LONG-TERM OUTCOME AND LATE COMPLICATIONS OF ACETABULAR FRACTURE

The long-term functional results of acetabular fractures are assessed in terms of the corresponding criteria of Merle-D'Aubigne and Postel ( pain, mobility, walking). Other essential criteria include the quality of reduction and the radiological appearance. The age of the patient, the type of fracture and, above all, the interval between the acciden t and the surgical treatment or reduction of the fracture must be coun ted among the decisive factors which influence the late effects of thi s injury. Whether or not reduction can correctly center the femoral he ad in the socket is of paramount importance, but postoperative infecti on or the development of a hematoma may also critically affect outcome . In addition to a report on the long-term results achieved at the Tra uma Department of the University Hospital of Freiburg, Germany, the li terature on the late complications of acetabular fracture is also revi ewed.