How do you classify an acetabular fracture?

There are five types:

1. anterior wall fracture. segmental fracture of the middle third of the anterior column, detaching a trapezoidal fragment that contains the anterior acetabular wall from the rest of the innominate bone.
2. anterior column fracture.
3. transverse fracture.
4. posterior column fracture.
5. posterior wall fracture.

What is acetabular fracture?

An acetabular fracture is a break in the socket portion of the “ball-and-socket” hip joint. These hip socket fractures are not common — they occur much less frequently than fractures of the upper femur or femoral head (the “ball” portion of the joint).

Which radiographic method is useful to diagnose fractures of the acetabulum?

Acetabular fractures are imaged by using bilateral oblique (ie, Judet) views of the pelvis. Pelvic ring fractures are imaged by using inlet and outlet views of the pelvis. Anteroposterior view of the pelvis.

What is a both column acetabular fracture?

Purpose of the study: Both column fractures, defined as an acetabular fracture with no articular fragment in connection with the axial skeleton account for approximately 20% of all acetabular fractures. The typical type of a both column acetabular fracture is the C1.

Can acetabular fractures heal without surgery?

Depending on health and injury pattern this bone can take 3-4 months to heal without surgery. Physical therapy for hip and knee range of motion is started around 6 weeks once bone has healed enough to prevent displacement with motion.

What does an acetabular fracture feel like?

Symptoms. Acetabular fractures usually produce hip pain, but may also cause diffuse pain in the groin and leg. Putting weight on the affected leg can be painful, but it still may be possible to put weight on it.

Which portion of the acetabulum is incomplete?

The acetabulum is an incomplete hemispherical socket with an inverted horse shoe-shaped articular surface surrounding the nonarticular cotyloid fossa. Two columns of bone which form an inverted ‘Y’, form and support the cotyloid fossa anteriorly and posteriorly [6, 7, 8] (Figure 1).

What is the medial wall of the acetabulum?

The acetabular cartilage forms the outer two-thirds of the acetabular cavity, whereas the ilium above the horizontal flange, the ischium below it, and parts of the triradiate cartilage form the medial wall of the acetabulum. The pubis actually is separated from the acetabular cavity by intervening cartilage.

Do acetabular fractures require surgery?

Surgical repair Sems recommends acetabular fractures requiring surgery be performed at a Level I trauma center, as this type of surgery necessitates a hospital where it is done frequently.

Which is the best classification system for acetabular fractures?

The Judet and Letournel system for acetabular fractures is the most widely used classification system in clinical practice. It classifies fracture based on oblique pelvic view on plain radiographs.

How are acetabular fractures classified by Judet and Letournel?

The Judet and Letournel Classification of Acetabular Fractures. Fractures are classified into five elementary fractures, which divide the innominate bone and acetabulum into two major fragments, and five associated fractures, which divide the innominate bone and acetabulum into three major fragments.

How are CT scans used to diagnose acetabular fractures?

Imaging Studies. X-rays of acetabular fractures are taken from a number of different angles to show the pattern of the fracture and how out of place the bones are (displacement). Computed tomography (CT) scans. Because of the complex anatomy of the pelvis, a CT scan is commonly ordered for acetabular fractures.

Can a fracture in the acetabular rim be mistaken for a fracture?

Wall superior acetabular rim may show os acetabuli marginalis superior which can be confused for fracture in adolescents considered stable if the fracture line exits outside the weight bearing dome of the acetabulum not applicable for associated both column or posterior wall pattern because no intact portion of the acetabulum to measure