Functional outcomes of acetabular fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Clinical Outcomes Research
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• The Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) is a validated self-administered questionnaire for health status.
• The modified Merle d'Aubigné hip score is a widely accepted grading system for acetabular fracture treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment and the modified Merle d'Aubigné scores in assessing acetabular fracture treatment results.

Main Methods:

• 150 patients with acetabular fractures were included with a minimum of two years postoperative follow-up.
• Data collection involved physical examination using the Merle d'Aubigné score and completion of the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire.
• Patients were stratified by fracture type and injury complexity, with a mean follow-up of five years.

Main Results:

• A significant negative correlation (Spearman's rho = -0.61, p < 0.0001) was found between the Merle d'Aubigné and MFA scores.
• The Merle d'Aubigné score exhibited a ceiling effect, indicating its data were asymmetric.
• Associated injuries significantly impacted Merle d'Aubigné scores (p = 0.03).

Conclusions:

• High MFA scores suggest a complete return to pre-injury function is uncommon, even with good Merle d'Aubigné scores.
• The ceiling effect of the Merle d'Aubigné score limits its utility for evaluating acetabular fracture treatment outcomes.
• This study provides initial reference values for the MFA in acetabular fracture patients, addressing a lack of published data.