Objective To have a clear understanding of the complications following the operative treatment of acetabulum fracture through a meta-analysis.Methods A comprehensive search was conducted for all articles addressing the postoperative complications of acetabulum fracture published in English and Chinese from January 2001 to March 2013.A proportion meta-analysis across the studies was performed for the complications after acetabular operation with the use of R software.Results Forty one studies,9 prospective and 32 retrospective ones,were identified.The common complications included heterotopic ossification,osteoarthritis,avascular necrosis,iatrogenic nerve injury,infection and deep venous thrombosis.Their incidences were respectively 20.1% [95% CI (14.6%,26.2%)],15.2% [95% CI (11.8%,19.0%)],5.6% [95%CI (4.6%,6.7%)],5.1% [95%CI (3.3%,7.2%)],3.3% [95%CI(2.2%,4.7%)],and 1.4% [95% CI (0.4%,2.9%)].The rate of heterotopic ossification for those who did not receive indomethacin prophylaxis was 21.1% [95% CI (12.6%,31.0%)] and 19.6% [95% CI(12.6%,27.6%)] for those who received indomethacin prophylaxis,with no significant difference (P =0.793).Conclusions Since the incidences of complications like heterotopic ossification,osteoarthritis,avascular necrosis and iatrogenic nerve injury are high,they can directly affect the outcomes of the operative treatment of acetabulum fractures.Surgeons should take active prophylactic measures during the perioperative period to reduce the operative risks. Key words: Acetabulum; Fractures, bone; Postoperative complication; Meta-analysis