ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the therapy for acetabular comminuted fractur e combined with compressive defects. Methods From July 1997 to February 2005, 43 cases of comminuted acetabular fracture combined with compressive defect were t reated. 25 cases were obsolete, 16 fresh, and 2 malformed (90 days after injury) . 34 cases were complicated fractures with defects, and 9 simple fractures with defects. The defect volumes ranged from 3 to 9 cm3, averaging 4.5 cm3. They were treated with ATMFS (acetabular tridimensional memory fixation system) to fixate the comminuted bone fragments tridimensionally. The modified acetabular approac h, reduction of acetabular comminuted articular face, anatomical reconstruction of posterior wall of acetabulum with autogenous ilium, autogenous and artificial bone implantation and bone wax isolation were used. The follow-ups lasted from 5 to 86 months, averaging 15.7 months. Results 31 cases achieved anatomical red uction by filling up the compressive defects. 12 cases were treated by anatomica l reconstruction of posterior wall. On average, 5.3 months after operation, the injured hip joint was as good as the healthy one in 40 cases. Ischemia necrosis of femoral head occurred in 1 case, and 2 cases experienced heterotopic ossifica tion with ischemia necrosis of femoral head which led to osseous fusion of hip j oint. Conclusion The new methods for treatment of acetabular fractures with comp ressive defects elevate the reduction rate of acetabulum and femoral head, and a re effective for the functional recovery of hip joint.