[Advantages of computerized tomography diagnosis in acetabular fractures]

There is a comparison of conventional radiographs and computed tomography in 23 patients presenting acetabular fracture. Four patients were treated conservatively because of their CT-findings. The result was successful. Surgery took place in 19 patients. Intraoperative findings verified CT-diagnosis in all cases, while diagnosis with conventional radiographs in 3 projections had to be corrected in 8 of 19 cases. Advantages of CT in acetabular fracture: 1. always manageable, 2. correct topography of fracture, 3. discovery of small especially intraarticular bone fragments, 4. judgement of congruity of the joint, 5. clear decision of management. 6. definite surgical approach. In conclusion, the CT-scanning of acetabular fractures is preferable for correct classification as opposed to conventional radiographs; if only plain X-ray films are available CT-scanning is to be required.