[Direct communication between the lower urinary tract and the hip joint complicating acetabular fracture. A case report].

INTRODUCTION

Urinary complications are rare in acetabular fractures (3.5 p. 100). They can lead to immediate, secondary or late complications.

CASE REPORT: The authors report the case of an uretro-acetabular fistula in a complex acetabular fracture. Intravenous urography showed the fistula with opacification of the hip joint. Surgical treatment of the fracture was contra-indicated due to the septic risk. Post traumatic degenerative joint disease appeared in our patient and a total hip arthroplasty was performed at 18 months post injury. At 6 months follow-up, clinical biological and radiographical status was good.

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSION

Hip joint contamination with urines due to uretroacetabular fistula could be responsible for septic hip arthritis and late joint deterioration. Urine drainage using a cystocatheter as in our observation is recommended. Primary and secondary treatment of the acetabular fracture remains difficult.