[Fractures of the acetabulum. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies]

Fractures of the acetabulum are a challenge in terms of orientation and the surgical skills of the orthopedic trauma surgeon. Due to the surrounding soft tissues and because of the indirect reduction control, operative treatment of acetabular fractures can be very demanding. This review includes the anatomical and clinical features, the radiological diagnostic approach, the classification systems, and, in particular, the surgical approaches and treatment principles. The work houses for surgical approaches are the ilioinguinal and the posterior (Kocher-Langenbeck) approach. In view of the high complication rate, the extended approaches are of less relevance. The therapeutic relevance of recent developments including navigation is discussed.