Partial Loss Of Reduction Research Articles

Concomitant Acromioclavicular and Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction with a Duo-Figure-8 Autogenic Graft Wrapping Technique for Treating Chronic Acromioclavicular Separation.

BackgroudCoracoacromial ligament transfer is the traditional procedure for treating chronic acromioclavicular separation, but it is significantly inferior to ligament reconstruction according to biomechanical and clinical studies. However, ligament reconstruction carries the risk of complications of graft loosening and peri-tunnel fractures. Currently, there is no ligament reconstruction procedure optimal for preventing such complications. The purpose of this study was to describe and retrospectively analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of a “duo-figure-8” autogenic graft wrapping technique, which was used to concomitantly reconstruct the acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments.MethodsPreoperative, immediate postoperative, and final follow-up oputcomes were evaluated in 10 enrolled patients. Radiographic outcomes were indicated by the bilateral difference of the coracoclavicular distance (CCD) and overlapping length of the acromioclavicular joint (OLac). Quality of reduction was classified into 4 grades according to bilateral CCD difference into overreduction (< 0 mm), anatomic reduction (0–4 mm), partial loss of reduction (4–8 mm), and recurrent dislocation (> 8 mm). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant scores.ResultsThe mean side-to-side differences for CCD were 11.9 mm (preoperative), −0.1 mm (immediate postoperative), and 3.4 mm (final follow-up); those for OLac were 9.4 mm (preoperative) and 2.7 mm (final follow-up). CCD and OLac outcomes significantly improved at final follow-up (p < 0.05). At the immediate postoperative stage, 6 and 4 patients had overreduction and anatomic reduction, respectively. At final follow-up, 7 and 3 patients had anatomic reduction and partial loss of reduction, respectively. The magnitude of improvement of ASES scores for patients with anatomic reduction and partial loss of reduction (p = 0.20) was 18.1 and 20.0, respectively. The magnitude of improvement of Constant scores in patients with anatomic reduction and partial loss of reduction (p = 0.25) was 19.9 and 22.3, respectively.ConclusionsThe technique yielded acceptable functional outcomes in patients with anatomic reduction or partial loss of reduction. The “duo-figure-8” wrapping method—a single autogenic tendon graft passing beneath the coracoid process with a tendon-knot fixation over the distal clavicle and looping around the acromion intramedullary—did not increase the risk of peri-tunnel fractures over the clavicle, coracoid process, or acromion.

