Acetabulum fracture

The acetabulum is the articular structure formed on each side of the Pelvis (Each Hemipelvis or Unnamed Bone), by the central union of three different bones: Ilium, the largest bone located in the upper part; Pubis, the pelvic bone located anteriorly, and the Ischium, the lower pelvic bone located posteriorly. The Acetabulum plays a fundamental role in our movements, thanks to it is that the Head of the Femur can be contained and carry out activities such as walking, jumping and sitting.

When an Acetabulum fracture occurs, it usually involves a very high energy mechanism, that is, a blow or trauma such as a bent knee that hits the car in a car accident. This blow causes the Femur to move backwards, causing it to come out of its socket, hitting the edges or columns of the Acétabulo and consequently fracturing it. The cartilage of the joint also receives impact, which, added to the fracture, can generate Osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritis) in later time.

Syntoms: After receiving the high energy blow or trauma, the patient loses their ability to move since this fracture is usually accompanied by a hip dislocation. The pain is acute and intensifies with movement, so the most important recommendation is to avoid manipulating the patient's hip or leg by people who do not have the knowledge to do so.

Handling:
The handling that is given to this fracture must be very meticulous since it requires a few times and in a sequenced manner. The best option and usually necessary is with osteosynthesis (fixation surgery with implants of the fracture); It is recommended to wait between 5 to 7 days after the fracture, seeking improvement of the clinical parameters related to the polytrauma that the patient usually receives so that the surgery does not generate greater inflammatory damage due to this cause, likewise, time is given to the tissues that are are around the hip so they can deflate and allow better management of this injury. To reconstruct the cavity, implants called plates and screws are used strategically placed depending on the patterns of the fracture lines and to make it re-contain the femoral head without it being displaced again.