Acetabular fracture through the triradiate cartilage after low-energy trauma

Although rare, injury to the triradiate cartilage is both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Trauma to the triradiate cartilage or its blood supply can adversely affect acetabular development due to premature physeal closure. A shallow acetabulum with a lateralized hip joint that is prone to subluxation, premature degenerative changes, chronic pain, and functional limitations can result. We present a case of an acetabular fracture with injury to the triradiate cartilage after low-energy trauma in an adolescent male treated nonoperatively and healed without complications.