ABSTRACT

Fractures of the acetabulum are significant skeletal injuries. Seventy-five per cent follow RTAs. Fifty per cent are associated with other major fractures or injuries. The fracture may be associated with dislocation of the hip and impaired sciatic nerve function. Femoral head dislocation should be reduced as an emergency and traction maintained until a definitive management plan for the fracture is devised-occasionally the femoral head may be incarcerated in the fracture or peri-acetabular muscles. The most important prognostic factors are the velocity of the injury, the restoration of congruity of the weight-bearing surface of the dome of the acetabulum and the stability of the femoral head.