Abstract
PURPOSE: We analyzed the anatomical results of operative treatment in acetabular fractures according to fracture pattern and surgeon's experience.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: From December, 1993 to December, 1999, 100 cases of acetabular fractures operated by single surgeon were analyzed. Fracture configuration
was classified by Letournel's method. The anatomical results were classified by Matt' s criteria and Claude Martimeau score.
RESULTS: There were 36 elementary fractures(anterior column type: 4 cases, posterior wall type: 29 cases, transverse type: 3 cases) and 64 complex fractures(posterior wall and posterior column type: 4 cases, anterior and posterior hemitransverse type: 8 cases, transverse and posterior wall type: 16 cases, T type: 6 cases, both column type: 30 cases). According to Matta's criteria, all elementary fractures were seen anatomic or satisfactory results however, eleven cases of combined fracture were seen unsatisfactory results. Mean Claude Martimbeau's score was 6.1 point. Elementary fracture was 7.5 point and combined fracture was 5.4 point. Both column fracture was 4.4 point and it was the lowest point among the fractures. In both column fracture, the improvement of surgeon's skill made more good anatomical results. There were four cases of infection and 2 cases of nerve injury.
CONCLUSION: In operative treatment of acetabular fractures, complexity of fracture demands more appropriate surgical approach and skillful surgeon,