STABILIZATION OF AN ACETABULAR FRACTURE WITH CABLES FOR ACUTE TOTAL HIP-ARTHROPLASTY

A critical stage of total hip arthroplasty for an acute acetabular fra cture where extensive comminution, impaction, and osteopenia thwart th e application of conventional open or closed methods, especially in th e elderly, is stable fixation of the acetabulum. The use of 2-mm braid ed cables permits effective immobilization of the fracture for use in conjunction with a hybrid arthroplasty. The method is consistent with the use of a conventional arthroplastic incision and is suitable for o ther applications including the fixation of periprosthetic fractures, bulk allografts, and conventional acetabular fractures.