Cable fixation and early total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of acetabular fractures in elderly patients

Eighteen patients with acetabular fractures, with a mean age of 76 years, were treated with cable fixation and acute total hip arthroplasty. Nine were T-shaped fractures, 4 associated transverse and posterior wall, 2 transverse, 2 posterior column and posterior wall, and 1 anterior and posterior hemitransverse fractures. One patient experienced 3 episodes of hip dislocation within 10 months after surgery. All the others had a good outcome at a mean follow-up time of 36 months. Radiographic assessment showed healing of the fracture and a satisfactory alignment of the cup without loosening. This option provides good primary fixation, stabilizes complex acetabular fractures in elderly patients, and permits early postoperative mobilization.     

Die Behandlung von Acetabulumfrakturen bei geriatrischen Patienten mittels modifizierter Kabelcerclage und primärer Hüfttotalprothese

This prospective study addresses early results of the treatment of acute acetabular fractures in elderly patients by total hip arthroplasty and cerclage wiring.Fifteen patients with an average age of 81 years were treated at our institution between February 1998 and December 2000. There were two transverse fractures, eight T-shaped fractures, two transverse fractures with associated posterior wall fracture, two posterior column fractures with associated posterior wall fracture, and one fracture of both columns. Treatment consisted of cerclage wiring of the fracture and primary non-cemented total hip replacement.All of the patients were followed for a mean of 36 months. Although there was one patient with three hip dislocations during the first 10 months after the operation, we found an excellent or good result for the entire group. During this relatively short follow-up period, we have not found a radiological loss of fracture reduction of more than 1 mm or a cup migration of more than 3.2 mm. All of the fractures healed and no loosening of the implant was evident.Primary total hip arthroplasty combined with internal fixation is a valid treatment option for acetabular fractures in the elderly. Preliminary results are convincing, but a bigger patient population and a longer follow-up time are necessary before we are able to draw final conclusions.     

The Levine anterior approach for total hip replacement as the treatment for an acute acetabular fracture

The treatment of acetabular fractures in part relies on the selection of a specific surgical approach that allows for accurate reduction of fracture fragments. Moreover, these acetabular approaches were not developed for the insertion of a total hip replacement. Therefore, if a total hip arthroplasty is to be the treatment of an acute acetabular fracture, a single incision that permits reduction of the acetabular fracture fragments and ease of insertion of the arthroplasty components would be desirable. The Levine anterior approach provides both accesses to the anterior wall/column for reduction and fixation and to the femoral shaft for insertion of a total hip replacement. This paper describes that surgical technique and our initial clinical experience with this approach for acute acetabular fractures. A consecutive group of 10 patients with acetabular fractures, all involving the anterior wall/column with articular impaction (>50% of the acetabular roof) including 2 cases with an associated posterior hemitrans-verse component, were reviewed. After fracture reduction and fixation, a hybrid total hip replacement was implanted in all cases with an average acetabular component size of 56 mm (range 52-64). At a mean follow-up of 36 months (range 24-53), all fractures united, and all acetabular components remained fixed with no evidence of migration or loosening. There were 2 complications, a Brooker grade II heterotopic ossification and 1 postoperative anterior dislocation treated successfully with closed reduction and spica cast immobilization. The average Merle d'Aubigné hip score at latest follow-up was 16 (range 13-18). The Levine anterior approach is a reliable, safe, and efficient technique that permits early mobilization of patients with anterior wall/column acetabular fractures requiring a total hip replacement.     

