Bilateral acetabular fractures: Mechanism, fracture patterns and associated injuries

Acetabular fractures are uncommon and their management is often reserved for specialist pelvic and acetabular surgeons. Bilateral acetabular fractures are a particularly rare subgroup. We report the incidence, fracture pattern, mechanism of injury and outcome of patients presenting to a tertiary trauma centre with traumatic bilateral acetabular fractures.

Bilateral acetabular fractures were identified from a prospective database of acetabular fractures presenting to one institution over a six-year period. Patient notes and imaging studies were reviewed to identify demographics, mechanism of injury, Injury Severity Score, fracture pattern and management. Timing of operative management was explored. Patient outcomes were collected in the form of radiographs and Oxford Hip Scores at a minimum of one-year post injury.

Eight patients with bilateral acetabular fracture were identified from a database which contained records of 519 patients with acetabular fractures (incidence of 1.5% amongst patients with acetabular fractures). Motor vehicle accidents were the most common mechanism. Four acetabular fracture patterns were observed within the cohort. Radiographic union occurred in all cases and Oxford Hip Scores are suggestive of moderate to well functioning hip joints. Fractures were treated as single or staged procedures.

Bilateral acetabular fractures are very rare due to the unique degree and pattern of force required to fracture both acetabula. They are associated with 4 main fracture patterns and present with Injury Severity Scores that averaged 25 (severe). They are typically observed in young males with road traffic collision being the most common mechanism of injury.