Use of a Trochanteric Flip Osteotomy Improves Outcomes in Pipkin IV Fractures

The optimal surgical approach for combined femoral head and acetabular fractures (Pipkin IV) is controversial because of their rarity and lack of definitive reports. Surgical dislocation with trochanteric flip osteotomy (TFO) allows simultaneous exposure of the acetabulum and femoral head. We protected the obturator internus and inferior capsule during repair with a heavy suture at the inferior extent of the traumatic capsulotomy. We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients with Pipkin IV fractures treated using this approach during a 6-year period. The minimum followup was 24 months (mean, 47 months; range, 24–71 months). Clinical outcomes were measured using the Merle d’Aubigné-Postel and Thompson-Epstein scoring scales. Radiographically, all patients achieved healing of their acetabular fractures; 11 achieved healing of the femoral head fracture and osteonecrosis developed in one patient. The average Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score was 15.6 of 18; using the Thompson-Epstein score, 10 of the 12 patients had good or excellent outcomes, one had a fair outcome, and one had a poor outcome. Trochanteric flip osteotomy allowed for simultaneous exposure and repair of both lesions in Pipkin IV fractures. Using a uniform surgical protocol with TFO rendered clinical results comparable to previously reported outcomes in series of isolated femoral head fractures

Acetabular revision surgery with impacted bone allografts and cemented cups in patients younger than 55 years

This article summarises a clinical and radiographical analysis of 30 acetabular revisions in patients younger than 55 years old, performed with impaction bone grafting and cemented cups. Preoperative Merle D’Aubigne and Postel functional score was an average 7 points. At a mean follow-up of 86.5 months (range 34–228) functional score averaged 16.3 points. Radiolucent lines with no clinical impact were observed in 7% of DeLee and Charnley acetabular zones evaluated. Massive radiological migration, consistent with clinical failure, was observed in two cups. Three patients underwent re-revision surgery (10%): two due to infection and one due to mechanical failure. Reconstruction survival rate was 89% (CI 95% 71.9–96.4) overall, and 96% (CI 95% 82.6–99.3) ruling out cases of infection. Impacted bone allograft constitutes one of the reconstructive techniques of choice in acetabular revision surgery of young patients. Restoration of bone stock is essential in this group of patients due to the possibility of future revisions

Application of a shape-memory alloy internal fixator for treatment of acetabular fractures with a follow-up of two to nine years in China

Displaced acetabular fractures should be treated surgically. Over the past decade, surgical approaches to the acetabulum and the surgical technique for repair of common fracture patterns have advanced. Excellent outcomes after repair of these injuries can be achieved. The aim of this study was to assess the medium-term results of reconstruction of acetabular fractures by using shape-memory alloy designed by the authors. This is a retrospective review conducted at a level 1 trauma centre. From October 1999 to July 2009, 19 patients with acetabular fractures were treated with our patented Ni-Ti shape-memory alloy acetabular tridimensional memory alloy-fixation system (ATMFS). The ATMFS device was cooled with ice before implantation and then warmed to 40–50°C after implantation to produce balanced axial and compression forces that would stabilise the fracture three dimensionally. Our results are as follows; according to the D’Aubigne−Postel scoring system: Fifteen cases out of 19 (79%) achieved excellent or good clinical results. In two patients, late complications included avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) associated with posterior dislocation of the hip joint two years after the operation. We also observed two cases of grade II or III ectopic ossification, with good hip function, and one case of traumatic arthritis. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of the ATMFS device for the management of acetabular fracture. The device provides continuous compression of the fracture with minimal disruption to the local blood supply