Dr. Ebraheim’s educational animated video describes fracture types of the Acetabulum.
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint where the femoral head is contained within the acetabulum. The acetabulum is round in shape and covered with cartilage which forms the articular surface of the hip joint.
Labrum is a ring of shock absorbing cartilage that surrounds the acetabulum. The sciatic nerve is close to the acetabulum and it can be injured.
Acetabular fractures commonly occur due to high velocity trauma.
Types of acetabular fractures
•Anterior wall fracture
•Anterior column fracture
•Posterior wall fracture
•Posterior column fracture
•Transverse fracture
•T-shape fracture
•Both column fracture
Posterior wall fractures are the most common acetabular fractures. The posterior wall fracture may be a simple fracture or associated with dislocation of the femoral head.
The obturator view radiograph will clearly show the posterior wall fracture. CT scan is the study of choice.
In case of fracture dislocation, reduce the hip immediately and fix the fracture later. Always check sciatic nerve function (dorsiflexion of ankle & toes). Peroneal division could be affected.
Posterior wall fracture with marginal impaction:
•Reduce the fracture
•Lift cartilage and apply bone graft.
•Posterior plate fixation.
Complications of acetabular fractures
•Arthritis (post-traumatic)
•Degenerative joint disease
•Avascular necrosis: death of bone due to interruption of the blood supply.
•Myositis ossificans: ossification occurs at the site of injury leading to restriction of motion.
![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/d4_R7y-c7LU/maxresdefault.jpg)