Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Plus Total Hip Arthroplasty for the Acute Treatment of Older Patients with Acetabular Fracture: Surgical Techniques

Abstract

Open reduction and internal fixation of displaced acetabular fractures has been the gold standard for treatment of these complex injuries. The subset of older patients with dome impaction, femoral head impaction, or a posterior wall component are considered for treatment with concomitant open reduction and internal fixation and total hip arthroplasty. Little has been written on the surgical techniques to perform concomitant open reduction and internal fixation plus total hip arthroplasty safely. This article describes the important intrinsic factors for acetabular component stability, choice of surgical approach for management of these injuries, and surgical technique for anterior and posterior approaches.

Keywords: Acetabular fracture; Geriatric; Kocher-Langenbeck approach; Levine (direct anterior) hip approach; Open reduction and internal fixation; Total hip arthroplasty.