[Fracture of the acetabulum].

Severe trauma of the acetabulum is uncommon in children. However, it must be remembered that these apparently benign lesions can be responsible for serious complications. In a group of 31 children under the age of 16 years presenting with such lesions, 12 already had an adult type skeleton. Amongst the remaining children, 15 presented with fractures or fracture-dislocations of the acetabulum and 4 presented with marginal avulsions of the acetabular ridge. Two epiphysiodeses of the Y cartilage were observed, one in a 2 year old child, revealed by acetabular dysplasia at the age of 8 years, and the other in a 10 year old child which did not have any serious consequences. Three of the 4 cases of marginal avulsion were complicated by intra-articular incarceration, 2 of which were initially missed. Secondary surgical treatment achieved good functional recovery, but left radiological sequelae in the form of coxa magna.