OBJECTIVE: To conduct a prospective study on unstable and incongruent fractures of the acetabulum, in comparison with the literature, covering the type of access, fixation materials, degree of reduction, type of fracture and results after surgery. METHODS: The authors evaluated 76 patients with unstable and incongruent fracture of the acetabulum between January 1999 and December 2009. The Marvin Tile classification was used, and all cases were treated surgically using the technique recommended by the AO-ASIF group. RESULTS: The radiological evaluation was done in accordance with the Ruesch criteria, and good, excellent or perfect results were obtained for 64 patients (84.2%). The clinical evaluation was done in accordance with the Harris criteria, and good or excellent results were obtained for 62 patients (81.6%). The complications were assessed and, in comparison with the literature, were shown to be compatible with previous reports even after the statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that anatomical reduction and stable fixation are important for good results.
Acetabulum; Bone Fractures; Prospective Studies
