A simple reduction technique for the posterior column in acetabular fractures

Abstract

Background Posterior acetabular column injuries can happen as an isolated fracture or can be associated with other acetabular fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a new technique in the reduction and fixation of fractures involving the posterior acetabular column. Patients and methods A prospective study which included 35 patients with displaced acetabular fractures (≥3 mm). Of the patients, 24 were men and 11 were women. The age of the patients’ ranged from 25 to 50 years with a mean of 37.9 years. All patients had injuries to the posterior column, either isolated or associated with other types of acetabular fractures. The follow-up period ranged from 24 to 36 months with a mean of 28.8 months. Results Perfect or anatomical reduction of the posterior column was achieved and maintained in 25 (71.43%) patients. Near perfect or near-anatomical reduction of the posterior column was achieved and maintained in another six (17.14%) patients. Three (8.57%) patients had good reduction of the posterior column which was maintained till union, while one (2.86%) patient had imperfect reduction of the posterior column. According to the Harris hip score, the clinical outcome was excellent in 12 (34.29%) patients, good in 17 (48.57%) patients, fair in five (14.29%) patients, and poor in one (2.85%) patient. The operative time for reduction and fixation of the posterior column using this technique ranged from 15 to 20 min with a mean of 18 min. No permanent complications happed during this study. Conclusion The technique described in this study is a simple technique for open reduction without the need for such bulky instrumentations with rapid internal fixation. This method of reduction and fixation is considered useful, safe, and comparable to all the previous described reduction and fixation techniques.