老年移位髋臼骨折手术治疗策略及疗效

目的探讨切开复位内固定术和一期全髋关节置换术治疗老年髋臼骨折的临床疗效并进行比较研究。方法1998～2005年间共收治45位年龄超过60岁的髋臼骨折患者，其中21例行切开复位内固定，10例行一期全髋关节置换术。手术距受伤时间不到2周，平均7d。术后常规给予抗凝药预防深静脉血栓形成，按康复计划进行恢复性功能锻炼，定期随访行髋关节功能Harris评分。结果本组随访1．5～7年，平均4年；最后随访时，切开复位内固定组Harris评分为69～84分，平均79分，优良率为57％，伴有较高的创伤性关节炎、异位骨化、股骨头骨坏死发生率；全髋关节置换术组患者的Harris评分为75～90分，平均84分，优良率为80％，仅有髋臼杯轻度移动（〈4mm），无假体松动、深部感染等并发症。结论全髋关节置换术治疗老年移位髋臼骨折可以取得比切开复位内固定更好的稳定性，术后恢复快、功能质量高，并发症少，是一种较好的选择。     

Osteosynthese bei Acetabulumfrakturen im Alter

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcome and incidence of hip arthritis in elderly patients with acetabular fractures. Because of poor bone quality in the elderly, even a low-energy trauma may lead to an acetabular fracture. An anatomical reconstruction of the acetabulum is necessary to achieve sufficient stability also for a potential hip arthroplasty. So far, there is very limited information on the outcome of acetabular fractures in the elderly. During a period of 6 years (2001-2006), 48 patients older than 60 years were admitted to our department with an acetabular fracture. Thirty-nine patients were treated operatively and nine patients non-operatively. Twenty-nine operatively treated patients were followed up. Nineteen of them were assessed using EQ-5D, SF-12 and Merle d'Aubigné questionnaires in addition to their clinical examination. Ten other surgical patients were only examined using the questionnaires. Of the 29 patients that were followed up, 5 underwent total hip arthroplasty due to secondary post-traumatic hip arthritis after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The range of motion of the operated hip was comparable to that of the non-operated contralateral side. However, the internal rotation was found to be slightly decreased at the operated side when compared to the non-operated contralateral side. Merle d'Aubigné score and physical and mental SF-12 score components as well as quality of life were better in patients treated with ORIF compared to those patients that were treated by secondary hip arthroplasty. Regarding the different treatment strategies (ORIF vs primary hip arthroplasty vs non-operative treatment) of acetabular fractures in the elderly, data from the literature are conflicting. Our results indicate that ORIF represents a good treatment option for acetabular fractures in the elderly. In patients that did not develop secondary hip arthritis, a good clinical outcome and quality of life was documented.     

一期人工全髋关节置换治疗中老年Pipkin Ⅳ型股骨头骨折

目的探讨一期人工全髋关节置换治疗中老年Pipkin Ⅳ型股骨头骨折的效果。方法对12例无坐骨神经损伤中老年Pipkin Ⅳ型股骨头骨折患者采用髋臼骨折复位钢板内固定、一期人工全髋关节置换术治疗。结果患者均获随访,时间12~36（22±3.8）个月。无假体松动、关节脱位及深部感染等并发症发生。根据Harris评分标准：优7例（94分±2.8分）,良5例（86分±2.3分）。结论采用髋臼骨折复位钢板内固定、一期人工全髋关节置换术治疗中老年Pipkin Ⅳ型股骨头骨折手术简单,临床效果显著。     

Total hip arthroplasty in acetabular fractures

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is a well-accepted treatment for established hip arthritis following acetabular fractures. If a conservatively managed or operated case progresses to non-union/mal-union failing to restore the joint integrity, it may eventually develop secondary arthritis warranting a total hip arthroplasty. Also, in recent years, acute total hip arthroplasty is gaining importance in conditions where the fracture presents with pre-existing hip arthritis, is not amenable to salvage by open reduction and internal fixation, or, a poor prognosis is anticipated following fixation.There are several surgical challenges in performing total hip arthroplasty for acetabular fractures whether acute or delayed. As a separate entity elderly patients pose a distinct challenge due to osteoporosis and need stable fixation for early weight bearing alleviating the risk of any thromboembolic event, pulmonary complications and decubitus ulcer. The aim of surgery is to restore the columns for acetabular component implantation rather than anatomic fixation. Meticulous preoperative planning with radiographs and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, adequate exposure to delineate the fracture pattern, and, availability of an array of all instruments and possible implants as backup are the key points for success. Previous implants if any should be removed only if they are in the way of cup implantation or infected. Press fit uncemented modern porous metal acetabular component with multiple screw options is the preferred implant for majority of cases. However, complex fractures may require major reconstruction with revision THA implants especially when a pelvic discontinuity is present.     

