[Surgical management of acetabulum fractures]

Author reports on the experiences with the operative treatment of 48 acetabular fractures in his Department during 19 years. He thinks that the operative treatment of the acetabular fractures may be successful only after the exact preoperative diagnosis and classification of the type of the fracture. After this the exposure may be chosen. During the operation one has to strive to the exact reconstruction of the articular surfaces and the performance of such stable osteosynthesis that will enable the early movements of the joint without weight bearing. If, because of the severity of the injury, the exact reconstruction of the acetabulum is not possible an effort must be made to create an anatomical situation that will give favourable conditions to late reconstruction operations (arthrodesis or endoprosthesis). Author describes after discussing the classification, diagnosis and treatment of the acetabular fractures his own results: in more than 3/4 of his cases excellent or good late results could be achieved. For this, with correct indication, the performance of the reconstruction operation is suggested.