TOTAL HIP-REPLACEMENT AFTER ACETABULAR FRACTURE

The controversies surrounding total hip arthroplasty after acetabular fracture are presented in this article. Hip arthroplasty for acute tre atment of acetabular fractures is rarely indicated. In general, total hip arthroplasty should be reserved for the late salvage of hips in wh ich symptomatic, post traumatic arthritis has developed after acetabul ar fracture. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative managemen t are discussed. Modem surgical techniques may improve the long-term s urvival of total kip arthroplasty after acetabular fracture, particula rly the acetabular component.