Total hip arthroplasty in acetabular fractures

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is a well-accepted treatment for established hip arthritis following acetabular fractures. If a conservatively managed or operated case progresses to non-union/mal-union failing to restore the joint integrity, it may eventually develop secondary arthritis warranting a total hip arthroplasty. Also, in recent years, acute total hip arthroplasty is gaining importance in conditions where the fracture presents with pre-existing hip arthritis, is not amenable to salvage by open reduction and internal fixation, or, a poor prognosis is anticipated following fixation.There are several surgical challenges in performing total hip arthroplasty for acetabular fractures whether acute or delayed. As a separate entity elderly patients pose a distinct challenge due to osteoporosis and need stable fixation for early weight bearing alleviating the risk of any thromboembolic event, pulmonary complications and decubitus ulcer. The aim of surgery is to restore the columns for acetabular component implantation rather than anatomic fixation. Meticulous preoperative planning with radiographs and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, adequate exposure to delineate the fracture pattern, and, availability of an array of all instruments and possible implants as backup are the key points for success. Previous implants if any should be removed only if they are in the way of cup implantation or infected. Press fit uncemented modern porous metal acetabular component with multiple screw options is the preferred implant for majority of cases. However, complex fractures may require major reconstruction with revision THA implants especially when a pelvic discontinuity is present.     

Early postoperative acetabular discontinuity after total hip arthroplasty

Periprosthetic acetabular fracture is a rare complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, we have treated 2 patients with acute postoperative acetabular discontinuity that occurred 2 and 3 weeks after primary THA. Both fractures were in elderly osteoporotic female patients with minimal trauma and may have developed from unrecognized intraoperative fractures. Pelvic stability was restored with acetabular revision using medial morselized bone grafting and a cemented reconstruction cage. This report demonstrates that early postoperative periprosthetic acetabular discontinuity after THA is a risk in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis and that salvage of acetabular fixation can be achieved with cemented cage reconstruction and medial morselized bone grafting.     

Stabilization of an acetabular fracture with cables for acute total hip arthroplasty

A critical stage of total hip arthroplasty for an acute acetabular fracture where extensive comminution, impaction, and osteopenia thwart the application of conventional open or closed methods, especially in the elderly, is stable fixation of the acetabulum. The use of 2-mm braided cables permits effective immobilization of the fracture for use in conjunction with a hybrid arthroplasty. The method is consistent with the use of a conventional arthroplastic incision and is suitable for other applications including the fixation of periprosthetic fractures, bulk allografts, and conventional acetabular fractures.     

Displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly: Results after open reduction and internal fixation

BackgroundThe optimal management of elderly patients with displaced acetabular fractures remains controversial. This paper aims to summarize the clinical results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and the possible factors influencing them.MethodsRadiographic and clinical data on 52 elderly patients with displaced acetabular fractures that were treated by ORIF between May 2000 and May 2008 were retrospectively analysed. Data, such as fracture type (Letournel's classification system), quality of reduction, clinical outcomes (Harris hip score and modified Merle d’Aubigne-Postel score), and radiological outcomes (Matta score), were evaluated.ResultsGood to excellent clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded in 43 (82.7%) and 37 patients (71.2%), respectively. Acetabular fractures without radiographic features, such as quadrilateral plate fracture, Gull sign, posterior dislocation of hip, posterior wall marginal impaction, comminuted posterior wall fracture, and femoral head injury, can still achieve good to excellent outcomes. However, patients with the abovementioned radiographic features tend to achieve fair or poor outcomes. When an acetabular fracture with the aforementioned features, except for femoral head injury, can achieve and maintain anatomic reduction until complete fracture healing, the difference between fractures with and without the radiographic features is no longer significant. The results indicate that the outcomes are more affected by reduction rather than radiographic features.ConclusionORIF may be suggested for displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly. Good to excellent outcomes and a high degree of patient satisfaction can be achieved in majority of the patients. We recommend ORIF as the preferred treatment for displaced acetabular fractures without the abovementioned radiographic features.Level of evidenceTherapeutic level IV.     

