Lesions of the sciatic nerve in fractures of the acetabulum

Between 1982 and 1992 a total of 211 fractures of the acetabulum were operated. There was lesion of the sciatic nerve in 21 cases, the pathogenesis and evolution of which were studied. Clinical follow-up was obtained at least 2 years after occurrence of neurological deficit and supported in 13 cases by electromyography. Based on an analysis of the literature and of these series it is observed how spontaneous recovery of paralysis is not rare, even if it requires a long period of time. The presence of various levels of lesion, which are not easily diagnosed, and which are not easily attacked surgically, calls for a prudent attitude with regard to neurolysis.