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Published on: August 17, 2017
Myoclonus-induced bilateral acetabular fracture dislocations
Peter Balcarek1, Klaus Dresing, Tim Alexander Walde
1Department of Trauma Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medicine, Goettingen, Germany.
The Journal of Arthroplasty
|August 16, 2008
Summary
This case report details an extremely rare instance of bilateral central acetabular fractures caused by myoclonus. Surgical intervention involved bilateral total hip arthroplasty for this unique hip injury.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Myoclonus, characterized by sudden, involuntary muscle jerks, can exert significant force.
- Forceful muscular contractions are known to cause various fracture patterns, but acetabular involvement is rare.
Observation:
- A patient presented with an exceedingly uncommon injury pattern: bilateral central acetabular fracture-dislocation.
- This specific injury was directly attributed to forceful muscle contractions secondary to myoclonus.
Findings:
- The case involved a complex bilateral central acetabular fracture-dislocation.
- Treatment necessitated open reduction and internal fixation, followed by bilateral total hip arthroplasty with reinforcement ring and autologous bone grafting.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe skeletal injuries from involuntary muscle spasms.
- It underscores the importance of considering unusual etiologies in hip trauma and the complex reconstructive options available.
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