大转子后半截骨术在累及臼顶的髋臼骨折中的应用

目的：介绍一种新的大转子截骨方法,并评估后外侧入路联合该方法治疗累及髋臼顶部骨折的治疗效果。方法：2008年3月至2010年11月,采用髋关节后外侧入路联合大转子后半截骨治疗累及臼顶的髋臼骨折30例,其中男21例,女9例;年龄18—70岁,平均35．2岁。按照Letournel—Judet分型：后壁骨折10例,后柱骨折7例,横形骨折5例,T形骨折2例,横形伴后壁骨折1例,后柱伴后壁骨折3例,双柱骨折2例。根据Matta标准评估复位结果,改良的Merled＇Aubigne—Postel评分标准评定髋关节功能及美国医学研究委员会标准评定标准评估外展肌力。结果：所有患者获得随访,时间18—40个月,平均25个月。所有截骨获骨性愈合,平均愈合时间为8．4周（6-12周）。无骨不连、截骨块近端移位、内固定松动、断裂及深部感染等并发症发生。根据Matta标准：解剖复位17例,满意复位12例,不满意1例。末次随访时髋关节功能结果优11例,良15例,可3例,差1例。外展肌力4级3例,5级27例。结论：大转子后半截骨术可以增加臼顶部手术视野,有效提高股骨头与髋臼的解剖对应率,降低复位和固定难度,并发症少,为累及髋臼顸的骨折治疗提供了新思路。     

The management of complex acetabular fractures in the elderly with fracture fixation and primary total hip replacement

Osteoporosis and associated fragility fractures are an increasing problem across the developed world. The elderly osteoporotic acetabular fracture presents a difficult problem due to high failure rates and poor outcomes. Standard management may or may not include fracture fixation, but generally includes a period of protected weight bearing, even if total hip replacement has been performed. We present a series of 12 cases of complex osteoporotic acetabular fractures in elderly patients, managed successfully using primary fracture fixation and total hip replacement with trabecular metal technology. Immediate weight bearing was allowed in all cases, few complications have been seen, and no component migration has been identified in any case.     

Stabilization of acetabular fractures in elderly patients.

Eighteen patients who were sixty years or older and had an acute displaced fracture of the acetabulum were managed with open reduction and internal fixation. The average age of the patients was sixty-seven years (range, sixty to eighty-one years). Nine fractures were a result of a motor-vehicle accident, and nine occurred in a fall. Nine patients had multiple associated injuries, and most (sixteen patients) had other complex acetabular fractures. All of the patients had open reduction and internal fixation with either the ilioinguinal approach (thirteen patients) or the Kocher-Langenbeck approach (five patients). All patients were managed postoperatively with early mobilization and physical therapy. All fractures united, and only one patient had a partial loss of reduction. Four patients who had a concentric reduction had a gap of as much as three millimeters in the articular surface due to comminution of the fracture. The complications included two pulmonary emboli, which resolved with anticoagulation, and one undetected intra-articular fragment, which led to an additional operation. No infections or iatrogenic nerve injuries were noted. Seventeen of the eighteen patients were followed for at least two years (average, thirty-one months). These patients had an average Harris hip-score of 90 points postoperatively. The treatment was regarded as having failed in only one patient. Open reduction and internal fixation of selected displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly can yield good results and may obviate the need for early and often difficult total hip arthroplasty.     

