Most acetabular fractures are not operated on right way. Because acetabular fractures damage the cartilage surface of the bone, an important goal of surgery is to restore a smooth, gliding hip surface.ĭuring the operation, your doctor will reconstruct the normal anatomy of the hip joint-aligning the bone fragments to restore the surface of the acetabulum, and fitting the femoral head into the hip socket. Most acetabular fractures are treated with surgery. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain, as well as an anti-coagulant (blood thinner) to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the veins of your legs. A leg-positioning device, such as an abduction pillow or knee immobilizer, can help you maintain these restrictions. If your doctor is concerned about joint instability-the ball of your hip sliding within or popping out of the socket- he or she may restrict the position of your hip, limiting how much you are allowed to bend it. To avoid bearing weight on your leg, your doctor may recommend that you use crutches or a walker for up to 3 months-or until your bones are fully healed. For example, patients with severe osteoporosis, heart disease, or other medical concerns may not be able to tolerate surgery. It may also be recommended for patients who are at higher risk for surgical complications. Nonsurgical treatment may be recommended for stable fractures in which the bones are not displaced. Your doctor will consider several things when planning your treatment, including: The scan will provide your doctor with a more detailed, cross-sectional image of your hip and can be helpful in preoperative planning. Because of the complex anatomy of the pelvis, a CT scan is commonly ordered for acetabular fractures. X-rays of acetabular fractures are taken from a number of different angles to show the pattern of the fracture and how out of place the bones are (displacement).Ĭomputed tomography (CT) scans. These studies provide images of dense structures, such as bones. You doctor will also carefully examine the rest of your body to determine if you have received any other injuries. In some cases, nerves may be injured at the same time that the acetabulum is fractured. He or she will also check to see if you can move your ankles and toes and feel sensation on the bottom of your feet. Your doctor will perform a thorough examination of your pelvis, hips, and legs. If there is significant blood loss, it may lead to shock-a life-threatening condition that can result in organ failure. If the fracture is due to high-energy trauma, there may also be injuries to the head, chest, abdomen, or legs. Patients with fractures caused by high-energy trauma will almost always go or be brought to an urgent care center or emergency room for initial treatment because of the severity of their symptoms. Knowing the severity and specific pattern of your fracture will help your doctor determine treatment.
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