Posterior trochanteric osteotomy in acetabular fractures for 32 cases

The aim of this study is to explore the method and clinical outcome of posterior trochanteric osteotomy in acetabular fractures. From January 2000 to January 2008, 32 cases of acetabular fractures involving the dome of acetabulum underwent posterior trochanteric osteotomy for a better exposure and internal fixation with acetabular tridimensional memory fixation system. 28 cases (16 men and 12 women, mean age 39.9 years, range 16-73 years) were followed up with an average of 48.9 months (range of 19-95 months) and four were lost during follow up. Of 28 cases, 19 were fresh fractures and 9 were old fractures. The reduction was evaluated with Matta criteria. Clinical evaluation was based on modified Merle d'Aubigne and Postel scoring. Motor strength of the abductors was evaluated according to the Medical Research Council grading system. Ectopic ossification was classified according to Brooker criteria. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 17 cases and satisfied reduction in 10 patients. Poor reduction happened in an old fracture. All acetabular fractures got a direct bone union and no displacement and deep infection occurred. All osteotomies healed within 3.5 months without any nonunion, proximal migration of the greater trochanter, loosing or broken of instrumentation, and deep infection. Two superficial infections were healed with a regular dressing. Two patients underwent removal of implants from greater trochanter because of irritation. The strength of the abductors was of Grade 3/5 in two patients, Grade 4/5 in five patients, and normal in the rest. Clinical scoring was excellent to good in 84 %. Ectopic ossification occurred in five patients, grade 1 in two patients, grade 2 in two, and grade 3 in one. But function of hip joint was not seriously affected. Posterior trochanteric osteotomy can provide an adequate exposure of the dome of acetabulum without the associated complications like nonunion, proximal replacement, and weak of the abductors which often occur with standard oblique osteotomy.