[Late results of acetabulum fractures]

Of 100 patients with acetabulum fractures treated from 1976 to 1985, 53 were followed up after a mean of 7.9 years. The results were predominantly good in patients with simple fractures, but mainly unsatisfactory in those with combination fractures. The poor results were mainly due to pain generally resulting from posttraumatic coxarthrosis (all grades 18/48) or from persistent nerve lesions (posttraumatic or postoperative 7/51) and functionally relevant ectopic ossifications (2/48). The mobility of the affected hip joint was predominantly good compared to the contralateral side. Results were best after rapid elimination of luxations in luxation fractures and early repositioning and elective internal fixation of fractures of the acetabulum to be operated on.