Analysis of Predictors of Results after Surgical Treatment of Acetabular Fractures

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the outcomes after surgical treatment of acetabular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2012, 106 patients with acetabular fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. We performed a retrospective cohort study to analyze the factors which may influence a patient's prognosis after surgical treatment of an acetabular fracture. The factors examined included age, femoral head injury, fracture type, dislocation, initial displacement, delay to injury-related surgery (in days), and quality of reduction. Additionally, we investigated clinical and radiological outcomes, as well as the development of osteoarthritis. RESULTS: Patients included 85 males (80.2%) and 21 females (18.8%) with a mean age of 50.4 (17-78) years. The mean follow-up period was 2.6 (1-10) years. In a univariable regression analysis, quality of reduction, age, and initial displacement were significantly associated with radiological and clinical outcomes. In a multivariable regression analysis, quality of reduction (P<0.001) and initial displacement (P=0.001) were found to be factors predictive of clinical and radiological outcomes. Additionally, the quality of reduction (P=0.005) was found to be predictive of osteoarthritis development. CONCLUSION: Study results indicated that the quality of reduction was the most important factor influencing the prognosis of patients with acetabular fractures.