Posterior Wall Fractures of the Acetabulum: Characteristics, Management, Prognosis

A consecutive series of 60 fractures of the posterior wall of the acetabulum, treated operatively in a Level I Trauma center, is reviewed retrospectively. Characteristics of the lesion, type of treatment, early and late postoperative complications and two-year functional results were recorded. In 27 patients (45%), additional damage to the cartilage of the acetabular cavity such as subchondral impaction, free articular fragments or separation of the posterior wall into several pieces was present. Seven patients (11.6%) showed preoperative neurological deficit. All fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation through a Kocher-Langenbeck approach. Secondary nerve damage wa…