髋臼骨折的手术治疗

目的 探讨髋臼骨折的分型、手术入路的选择及手术效果.方法 手术治疗22例髋臼骨折患者,后壁骨折和后柱加后壁骨折选择K-L入路,前柱、前壁骨折及横断骨折选择髂腹股沟入路,前后移位明显的横断骨折、T形骨折、双柱骨折选择前后联合入路.结果 22例均获随访,时间6个月~5年,骨折6~9个月均愈合.按Matta评定标准:解剖复位 9例,满意复位13例.根据改良的Merle d′Aubigne-Poster髋关节功能评分标准:优7例,良10例,可4例,差1例.1例股骨头坏死,3例创伤性关节炎,2例异位骨化.结论 按髋臼骨折的分型选择合适的手术入路和良好的骨折复位内固定是获得满意疗效的前提.     

Surgical treatment for complex acetabular fractures

Objective ： To explore the effect of surgical treatment on complex acetabular fractures. Methods： The data of 46 patients （38 males and 8 females, aged 16-75 years, mean = 38. 5 years ） with complex acetabular fractures, who were admitted to our hospital from January 1998 to December 2005, were analyzed retrospectively in this study. According to Letournel rules, posterior wall and posterior column fractures were found in 11 patients, transverse and posterior wall fractures in 13, T-type fracture in 4, both columns fracture in 10, and anterior column and posterior transverse fracture in 8. The choice of surgical approach was based on the individual fractures, which included flioinguinal approach in 5 patients, Kocher-Langenbech approach in 7, combined approach in 26, and extended iliofemoral approach in 8. Results： All the patients were followed up for 3.5 years averagely. The clinical outcomes were analyzed with Harris hip score and radiography. In 36 patients （78.3%）, the surgical procedure was successful （Harris hip score 〉 80 points）. The rate of excellent and good was about 86 %. Conclusions ： The keys to increase the effectiveness of surgical treatment on acetabular fractures are correct preoperative classification of factures and choices of appropriate surgical approach and time.     

髋臼后壁边缘压缩骨折伴髋关节后脱位的诊治

目的探讨髋臼后壁边缘压缩骨折伴髋关节后脱位的诊断与治疗。方法2000年2月- 2005年10月,对11例涉及髋臼后壁边缘压缩骨折伴髋关节后脱位患者进行回顾性总结,所有患者的后壁边缘压缩骨折、髋关节后脱位均由CT扫描得到证实。患者均采用手术切开复位,对边缘压缩骨折进行撬起和植骨,重建钢板螺丝钉内固定术。结果所有患者获得平均5-56个月(32．4个月)随访,临床结果采用改良d'Aubigne和Postel髋关节评分标准:优4例,良4例,可2例,差1例,优良率为72．7％。1例原发坐骨神经损伤,系骨折块压挫伤,于术后2个月完全恢复。1例因术中未严格保持伸髋屈膝位导致坐骨神经牵拉伤,4个月后基本恢复。1例异位骨化,为BookerⅡ型。1例复位欠佳者出现创伤性关节炎,关节间隙变窄。结论髋臼后壁边缘骨折伴髋关节后脱位患者容易发生边缘压缩性骨折,术前CT扫描可明确诊断,术中要对边缘压缩骨折部分撬起和充分植骨,提高股骨头与髋臼解剖对应率,可取得较好疗效。     

