OBJECTIVETo analyze the early clinical effects of total hip arthroplasty(THA) for the treatment of old acetabular fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2007 to June 2010, thirteen patients with old acetabular fractures were reviewed, including 10 males and 3 females. Ten patients were treated with internal fixation and conservative treatment had been used in three patients. The average Harris Hip Score was used to evaluate therapeutic effects.

RESULTSAfter operation, all thirteen patients were followed up for one year. Hip X-ray films were taken and prosthesis loosening was not seen on any of the films at the 1st year after operation. The Harris Hip Score improved from preoperative (37.19 +/- 20.12) to postoperative (83.38 +/- 3.33), there was statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSIONFor reasons of malunion or failure of internal fixation, large and various bone defect, it's difficult to reach the anatomical reduction. THA is a good treatment method, but it needs rich skills and experience compared with ordinary operation.

Acetabulum ; injuries ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; methods ; Female ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies