Pre-operative predictors of poor reduction in acetabular fractures submitted to surgical treatment

Acetabular fractures are among the most complex orthopedic injuries, and their treatment and understanding have evolved remarkably in the last 50 years. Several factors affect the reduction quality of the surgically treated displaced acetabular fractures. Thus, this study aimed to identify these factors by analyzing patients' data.

Retrospective data from fractures operated in one center over 8 years were analyzed. Patients with a mature skeleton who underwent open reduction and internal fixation and had a minimum follow-up period of 6 weeks were included. Non-displaced fractures were excluded from the study. Radiographic assessment of the reduction was performed before surgery and at follow-up using the method described by Borelli et al. The effects of age (<40 or >40 years), sex, initial displacement (< 20 mm or > 20 mm), time to surgery (<14 days or>14 days), fracture pattern (elementary or associated), number of associated fractures (< 3 or > 3), and associated pelvic injury were analyzed RESULTS: The study included 115 (83.9%) men and 22 (16.1%) women, with a mean age of 34.1 years (range 16-74 years). In the sixth week of follow-up, reductions were satisfactory in 96 (70.7%) patients and unsatisfactory in 41 (29.3%). The most prevalent patterns were the posterior wall (23.1%) and both column (15.7%). Linear regression showed that residual displacement was directly correlated with initial displacement (p = 0.027) but without association with reduction quality. Age, sex, and initial displacement had no effect on reduction quality, which is in contrast with longer time to surgery (p = 0.004), associated fracture pattern (p = 0.002), three or more associated fractures (p = 0.001), and presence of associated pelvic injury (p = 0.021).

Attempting to shorten the time to operate the fractures can lead to better results for patients because the other factors associated with poor reduction are inherent the trauma and cannot be modified by the surgeon.