. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the strength of the covariates in relation to the development of post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis.

RESULTS

59 (48%) patients of 122, developed post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis before 2 years. Posterior wall fracture with or without transverse fracture was associated with higher post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis compared with other types of fractures (p < 0.05). Patients with better anatomical reduction had less post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis compared with those who had nonanatomic reduction (p < 0.05). There was no evidence of association between early timing of the surgical procedure and the presence post-traumatic hip osteoarthritis (p = 7092).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, the anatomical reduction of the articular surface in acetabular fractures is the most important factor in hip osteoarthritis prevention. This factor is strongly associated with early surgical treatment, preferably done within seven days. The timing surgery it is not a factor associated with post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Radiographic Measurement of Displacement in Acetabular Fractures: A Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVES

To report methods of measurement of radiographic displacement and radiographic outcomes in acetabular fractures described in the literature.

METHODS

A systematic review of the English literature was performed using EMBASE and Medline in August 2014. Inclusion criteria were studies of operatively treated acetabular fractures in adults with acute (<6 weeks) open reduction and internal fixation that reported radiographic outcomes. Exclusion criteria included case series with <10 patients, fractures managed >6 weeks from injury, acute total hip arthroplasty, periprosthetic fractures, time frame of radiographic outcomes not stated, missing radiographic outcome data, and non-English language articles. Basic information collected included journal, author, year published, number of fractures, and fracture types. Specific data collected included radiographic outcome data, method of measuring radiographic displacement, and methods of interpreting or categorizing radiographic outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The number of reproducible radiographic measurement techniques (2/64) and previously described radiographic interpretation methods (4) were recorded. One radiographic reduction grading criterion (Matta) was used nearly universally in articles that used previously described criteria. Overall, 70% of articles using this criteria documented anatomic reductions.

CONCLUSIONS

The current standard of measuring radiographic displacement in publications dealing with acetabulum fractures almost universally lacks basic description, making further scientific rigor, such as testing reproducibility, impossible. Further work is necessary to standardize radiographic measurement techniques, test their reproducibility, and qualify their validity or determine which measurements are important to clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Assessment of functional outcomes of surgically managed acetabular fractures

We performed a systematic review of the literature pertaining to the functional outcomes of the surgical management of acetabular fractures. A total of 69 articles met our inclusion criteria, revealing that eight generic outcome instruments were used, along with five specific instruments. The majority of studies reported outcomes using a version of the d’Aubigne and Postel score, which has not been validated for use in acetabular fracture. Few validated outcome measures were reported. No psychometric testing of outcome instruments was performed. The current assessment of outcomes in surgery for acetabular fractures lacks scientific rigour, and does not give reliable outcome data for either scientific comparison or patient counselling.

Take home message: The use of non-validated functional outcome measures is a major limitation of the current literature pertaining to surgical management of acetabular fractures; future studies should use validated outcome measures to ensure the legitimacy of the reported results.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:690–5.

Clinical results of acetabular fracture management with the Pararectus approach

INTRODUCTION

To present the accuracy of reduction, complications and results two years after open reduction and internal fixation of displaced acetabular fractures involving the anterior column (AC) through the Pararectus approach. Frequencies for conversion to total hip replacement in the early follow up, the clinical outcome in preserved hips, and the need for an extension of the approach (1st window of the ilioinguinal approach) are compared to the literature about the modified Stoppa approach.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients (mean age 62 years, range: 16–98; 41 male) with displaced acetabular fractures involving the AC (AC: n = 9; transverse fracture: n = 2; AC and hemitransverse: n = 24; both column: n = 13) were treated between 12/2009 and 12/2011 using the Pararectus approach. Surgical data and accuracy of reduction (using computed tomography) were assessed. Patients were routinely followed up at eight weeks, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Failure was defined as the need for total hip arthroplasty. Twenty-four months postoperatively the outcome was rated according to Matta.

RESULTS

In four patients there were four intraoperative complications (minor vascular damage in two, small perforations of the peritoneum in two) which were managed intraoperatively. Fracture reduction showed statistically significant decreases (mean ± SD, pre- vs. postoperative, in mm) in “step-offs”: 2.6 ± 1.9 vs. 0.1 ± 0.3, p < 0.001 and “gaps”: 11.2 ± 6.8 vs. 0.7 ± 0.9, p < 0.001. Accuracy of reduction was “anatomical” in 45, “imperfect” in three. Five (13%) from 38 available patients required a total hip arthroplasty. Of 33 patients with a preserved hip the clinical outcome was graded as “excellent” in 13 or “good” in 20; radiographically, 27 were graded as “excellent”, four as “good” and two as “fair”. An extension of the approach was infrequently used (1st window ilioinguinal approach in 2%, mini-incision at the iliac crest in 21%).

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of acetabular fractures involving the anterior column the Pararectus approach allowed for anatomic restoration with minimal access morbidity. Results obtained by means of the Pararectus approach after two years at least parallel those reported after utilisation of the modified Stoppa approach. In contrast to the modified Stoppa approach, a relevant extension of the Pararectus approach was almost not necessary.

Comparative study of comminuted posterior acetabular wall fracture treated with the Acetabular Tridimensional Memory Fixation System

BACKGROUND

Posterior wall fractures are one of the most common acetabular fractures. However, only 30% of these fractures involve a single large fragment, and comminuted acetabular posterior wall fractures pose a particular surgical challenge. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between patients who received fixation for comminuted posterior wall fracture using the Acetabular Tridimensional Memory Fixation System (ATMFS) and patients who underwent fixation with conventional screws and buttress plates (Plates group).

METHOD

Between April 2003 and May 2007, 196 consecutive patients who sustained a comminuted posterior wall fracture of acetabulum were treated with ATMFS or conventional screws and buttress plates. Operative time, fluoroscopy time, blood loss, and any intra-operative complications were recorded. Plain AP and lateral radiographs were obtained at all visits (Matta's criteria). Modified Merle d' Aubigne-Postel score, and Mos SF-36 score were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were included in the analysis with 26 in the ATMFS group and 24 in the Plates group. The mean follow-up time was 57.5 months, ranging from 31 to 69 months. All patients had fully healed fractures at the final follow-up. There was no difference in clinical outcomes or radiological evaluations between groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with comminuted posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum treated with the ATMFS or conventional screws and buttress plate techniques achieve a good surgical result. Both techniques are safe, reliable, and practical. Use of the ATMFS technique may reduce blood loss and improve rigid support to marginal bone impaction. The use ATMFS may need additional support when fractures involve the superior roof.

Mid-term results in relation to age and analysis of predictive factors after fixation of acetabular fractures using the modified Stoppa approach

INTRODUCTION

Data concerning outcome after management of acetabular fractures by anterior approaches with focus on age and fractures associated with roof impaction, central dislocation and/or quadrilateral plate displacement are rare.

METHODS

Between October 2005 and April 2009 a series of 59 patients (mean age 57 years, range 13-91) with fractures involving the anterior column was treated using the modified Stoppa approach alone or for reduction of displaced iliac wing or low anterior column fractures in combination with the 1st window of the ilioinguinal approach or the modified Smith-Petersen approach, respectively. Surgical data, accuracy of reduction, clinical and radiographic outcome at mid-term and the need for endoprosthetic replacement in the postoperative course (defined as failure) were assessed; uni- and multivariate regression analysis were performed to identify independent predictive factors (e.g. age, nonanatomical reduction, acetabular roof impaction, central dislocation, quadrilateral plate displacement) for a failure. Outcome was assessed for all patients in general and in accordance to age in particular; patients were subdivided into two groups according to their age (group "<60yrs", group "≥60yrs").

RESULTS

Forty-three of 59 patients (mean age 54yrs, 13-89) were available for evaluation. Of these, anatomic reduction was achieved in 72% of cases. Nonanatomical reduction was identified as being the only multivariate predictor for subsequent total hip replacement (Adjusted Hazard Ratio 23.5; p<0.01). A statistically significant higher rate of nonanatomical reduction was observed in the presence of acetabular roof impaction (p=0.01). In 16% of all patients, total hip replacement was performed and in 69% of patients with preserved hips the clinical results were excellent or good at a mean follow up of 35±10 months (range: 24-55). No statistical significant differences were observed between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Nonanatomical reconstruction of the articular surfaces is at risk for failure of joint-preserving management of acetabular fractures through an isolated or combined modified Stoppa approach resulting in total joint replacement at mid-term. In the elderly, joint-preserving surgery is worth considering as promising clinical and radiographic results might be obtained at mid-term.

Acetabular fracture: long-term follow-up and factors associated with secondary implantation of total hip arthroplasty

HYPOTHESIS

The present study sought to determine long-term outcome in acetabular fracture and the factors associated with secondary implantation of a total hip arthroplasty and/or with poor functional results.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-two patients admitted between 2000 and 2005 were followed up for a maximum 11 years (mean, 6.8 years): 16 females, 56 males; mean age at injury, 41.6 years (median, 40 years). There were 45 simple acetabular fractures, 27 complex fractures and 27 dislocations. Late complications were: osteoarthritis (n=29), osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH: n=8) and heterotopic ossification (n=2).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Twenty-five total hip arthroplasties (THA) were performed, with a mean time to surgery of 3.7 years. Associated factors for THA were: VAS (P<0.0001), PMA (P<0.0001), osteoarthritis (P<0.0001), ONFH (P<0.0002), initial dislocation (P=0.0002), no functional treatment (P=0.0014), surgical treatment (P=0.0065), initial traction (P=0.0068), anterior and posterior congruency defect (P=0.0072 and P<0.0001), and initial intra-articular foreign body (P=0.045). Factors associated with poor or bad functional results were the same, plus: etiology (P=0.0021), BMI (P=0.03) and posterior wall fracture (P=0.0325).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4; retrospective study.

