Acetabular Fracture

What is an Acetabular Fracture?

An acetabular fracture is a break in the acetabulum (ball-and-socket portion) of the hip joint. It usually occurs during high-energy injuries.

What are the Causes of Acetabular Fractures?

Causes of acetabular fractures include:

• Automobile accidents
• Osteoporosis
• Falls from heights
• Weak bones

What are the Symptoms of Acetabular Fracture?

Symptoms of an acetabular fracture include:

• Pain
• Hematoma
• Weakness due to nerve damage
• Swelling
• Tingling sensation
• Bruising

How is Acetabular Fracture Diagnosed?

Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and a physical examination of the hip will be performed. Your doctor may recommend the following diagnostic tests:

• X-ray: This study uses high-energy electromagnetic energy beams that produce images of the bones.
• CT scan: Special x-rays are used to produce images of any damage to the hip.
• MRI Scan: An imaging study that uses a large magnetic field and radio waves to detect any damage to the soft tissue. 
• Bone scan: A nuclear imaging study that helps your doctor to detect any hidden stress fractures or bone disorders.

What is the Treatment for an Acetabular Fracture?

Treatment for acetabular fracture includes:

Non-Surgical Method

• Medications: Your doctor will recommend over-the-counter pain medications to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Physical therapy: Your doctor will recommend special exercises and other techniques to strengthen the bones and muscles.
• Positioning aids: You will be advised to use a leg positioning device such as a knee immobilizer or abduction pillow to help support the restricted leg.

Surgical Method

If non-surgical methods fail to improve the symptoms, surgery will be recommended based on the severity of the fracture. Surgical treatments can include:

• Total Hip Replacement: The damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial components.
• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): The fracture site is exposed, and internal fixation is performed with wires, screws, and nails that are attached to a metal plate placed inside the body.
• Traction: This method involves using a force to gently pull on the injured area to guide the fractured bone ends to their correction position. There are two methods of traction: 
  • Skin traction: Skin traction involves the attachment of traction tapes to the skin of the hip segment near the fracture. 
  • Skeletal traction: In skeletal traction, a pin is inserted through the bone and attached to ropes. Weights are applied, and you will be placed in a traction apparatus.