In this retrospective study, 27 acetabular fractures treated by open r
eduction and internal fixation with an average follow-up of 3.7 years
(1.5-4.0) are reported. Reduction leaving a displacement of less than
or equal to 2 mm was achieved in 9 hips (30%). Good or excellent resul
ts were obtained in 22 hips (82%), and in 2 patients who were referred
to us after 3 weeks, we performed supra-acetabular osteotomy to obtai
n congruent joints with fairly good results. The most common complicat
ion was heterotopic ossification in 59% of the patients, which led to
poor results in 2 patients with grade IV. Avascular necrosis of the hi
p occurred in 2 patients, and 1 patient developed a late deep infectio
n, which led to osteomyelitis and fused hip.