Acetabular disruption and central fracture-dislocation of the hip. A long-term study.

Displaced acetabular fractures are serious injuries often resulting in permanent disability. Fifty-five patients with fifty-six such injuries seen at the Campbell Clinic between 1927 and 1970 had either central dislocation with or without fracture of the weightbearing dome, or acetabular disruption usually associated with posterior displacement of the hip. After an average follow-up of 8.6 years, 56 per cent of those treated without surgery had good or satisfactory results compared with 54 per cent good or satisfactory results in those treated surgically. Patients with displaced fractures of the acetabular dome not reduced by manipulation and traction should be considered candidates for open reduction.