[Conservative therapy of acetabular fractures--indications and results]

Conservative treatment of acetabular fractures seems to be indicated either in cases of little displacement or wherever reconstruction of the acetabulum by operation is impossible. Following the classification of Judet and Letournel a satisfactory result can be expected only in fractures with little dislocation, such as the caudal transverse type and the anterior wall type. The indication for open reduction and reconstruction is given if cranial and/or dorsal components of the acetabulum are involved. In special cases treatment by vertical traction must be combined with a side traction by means of a trochanter screw; in the early phase of traction frequent radiological controls are obligatory. Early physiotherapy is also necessary to achieve satisfactory functional results. Based on the follow-up examination of 38 patients with 39 fractures of the acetabulum, conservative treatment is discussed in respect of fracture type, the extent of displacement and the clinical results.