FRACTURES OF POSTERIOR WALL OF ACETABULUM

Fractures of the posterior wall of the acetabulum form a special group in acetabular fractures. This study aims to evaluate the results in t he management of such fractures. Thirty-two patients with fractures of posterior wall of acetabulum were reviewed retrospectively. The follo w-up period was 7 (range 3-10) years. Twenty-four were associated with initial posterior dislocations. Twenty-seven were managed with open r eduction and internal fixation, while the remainder were managed con s ervatively. Reductions were rated as congruent in 30 cases and as nonc ongruent in 2. The functional results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 10, fair in 2, and poor in 4. Two early complications were met, na mely 1 iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury and 1 superficial wound infecti on. Sixteen late complications were noted, including 10 heterotopic os sifications, 3 avascular necroses of femoral head, and 3 symptomatic a rthritides. The incidence of late complications was high, but the func tional results were generally satisfactory. Congruent reduction was th e key in obtaining satisfactory results in the management of these fra ctures.