Traumatic acetabular fracture in an intercollegiate football player: a case report.

OBJECTIVE

To present the case of a 22-year-old football player who sustained an acute posterior-wall acetabular fracture.

BACKGROUND

Acetabular fractures can be a difficult injury for the athletic trainer to assess. Aside from the obvious immediate ramifications, proper assessment and care are necessary to decrease the chance of developing posttraumatic arthritis and other long-term complications.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Anterior column fracture, T-shaped acetabular fracture, segmental fracture of the femoral head, femoral neck fracture, capsular tear, retroperitoneal hematoma, posterior column acetabular fracture.

TREATMENT: The athlete was treated with open reduction internal fixation using 5 screws and a plate. He pursued a rehabilitation program and returned to full activity 9 months later.

UNIQUENESS: Acetabular fractures are usually associated with motor vehicle accidents. However, this athlete sustained an injury mechanism that rarely occurs in athletes.

CONCLUSIONS

Certified athletic trainers need to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with acetabular fractures. Initial recognition and appropriate management and treatment are essential to avoid long-term complications.