Acetabular reconstruction

Success in the treatment of an acetabular fracture can be measured on the basis of the following criteria: gap and step formation in the joint on a postoperative CT scan, secure bone healing postoperatively without secondary dislocation and with pain-free mobility, unrestricted weight bearing and longevity of the joint for more than two years after surgery without radiological and/or clinical signs of the onset of osteoarthritis. To attain this success the fracture has to be fully understood, correctly classified preoperatively and the treatment has to adhere to strict, standardized peri- and intraoperative protocols. Such treatment is only possible in hospitals which are sufficiently equipped in terms of experienced personnel and logistic organizations. The necessary steps that should be taken to achieve excellent results from the diagnosis to the preoperative set-up, surgical procedure, and postoperative treatment are presented in this paper.