Background
Fractures involving both the acetabulum and the ipsilateral femoral trochanter are rarely reported. The aims of our study were to identify the etiological characteristics, summarize the treatment methods, and analyze the mid- to long-term prognosis for this kind of rare injury.
Methods
A total of 18 patients who were treated in our hospital for a combination of ipsilateral acetabular fracture and intertrochanteric fracture from 2003 to 2013 was retrospectively analyzed. The etiology, fracture classifications, treatment and prognosis of patients were identified.
Results
We followed up with patients for 6.2 years to 16 years. In this study, injuries occurred most commonly via traffic accidents, followed by falls from a tall height and crushing injury. Six patients had posterior dislocation of the hip joint. Evans type 3 fracture and Letournel type 1 fracture were the most common fractures among these patients. All patients received internal fixation for their intertrochanteric fracture. Some patients also received internal fixation for their acetabular fracture. However, for the other patients, acetabular fractures were treated conservatively or with fracture fragment resection. One elderly (87 years) female patient had pulmonary disease and died at 24 days postoperatively. In other patients, fractures all achieved bony healing. Twelve patients achieved excellent and good results (Harris score ≥ 80 points), and 5 patients achieved fair and poor results (Harris score < 80 points). The proportion of patients who achieved an excellent-good Harris score was 70.6%. Dislocation of the hip was found to be an independent risk factor (HR = 9.194, 95% CI = 1.024–82.515) for poor patient outcomes.
Conclusion
The detailed characteristics of patients with acetabular fracture and ipsilateral intertrochanteric fracture were identified in this study. For patients who undergo surgical treatment, fracture healing is usually achieved. However, the occurrence of complications, especially avascular necrosis, is the major cause of poor prognosis. Dislocation of the hip joint at the time of injury is considered to be an important risk factor for poor prognosis.