Bilateral acetabular fractures (case report)

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Mar:116:109424. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109424. Epub 2024 Feb 22.

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Bilateral acetabular fractures are very rare. They are usually seen in the context of multiple trauma patients. This type of fracture poses a problem and difficulty in therapeutic management, sometimes resulting in serious sequelae and significant morbidity.

Case presentation: We report a rare case of bilateral simultaneous acetabular fracture in an adult, forty-seven years old man due to a road accident.

Clinical discussion: Bilateral acetabular fractures are very rare. While bilateral acetabular fracture most frequently occur due to automobile accidents, other mechanism can be responsible for this injury as well. Furthermore, bilateral acetabular fractures are frequently associated with other lesions of the surrounding bones or tissues. Surgery is the most suitable treatment in most cases. The development of osteoarthritis is the most common complication of acetabular fracture and is directly related to the post-operative reduction obtained. Heterotopic ossifications are a complication associated with acetabular fracture. In acetabular fracture, the primary objective of surgical treatment is anatomical reduction of the fracture that will determinate the future of hip.

Conclusion: The treatment goal of acetabular fracture is anatomic or near anatomic reduction of the articular surface. The risk of osteonecrosis is mostly related to the initial injury and time to reduction.

Keywords: accidents; acetabular fracture; orthopaedic; osteosynthesis; surgical treatment; trauma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports