Acetabular pelvic fractures

Background

• Fractures usually when head of femur forced into acetabulum
• Obvious when displaced, subtle non-displaced

Radiographically

• Iliopubic line extends from ilium to superior pubic ramus
• Ilioischial line- extends from ilium to ischial ramus forming radiographic teardrop, "U" shaped, on AP pelvis
• Quadrilateral plate forms medial wall of acetabulum
• Fractures characterized by:
  • Anterior column-anterior acetabulum to pubic ramus
  • Posterior column- posterior acetabulum to ischial ramus
  • Anterior and posterior columns merge to form acetabular dome= weight bearing portion
    • Fractures involving acetabular dome require operative fixation