Predictors of poor outcome after both column acetabular fractures: a 30-year retrospective cohort study

Background and Purpose

Acetabular fractures are often combined with associated injuries to the hip joint. Some of these associated injuries seem to be responsible for poor long-term results and these injuries seem to affect the outcome independent of the quality of the acetabular reduction. The aim of our study was to analyze the outcome of both column acetabular fractures and the influence of osseous cofactors such as initial fracture displacement, hip dislocation, femoral head lesions and injuries of the acetabular joint surface.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study in patients with both column acetabular fractures treated over a 30 year period was performed. Patients with a follow-up of more than two years were invited for a clinical and radiological examination. Displacement was analyzed on initial and postoperative radiographs. Contusion and impaction of the femoral head was grouped. Injuries of the acetabular joint surface consisting of impaction, contusion and comminution were recorded. The Merle d’Aubigné Score was documented and radiographs were analysed for arthritis (Helfet classification), femoral head avascular necrosis (Ficat/Arlet classification) and heterotopic ossifications (Brooker classification).

Results

115 patients were included in the follow up examination. Anatomic reduction (malreduction ≤ 1mm) was associated with a significantly better clinical outcome than nonanatomical reduction (p = 0.001). Initial displacement of more than 10mm (p = 0.031) and initial intraarticular fragments (p = 0.041) were associated with worse outcome. Other associated injuries, such as the presence of a femoral head dislocation, femoral head injuries and injuries to the acetabular joint surface showed no significant difference in outcome individually, but in fractures with more than two associated local injuries the risk for joint degeneration was significant higher (p < 0.001) than in cases with less than two of them.

In the subgroup of anatomically reconstructed fractures no significant influence of the analyzed cofactors could be observed.

Conclusion

Anatomical reduction appears to be an important parameter for a good clinical outcome in patients with both column acetabular fractures. Additional fracture characteristics such as the initial displacement and intraarticular fragments seem to influence the results. Patients should also be advised that both column acetabular fractures with more than two additional associated factors have a significantly higher risk of joint degeneration.

Quadrilateral plate fractures of the acetabulum: an update

Acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate involvement form a heterogeneous group of fractures, which are not specifically defined by any current classification system. Their incidence is increasing due to the rising number of elderly osteoporotic fractures. They have always been notoriously difficult fractures to treat. We present a systematic review of conservative and operative management and their respective outcomes over the last century.

Cup-cage construct for acute fractures of the acetabulum, re-defining indications

Acetabular fractures in the elderly are challenging injuries. The use of a trabecular metal acetabular cage was investigated as the treatment option in a series of elderly patients with acetabular fractures. At a 2-year follow up, 6 elderly patients were found to have mimimum pain, increased function, and increased scores using the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel system modified by Charnley. Radiographically, the areas of morsellised autograft that surrounded the cups were seen to have incorporated uniformly well, and the acetabular fractures were healed within six months after surgery. No mechanical failure, screw breakage, loosening, or migration was noticed. This novel indication of the cup-cage construction that uses revision techniques, for selected patients and fractures, to achieve an acute stable reconstruction, should be considered as an alternative reconstruction option in elderly patients presenting with acetabular fractures.

Rationales for the Bernese approaches in acetabular surgery

Purpose

To present two new approaches to acetabular surgery that were established in Berne, and which aim at enhanced visualization and anatomical reconstruction of acetabular fractures.

Method

The trochanteric flip osteotomy allows for surgical hip dislocation, and was introduced as a posterior approach for acetabular fracture management involving the posterior column and wall. For acetabular fractures predominantly involving the anterior column and the quadrilateral plate, the Pararectus approach is described.

Results

Full exposure of the hip joint, as provided by the trochanteric flip osteotomy, facilitates anatomical reduction of acetabular or femoral head fractures and safe positioning of the anterior column screw in transverse or T-shaped fractures. Additionally, the approach enables osteochondral transplantation as a salvage procedure for severe chondral femoral head damage and osteoplasty of an associated inadequate offset at the femoral head–neck junction. The Pararectus approach allows anatomical restoration with minimal access morbidity, and combines advantages of the ilioinguinal and modified Stoppa approaches.

Conclusions

Utilization of the trochanteric flip osteotomy eases visualization of the superior aspect of the acetabulum, and enables the evaluation and treatment of chondral lesions of the femoral head or acetabulum and labral tears. Displaced fractures of the anterior column with a medialized quadrilateral plate can be addressed successfully through the Pararectus approach, in which surgical access is associated with minimal morbidity. However, long-term results following the two presented Bernese approaches are needed to confirm that in the treatment of complex acetabular fractures the rate of poor results in almost one-third of all cases (as currently yielded using traditional approaches) might be reduced by the utilization of the presented novel approaches.