Acetabular Fractures

Initial Treatment

•  ATLS protocol

• In general, operative treatment of an acetabular fracture should not be performed as an emergency, except when it is part of open fracture management or is performed for a fracture associated with a dislocation of the hip.

 Timing of Surgery

• Most authors advocate waiting 2 to 3 days after injury before performing acetabular surgery to allow the patient to be adequately stabilised

• Ideally, operative reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures should be performed within 5 to 7 days of injury

• Try to avoid delay of more than 21 days (see below)

 Anatomy of the Acetabulum