髋臼合并同侧股骨颈骨折的手术治疗与预后

目的 探讨髋臼合并同侧股骨颈骨折的手术方法与预后.方法 1990年10月至2008年1月共收治7例髋臼合并同侧股骨颈骨折患者,其中男5例,女2例;年龄22～55岁(平均38.6岁).髋臼骨折按Letournel分类:后壁骨折2例,后柱伴后壁骨折1例,横行伴后壁骨折2例,双柱骨折2例.股骨颈骨折按Garden分型:Ⅲ型2例,Ⅳ型5例.其中X线片和CT片示股骨颈骨折合并股骨头游离脱位于髋臼后上方者5例,仅显示股骨颈骨折而无脱位者2例.结果切开复位内固定术后X线片示5例移位髋臼骨折患者获解剖复位,2例获满意复位.股骨颈骨折均获满意复位和固定.7例患者术后获1～18年(平均8.6年)随访,X线片示5例合并股骨头脱位者日后均出现股骨头缺血性坏死,坏死率高达100%(5/5),髋关节功能恢复均为差,于内固定术后2～4年改行全髋关节置换术.而2例股骨头未脱位者至今X线片上仍未显示任何股骨头坏死迹象,也无创伤后关节炎表现,髋关节功能恢复均为优.结论 髋臼合并同侧股骨颈骨折患者,如同时合并股骨头脱位,因股骨头坏死率高,应首选全髋关节置换术治疗.如未合并股骨头脱位,可以考虑首选切开复位内固定.     

Results of operative treatment of fractures of the posterior wall of the acetabulum

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical outcome in patients in whom a displaced fracture of the posterior wall of the acetabulum had been treated by open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: One hundred patients who had had open reduction and internal fixation of an unstable unilateral fracture of the posterior wall of the acetabulum were studied. Ninety-four patients were assessed at a mean of five years (range, two to fourteen years) after the injury. Six patients with a poor result were followed for less than two years. The functional outcome was evaluated with use of the clinical grading system adopted by Letournel and Judet with incorporation of modifications by Matta. Patient, fracture, and radiographic variables were analyzed to identify possible associations with functional outcome. RESULTS: The reduction of the fracture, as determined with plain radiography, was graded as anatomic in ninety-seven patients and as imperfect in three. The clinical outcome at the time of final follow-up was graded as excellent in fifty-five patients, very good in twenty-five, good in nine, fair in one, and poor in ten. The radiographic result was excellent in eighty-one patients, good in five, fair in four, and poor in ten. There was a strong association between the clinical outcome and the final radiographic grade. Variables identified as risk factors for an unsatisfactory clinical result included a delay of greater than twelve hours before reduction of an associated hip dislocation, an age of fifty-five years or older at the time of injury, intra-articular comminution, and osteonecrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The uncomplicated radiographic appearance and relatively simple operative approach for fractures of the posterior acetabular wall belie the risk of poor results. Prompt reduction of an associated hip dislocation is imperative. Fractures in elderly patients and those with extensive comminution are more likely to have a poor clinical result. However, a high likelihood of a long-term good-to-excellent result can be expected following anatomic reduction and internal fixation of these fractures.     

带翼加强杯Ⅰ期治疗髋臼合并同侧股骨颈骨折

目的探讨带翼加强杯在Ⅰ期全髋关节置换治疗髋臼骨折合并同侧股骨颈骨折中的应用。方法对12例合并同侧股骨颈骨折的髋臼骨折行Ⅰ期全髋关节置换术(total hip arthroplasty,THA)。伤后5~18 d接受THA,12例均采用带翼加强杯合并自体植骨行髋臼侧固定,股骨侧均采用生物型固定。根据Harris评分和X线片对其临床效果进行评估。结果 12例患者均得到随访,平均随访时间3年9个月(2年1个月~5年7个月)。2例出现异位骨化,无脱位,未见假体移位及透亮带,无再翻修病例。术后Harris评分平均90分,较术前平均改善51分。所有随访患者髋关节功能均有明显改善,随访期内未发现假体松动。结论应用带翼加强杯行Ⅰ期全髋关节置换术是治疗髋臼骨折合并同侧股骨颈骨折的有效方法,这种方法强调髋臼重建结构的稳定性,避免了切开复位内固定引起的股骨头坏死等严重髋关节并发症,能显著改善关节功能,避免多次手术,减少患者的精神和经济负担。