Bilateral acetabular fracture secondary to high-velocity trauma: A rare case report

Abstract

Bilateral acetabular fractures have long been described in seizure patients, osteoporotic acetabular insufficiency. Few cases have been reported in the context of high-velocity trauma. The bilateral traumatic acetabular fracture is very rare and complex due to the unique nature of the force and the fracture pattern. A 48-year-old female patient was admitted to our orthopedic ward for bilateral acetabular fracture after a road traffic accident. On admission, the patient presented with some associated complications susceptible to influence the prognosis. In conclusion, bilateral acetabular fracture secondary to high-velocity trauma can be successfully managed with open reduction and internal fixation, even in cases with a very high risk of surgical site infection and sepsis.

Figure 1. Preoperative radiographs: (a) and (d) anteroposterior view, (b) right obturator oblique view, (c) the left iliac oblique view, (e) left iliac oblique, (f) right iliac oblique.

Figure 2. Patient’s radiographs. Preoperative: anteroposterior view (a), obturator oblique view (b and c), postoperative radiograph showing good reduction and stable fixation (d-f).

Figure 3. (a) Operative approaches: a and d= Iliac fossa approach, b= modified Stoppa approach, c= previous inguinal suture line after emergency management of post traumatic soft tissue injury, e= previous suture line after Laparotomy exploration. (b) f= K-L (Kocher-Langenbeck) approach.