OBJECTIVETo discuss the diagnosis and operative technology of acetabular fracture.

METHODS41 cases of displaced acetabular fractures were enrolled. CT and 3D-CT were performed before operation to understand the classification of fractures and to determine operative regimen. All cases were fixed by reconstruction plates and screws through the best approach.

RESULTS39 cases were followed up for 1 - 4 years, with an average of 1.5 years. Curative outcomes were assessed by Matta's criteria. Clinically, 16 (53.3%) 30 fresh fractures were excellent, 11 (36.7%) good, 3 (10%) fair. The rate of excellence and goodness was 90%. In 9 cases of old fractures, 2 were excellent, 3 good, 2 fair and 2 poor. The rate of excellence and goodness was 55.6%. Complications consisted of sciatic never injury, necrosis of the femoral head, and heterotopic ossification.

CONCLUSIONSThe time of operation, degree of injury, and quality of reduction of fracture are important factors affecting the postoperative function of the hip. The key to enhance the outcome is to verdict the type of fracture, select the proper approach before operation, and precise reduction and appropriate internal fixation during operation.