A Single Retrograde Intramedullary Nail Technique for Treatment of Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in Children: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Background:Displaced proximal humeral fractures in older children with low remodeling potential need to be reduced and fixed. There are many options for stabilization, including external fixation, rigid internal fixation with screws and plates, percutaneous pinning, and flexible intramedullary nailing. The use of 2 flexible retrograde nails, originated at the University of Nancy, France, became the most popular technique in Europe. The aim of this study was to describe and assess a modified, single retrograde nail technique to treat fractures of the proximal part of the humerus.Methods:We performed a retrospective monocentric study. From June 2016 to May 2019, a modified retrograde nail technique with 1 prebent nail was used for the management of 21 consecutive children with a closed displaced proximal humeral fracture. Demographic and surgical data were collected. The surgical technique is similar to the classic elastic stable intramedullary nailing, but only 1 nail is used. The average surgical time and perioperative complications were used as criteria for the feasibility of this technique. Radiographs were obtained preoperatively; at 1, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively; and after implant removal at an average of 4.2 months postoperatively. The clinical outcomes were assessed on the basis of the shoulder range of motion documented in the medical records and by using the French edition of the QuickDASH (shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] questionnaire) evaluation scale at the time of implant removal.Results:Nineteen patients with a mean age of 12.6 years and a mean follow-up of 6 months were included in the study. The mean surgical time was 49 minutes. The single intramedullary nail technique provided a satisfactory reduction of all fractures. No perioperative complication occurred. In 1 case, partial loss of reduction was observed on the first-week control radiograph. All patients had a healed fracture, no deficits, excellent results according to the QuickDASH score, a normal range of motion, and excellent strength of the shoulder joint at the time of implant removal (at a mean of 4.2 months).Conclusions:The current study confirms the feasibility and efficacy of the single retrograde intramedullary nail technique to treat displaced proximal humeral fractures in children.Level of Evidence:Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Acromioclavicular Joint Separation: Repair Through Suture Anchors for Coracoclavicular Ligament and Nonabsorbable Suture Fixation for Acromioclavicular Joint.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients undergoing coracoclavicular (CC) ligament repair by two suture anchors and acromioclavicular (AC) joint (ACJ) fixation using heavy nonabsorbable sutures for the treatment of types III–V ACJ injuries with a minimum of 1‐year follow‐up.MethodsThe clinical and radiographic outcomes of 36 consecutive patients (26 men and 10 women) who underwent anatomic reduction for acute ACJ dislocation using two suture anchors for CC ligament reconstruction and two strands of non‐absorbable stitches for ACJ fixation between December 2013 and December 2018 were reviewed. Two 3.5 mm suture anchors with double‐loaded sutures were separately inserted into the anterolateral and posteromedial portions of the coracoid process. The suture strands were passed through the hole created in the clavicle using 2.0 mm drill and tied over the clavicle. Additional ACJ augmentation using two strands of non‐absorbable heavy sutures was performed in all patients. At 3, 6, and 12 months and last follow‐up visit, the scores on the visual analog scale (VAS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant–Murley score, and simple shoulder test (SST) questionnaires were used to provide a final evaluation of shoulder function. Comparison between baseline and treatment results was performed. Radiographic analysis included vertical displacement and horizontal shift.ResultsA total of 29 patients (20 men and nine women) were included in the study. A total of seven, six, and 16 patients had Rockwood type III, type IV, and type V ACJ dislocations, respectively. The mean patient age was 42.8 ± 13.5 years, with a mean follow‐up of 28 months (range, 12–56 months). At the 12‐month follow‐up, the mean ASES score was 92.1 ± 3.5, with a mean pain score of 0.5 ± 0.7 on the VAS and mean Constant–Murley score of 93.0 ± 2.4. The new number of positive answers on the SST was 11.5 ± 0.6. Compared with the baseline, the clinical results improved significantly (P < 0.05). No significant difference could be found between the 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up evaluations (P > 0.05). Radiographs showed two partial loss of reduction, whereas no horizontal displacement was found in all patients. One patient developed a superficial wound infection 3 weeks postoperation. The wound healed after routine wound care. No neurovascular complications were recorded.ConclusionsCC ligament reconstruction using two suture anchors and ACJ augmentation using two strands of non‐absorbable heavy sutures on high‐grade AC dislocation is a reliable technique for restoring stability to the ACJ and can obtain good to excellent clinical results.

Arthroscopic fixation of acute acromioclavicular joint disruption with TightRope™: Outcome and complications after minimum 2 (2-5) years follow-up.

To evaluate the midterm results of arthroscopic reconstruction of acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint disruption using TightRope™ system. We retrospectively assess the results of 24 patients of acute AC joint dislocation who were operated using TightRope system. Constant and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores and coracoclavicular distance were calculated pre- and postoperatively. Data was entered into MS excel and analyzed using the SPSS version 17. The mean follow-up was 39.45 months. Constant and UCLA scores were significantly increased postoperatively. Six patients had partial loss of reduction within 3-6 months and two patients had a failure of construct. Constant score was significantly lower in these patients. TightRope reconstruction of the AC joint is a reproducible and safe alternative to many other techniques of AC joint reconstruction. Early subluxation remains a concern and may reflect the need for technique modification.

Anatomical principles for minimally invasive reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint with anchors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Sixteen patients with complete acromioclavicular joint dislocation were enrolled in this study. All patients were asked to follow the less active rehabilitation protocol post-operatively. Computed tomography with 3-D reconstruction of the injured shoulder was performed on each patient post operatively for the assessment of the accuracy of the suture anchor placement in the coracoid process and the reduction of the acromioclavicular joint. Radiographs of Zanca view and axillary view of both shoulders were taken for evaluating the maintenance of the acromioclavicular joint reduction at each follow-up visit. The Constant shoulder score was used for function assessment at the final follow-up. Twenty seven of the 32 anchors implanted in the coracoid process met the criteria of good position. One patient developed complete loss of reduction and another had partial loss of reduction in the anteroposterior plane. For the other 14 patients, the mean Constant score was 90 (range, 82-95). For the patients with partial and complete loss of reduction, the Constant score were 92 and 76 respectively. All of them got nearly normal range of motion of the shoulders and restored to pre-operative life and works. With this minimally invasive approach and limited exposure of the coracoid, a surgeon can place the suture anchors at the anatomical insertions of the coracoclavicular ligament and allow the dislocated joint reduced and maintained well. Level IV, Case series; therapeutic study.

Importance of additional temporary pin fixation combined coracoclavicular augmentation using a suture button device for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

We evaluated the outcomes of coracoclavicular (CC) augmentation using a suture button device with additional temporary pin fixation for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation. Thirty-six consecutive cases who underwent CC augmentation using TightRope™ (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) were included. We temporarily fixed trans-articular pins in the first 10 cases (TA group) and a trans-spine pin in the next 26 cases (TS group). The radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated at minimum 2years postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 56.7months (range, 24-84months). At the final follow-up evaluation, reduction status showed anatomical reduction in 25 cases (69.4%), slight loss of reduction in seven cases (19.4%), partial loss of reduction in two cases (5.6%), and total loss of reduction in two cases (5.6%). The mean ASES score, UCLA score, and subjective shoulder value were 92.3, 32.9, and 91.6%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to the outcomes. Intraoperative complications occurred in three cases (8.3%) including two cases of failed reduction and one case of technical failure of the implant. Postoperative complications occurred in three cases (8.3%) including one case of pin tract infection and distal clavicle fracture at the clavicle-hole, one case of reduction loss by severe subsidence of the clavicular button, and one case of shoulder stiffness. CC augmentation using a suture button device with temporary pin fixation yielded satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes. These results support that temporary pin fixation for the AC joint may help to protect the AC reduction in the early phase of healing and rigid scar formation when performing CC fixation using a suture button device. Level-IV, Retrospective Case Series, Treatment Study.

Arthroscopic fixation for acute acromioclavicular joint disruption using the TightRope device.

To review outcome after arthroscopic fixation for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation using the TightRope device. Records of 15 men and 2 women aged 19 to 52 (mean, 35) years who underwent arthroscopic fixation using the TightRope device for acute (<3 weeks) AC joint dislocation of Rockwood type III (n=6), type IV (n=1), and type V (n=10) were reviewed. Outcome was evaluated using the Constant score. The coracoclavicular (CC) distance before and after surgery was compared. The mean follow-up period was 22.1 (range, 12-37) months. The mean time to return to work was 4 (range, 1.5-12) months, excluding one failure. The mean postoperative Constant score was 86.4 (range, 63-96). The CC distance decreased from 21.5±5.2 mm preoperatively to 9.8±3.5 mm at 6 months and to 10±3.2 mm at one year. There was no over-correction. All patients had satisfactory outcome except for one who had rupture of the TightRope suture at 6 months. Two patients had partial loss of reduction (≥2 mm) after 3 to 6 months secondary to osteolysis at the clavicular button site. Arthroscopic fixation using the TightRope device for acute AC joint dislocation achieves satisfactory outcome.

Reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligament by excision and semi-inversion of conjoined tendon at the distal clavicle and allograft tendon transfer for treatment of acromioclavicular separation

Objective To investigate the mid- and long-term outcomes of reconstruction of coraco-clavicular ligament by excision and semi-inversion of conjoined tendon at the distal clavicle and allograft tendon transfer in the treatment of acromioclavicular separation. Methods From January 2006 to January 2008, 54 patients with acromioclavicular separation were treated by reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligament by excision and semi-inversion of conjoined tendon at the distal clavicle and allograft tendon transfer. They were 34 men and 20 women, with a mean age of 40. 4 years (range, from 21.7 to 64.1 years). The mean time from injury to surgery was 12.2 days (range, from 3 to 20 days). According the Rockwood classification, 6 cases were type Ⅲ, 6 type Ⅳ and 42 type Ⅴ. All the patients were routinely followed up after the surgery. The visual analogue scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant-Murley scores were used to evaluate the postoperative shoulder function. Postoperative radiograph was taken for each patient to evaluate the loss of reduction of the acromioclavicular joint. Results The mean follow-up time was 64.2 months (range, from 48.6 to 92.2 months). At the final follow-up, the average forward elevation was 170.0° (range, from 160° to 180°), external rotation 57.8° (range, from 40° to 80°) and internal rotation T8 level (range, from T2 to T12), respectively. The average VAS, ASES and Constant-Murley scores were 0.7 (range, from 0 to 4), 90.4 (range, from 81.7 to 100.0) and 90.9 (range, from 83.0 to 100.0), respec-tively. Tenderness on the distal clavicle was found in 12 patients (22.2% ). Partial loss of reduction was found in 6 patients with type V fracture (11.1% ). No complete loss of reduction was found in any case. Conclusion Most patients may obtain good shoulder function and no loss of reduction at mid- and long-term follow-ups after their acromioclavicular separation has been treated by reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligament by excision and semi-inversion of conjoined tendon at the distal clavicle and allograft tendon transfer. Key words: Acromioclavicular joint dislocation; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Trans-plantation; Allograft

Arthroscopic fixation of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation using the tight rope system

Objective: To assess the result of arthroscopically assisted treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations using the tightrope system (Arthrex, Naples) Method and material: 25 patients of acromioclavicular joint dislocation were treated by arthroscopic tightrope technique between January 2010 and January 2014 and retrospectively reviewed. Functional assessment was done by Constant score. Results: 16 cases were Rockwood type V, two cases were type IV and 7 cases were Rockwood type III. All patients were managed by arthroscopic TightRopeTM (Arthrax, Napels, USA) fixation. Average follow-up was 18months. All patients were satisfied with the result of surgery till last follow-up except one patient in whom implant failed after 6 months. Average constant score of all patients was 81.72 at final follow-up. All patients except 3 patients were happy with their cosmetic appearance of operated shoulder. In all these three patients subluxation occurred after initial reduction. Average time from surgery to get back to work was 3.9 months. Partial loss of reduction occurred in 5 patients. Conclusion: Our results suggest that it is a reproducible and easy technique which gives good result but may require improvement in biomechanics to prevent early loss of reduction. Increase in size of button or strengthening with autogenous ligaments may be suggested.

Bony healing of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures in the elderly using percutaneously applied titanium mesh cages and a transpedicular fixation system with expandable screws.

IntroductionThere is a high incidence of vertebral burst fractures following low velocity trauma in the elderly. Treatment of unstable vertebral burst fractures using the same principles like in stable vertebral burst fractures may show less favourable results in terms of fracture reduction, maintenance of reduction and cement leakage. In order to address these shortcomings this study introduces cementless fixation of unstable vertebral burst fractures using internal fixators and expandable intravertebral titanium mesh cages in a one-stage procedure via minimum-invasive techniques.Material and MethodsA total of 16 consecutive patients (median age 76 years, range 58–94) with unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures and concomitant osteoporosis were treated by an internal fixator inserted via minimum invasive technique one level above and below the fractured vertebra. Fracture reduction was achieved and maintained by transpedicular placement of two titanium mesh cages into the fractured vertebral body during the same procedure. Intra- and postoperative safety of the procedure as well as analysis of reduction quality was analysed by 3D C-arm imaging or CT, respectively. Clinical and radiographic follow-up averaged 10.4 months (range 4.5–24.5).ResultsStabilization of the collapsed vertebral body was achieved in all 16 cases without any intraoperative complication. Surgical time averaged 102±6.6 minutes (71–194). The postoperative kyphotic angle (KA) and Cobb angle revealed significant improvements (KA 13.7° to 7.4°, p<0.001; Cobb 9.6° to 6.0°, p<0.002) with partial loss of reduction at final follow-up (KA 8.3°, Cobb 8.7°). VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) improved from 7.6 to 2.6 (p<0.001). Adjacent fractures were not observed. One minor (malposition of pedicle screw) complication was encountered.ConclusionCementless fixation of osteoporotic burst fractures revealed substantial pain relief, adequate maintenance of reduction and a low complication rate. Bony healing after unstable osteoporotic burst fractures is possible.Trial Registrationwww.germanctr.de DRKS00005657

Modified Phemister procedure for the surgical treatment of Rockwood types III, IV, V acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations are common in young, active patients. In case of surgical indications, Rockwood type IV, type V and selected type III dislocation, we use modified Phemister procedure. At mid-term follow-up, by an average of 35.1months, we reassessed the records of 14 patients surgically treated for acute AC dislocation from February 2007 to November 2010. In patients with a diagnosis of grade III lesion, indication for surgery was given on the basis of the patient's functional demand. Full recovery was obtained on average 3months after surgery. Constant Score accounted for 92.7 points, mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score for 3.2 points, and mean Simple Shoulder Test Score for 11.4 points. X-ray findings were partial loss of reduction (9 cases), subclinic re-dislocation (2 cases), calcification (5 cases) and post-traumatic arthritis (2 cases). Modified Phemister is a reliable technique, technically easy, a low learning curve procedure and cheap with low hardware's costs.

Hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular joint separations restores coracoclavicular distance more accurately than PDS augmentation, however presents with a high rate of acromial osteolysis

Hook plate fixation of acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations carries the disadvantage of compulsory implant removal, occasional implant fatigue and secondary loss of reduction. This study compares the clinical and radiological outcome of a new polyaxial angular stable hook plate (HP) with absorbable polydioxansulfate (PDS) sling. Between 2002 and 2009, out of a consecutive series of 81 patients with symptomatic Rockwood type V lesions 52 patients received clinical and radiographic follow-up (HP: n = 27; PDS: n = 25). HP patients were prospectively analyzed and retrospectively compared with the PDS group. Radiological follow-up included comparative coraco- and acromioclavicular distance (CCD/ACD) measurements as percentage of the uninjured shoulder. For clinical follow-up a standardized functional shoulder assessment with Constant Score, DASH Score, Taft Score and a self-report questionnaire including the visual analog scale (VAS) was carried out. Direct postoperative radiographs showed an overcorrection of CCD in the HP group (-4.4% of the uninjured side) and failure of anatomic correction in the PDS group (+11.0%). After implant removal, CCD increased in the HP group extensively to 16.7% (overall loss of reduction: 21.1%) and 23.9% in the PDS group. Redisplacement (100% increase of CCD) occurred in five cases (HP: 2, PDS: 3) and partial loss of reduction in four cases of each group. Comparing functional results no differences could be seen between both the groups (Constant-Score HP: 91.2 points, PDS: 94.6 points; Taft-Score HP: 9.4 points, PDS: 10.0 points). The DASH-Score revealed better results for PDS group (3.4 points, HP: 8.0 points). Signs of acromial osteolysis appeared in five cases (18.5%) in HP group. There was no case of implant failure. The X-rays of six patients (HP: 4, PDS: 2) showed AC-joint-osteoarthritis. Hook plate fixation employing a polyaxial angular stable plate finally restores the coracoclavicular distance more accurately than augmentation with a PDS sling. Although in HP group no implant failure occurred, major disadvantages are initial overcorrection and acromial osteolysis. Both have no influence on final functional results.

