Comparison of the functional and radiological results of the conservatively and surgically treated displaced acetabulum fractured patients

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to compare the functional and radiological results of the conservatively and surgically treated displaced acetabular fractured patients. METHODS: The study included 61 patients with a displaced acetabulum fracture over the age of 18, who have been treated conservatively or surgically for acetabular fractures, between 2000 and 2014. Patients were divided into two groups according to their treatment type. Group 1 consisted of conservatively treated 31 between 2000 and 2010 patients and Group 2 consisted of surgically treated 30 patients between 2010 and 2014. The fractures were classified according to Judet and Letournel classification. Clinical evaluation of the patients was conducted according to Modified Merle D’Aubigne Score, SF-36, and Harris Hip Score. Radiological evaluation was evaluated according to Matta’s Radiological Evaluation Criteria. Kolmogorov–Smirnov, t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and two Wilcoxon paired sample tests were used for statistical analysis. The significance limit was chosen as p<0.05. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 10 years for the conservative group and 5.5 years for the surgery group. There was no statistically significant difference in functional scores between both groups (p>0.05), Matta’s radiological staging score was significantly higher in the operated group (p=0.023). CONCLUSION: Radiological scores are not directly correlated with the functional capacity. We obtained good radiological and functional scores in the surgical group, operative treatment should be considered when absolute indications are there. The outcome of conservatively managed fractures is not bleak. We think that there is an alternative to surgical treatment in displaced acetabular fractures and that similar functional results can be obtained in selected cases.