What is the treatment for an acetabular fracture?

What is the treatment for an acetabular fracture?

Treatment for an acetabular fracture depends on the pattern of fracture and severity of your injury. If your fracture is stable and the bones are in place, surgery may not be necessary. Your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Crutches or a walker: Until your bones are fully healed, you won’t be able to put any weight on your leg. You may be on crutches or a walker for up to 12 weeks.
• Leg-positioning device: Your healthcare provider may want to restrict the positioning of your hip. You may use an abduction pillow or knee immobilizer to keep your hip in place.
• Pain relievers: Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medication to help with the pain.
• Anti-coagulants (blood thinners): Your healthcare provider may prescribe blood thinners to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the veins of your legs.
• A surgeon needs to repair most acetabular fractures with surgery. Depending on the pattern and severity of your injury, your surgeon may perform:
• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): With an ORIF, your surgeon puts the bone fragments back in place. A surgical anchor holds the fragments together until the bone heals.
• Total hip replacement: If your acetabulum is week or too damaged to repair, your surgeon may perform a total hip replacement. With a total hip replacement, your surgeon removes the damaged hip and cartilage and replaces them with artificial parts.