Percutaneous retrograde screwing for stabilisation of acetabular fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of retrograde percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) in minimally or undisplaced acetabular fractures in a geriatric population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1998 and July 2001, 21 consecutive patients with an acetabular fracture underwent fluoroscopic guided percutaneous fixation. The mean age was 81 years (range 67--90 years). In all cases, the fracture was minimally or undisplaced (<2mm). Two cannulated cancellous 7.3mm screws were inserted in a retrograde fashion to stabilise the posterior and the anterior column. Bed to chair transfer began after 24h. Weight bearing as tolerated was allowed at 4 weeks. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were reviewed at a mean of 3.5 years (range 2--5 years). Soft tissue dissection was minimal. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. At the latest follow-up there was no radiographical evidence of secondary displacement of fragments, degenerative changes, or screw failure. Fractures healed at a mean time of 12 weeks (range 8--15 weeks). Clinical results were satisfactory in 17 patients. CONCLUSION: Our results show that percutaneous screw fixation under fluoroscopic control is a safe technique to treat some pattern of acetabular fracture.