ABSTRACT
The simple acetabular fractures, while basic in their pattern, are not always the simplest
fractures for treatment. After careful preoperative evaluation and planning, the fixation
methods usually employ some type of screw or plate fixation. The amount of fixation
required is variable, and there will be many opinions. There is no set rule, except to
make sure there is stable fixation of the essential elements of the reduced fracture.
Whether this is achieved percutaneously, or with extensile approaches, the goals are an
acceptable reduction and a stable fixation until healing. With regard to approaches, we
have found that the vast majority of fractures with simple patterns can be fixed through
one approach. Recently, adjunctive techniques and new “windows” have been devel-
oped that help preclude the necessity for more extensile approaches. Occasionally, a
second simultaneous or sequential approach is needed, but rarely are extensile
approaches required for simple fracture patterns.