Suture Rupture in Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocations Treated With Flip Buttons

Acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations (ACDs) may be treated arthroscopically with flip buttons. This extra-articular fixation is easy to implant and is well tolerated. Between 2007 and 2009, 20 ACD patients (2 women and 18 men; mean age, 32 years) had surgery by the arthroscopic TightRope technique (Arthrex, Naples, FL). The main complication of this technique that has been reported is the partial loss of reduction at follow-up due to clavicular osteolysis under the superior flip button. We describe 4 cases with loss of reduction due to rupture of the sutures running across the buttons: 2 women with joint hyperlaxity and acute Rockwood grade IV ACD and 2 men, heavy manual workers, with joint hyperlaxity and acute Rockwood grade IV ACD. The use of flip buttons might not be indicated in patients with joint hyperlaxity because they are able to obtain immediate stability only on the vertical plane and not on the horizontal plane. Anteroposterior movements of the acromioclavicular joint might rub the suture against the bone tunnels leading to wear and cutting.

봉합 나사못과 Kirschner 강선을 이용한 제 5형 급성 견봉 쇄골 관절 탈구의 수술적 치료

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the clinical outcomes after operative treatment using two suture anchors and Kirschner wire for treating acute Rockwood type V acromioclavicular joint dislocation Materials and Methods: Between May 2006 and May 2009, 10 patients underwent surgical treatment for acute Rockwood type V acromioclavicular joint dislocation using two suture anchors and Kirschner wire and they were followed for a mean of 12.0 (range: 7-31) months. We analyzed the functional results by the Korean shoulder score, the Constant-Murley score and the reduction state of the acromioclavicular joint at the last follow-up. Results: All the cases achieved a satisfactory outcome. The mean Korean shoulder score was 89.9 (range: 81-100) points and the mean Constant-Murley score was 87.8 (range: 82-93) points. According to the radiologic findings, 8 patients achieved anatomical reduction of the acromioclavicular joint: there was a slight loss of reduction in one patient and a partial loss of reduction in one patient. None of the patients had deep infection or re-dislocation. Conclusion: The operative treatment using two suture anchors and Kirschner wire may be used for acute Rockwood type V acromioclavicular joint dislocation, and it has an advantage in that it can prevent chondral injury of the joint.

Clinical trial with the distal femoral nail

The clinical results after DFN-osteosynthesis of n = 56 AO-classification 33A-fractures (32%), 33C-fractures (43%), 32X-fractures (21%) and treatment of non-union (4%) are presented. Follow-up was available for 54 fractures (96%) after a mean of 1.2 years (range 0.2-2.8 years). 95% of patients showed full-weight-bearing with a knee flexion of 120 (60-140) degrees. Extension-deficit > 10 degrees was observed in 5.4%. All fractures were consolidated. One soft-tissue infection, one partial loss of reduction and one implant failure were observed. A significant axial malalignment was found radiologically in 17%, a loosened spiralblade or locking screw in 7.4%. In 91% of cases the result was judged as good to excellent by patients. The mechanical stability of the implant allows a save osteosynthesis of unstable supracondylar and complete articular femoral fractures without additional bone grafting. Mechanical stability and minimal invasive operative technique permit a safe bone healing without major complications.

Stabilization of acetabular fractures in elderly patients.

Eighteen patients who were sixty years or older and had an acute displaced fracture of the acetabulum were managed with open reduction and internal fixation. The average age of the patients was sixty-seven years (range, sixty to eighty-one years). Nine fractures were a result of a motor-vehicle accident, and nine occurred in a fall. Nine patients had multiple associated injuries, and most (sixteen patients) had other complex acetabular fractures. All of the patients had open reduction and internal fixation with either the ilioinguinal approach (thirteen patients) or the Kocher-Langenbeck approach (five patients). All patients were managed postoperatively with early mobilization and physical therapy. All fractures united, and only one patient had a partial loss of reduction. Four patients who had a concentric reduction had a gap of as much as three millimeters in the articular surface due to comminution of the fracture. The complications included two pulmonary emboli, which resolved with anticoagulation, and one undetected intra-articular fragment, which led to an additional operation. No infections or iatrogenic nerve injuries were noted. Seventeen of the eighteen patients were followed for at least two years (average, thirty-one months). These patients had an average Harris hip-score of 90 points postoperatively. The treatment was regarded as having failed in only one patient. Open reduction and internal fixation of selected displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly can yield good results and may obviate the need for early and often difficult total hip arthroplasty.