Acetabular Distraction versus Cup-Cage Construct in the Management of Chronic Pelvic Discontinuity: A Comparative...

The main aim of this study is to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of the acetabular distraction technique and the cup-cage construct technique in the management of chronic pelvic discontinuity.

In this prospective interventional study, 36 patients with chronic pelvic discontinuity were initially split into two equal groups and underwent surgery utilizing either the acetabular distraction technique or the cup-cage construct technique. The patients were followed up for 2 years to assess the functional and radiological outcomes of the techniques. Six patients were lost during follow-up (two of them died, four discontinue follow-up).

The two groups did not differ significantly with regards to the clinical (Harris hip score) and radiological (stability of the construct, graft incorporation, and absence of loosening or migration) outcomes. Both the techniques displayed significant postsurgical improvements in both the Harris hip score and limb length discrepancy.

Both acetabular distraction and the cup-cage construct techniques may be used to treat pelvic discontinuity without any significant difference in the clinical outcomes, as measured by Harris hip score, and in the radiological outcomes. Acetabular distraction appears to be more effective in treating discontinuity as a secondary outcome of neglected acetabular fracture.