To improve the effect of operative management of acetabular fractures.
One hundred and seventy eight acetabular fractures were treated operatively from August 1993 to December 2000. Their functional results and complications were analyzed.
One hundred and twelve hips were followed up for an average of 45.7 months. Heterotopic ossification was noted in 26 hips, post-operative osteoarthritis in 22 hips, avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 8 hips, and sciatic nerve injury in 7 hips after operations. No death and infection were found in this series.
Ectopic bone formation develops at extended ilio-femoral and Kocher-Langeneck approaches. Cartilaginous injury of the femoral head is contributable to post-operative osteoarthritis, and imperfect reduction is an important factor in the genesis of osteoarthritis.