Long-term outcome and late complications of acetabular fracture

The long-term functional results of acetabular fractures are assessed in terms of the corresponding criteria of Merle-D'Aubigne and Postel (pain, mobility, walking). Other essential criteria include the quality of reduction and the radiological appearance. The age of the patient, the type of fracture and, above all, the interval between the accident and the surgical treatment or reduction of the fracture must be counted among the decisive factors which influence the late effects of this injury. Whether or not reduction can correctly center the femoral head in the socket is of paramount importance, but postoperative infection or the development of a hematoma may also critically affect outcome. In addition to a report on the long-term results achieved at the Trauma Department of the University Hospital of Freiburg, Germany, the literature on the late complications of acetabular fracture is also reviewed.