Pelvic & Acetabular Fracture Surgery
Pelvic fractures come from serious force and often bleed heavily. Acetabular fractures involve the hip socket itself, where the accuracy of the reconstruction determines whether the hip develops arthritis within years. Both need detailed planning and are among the most demanding operations in orthopaedics.
- Planned from CT reconstruction
- Bleeding controlled before fixation
- Accuracy determines long-term outcome
- Intensive care available on site
Stay
7 to 14 days
Duration
3 to 5 hours
Anaesthesia
General
About Pelvic & Acetabular Fracture Surgery
In the acute phase, a pelvic fracture is a bleeding problem before it is a bone problem, and control of haemorrhage comes first. Once stable, the reconstruction is planned from CT. For acetabular fractures the target is anatomical restoration of the joint surface, because even a small residual step leads to arthritis in a young patient.
- Acute pelvic fractures are a bleeding problem first
- Acetabular fractures need the joint surface restored accurately
- Planning is done from three-dimensional CT
- Weight bearing is restricted for several weeks
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about pelvic & acetabular fracture surgery. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest pelvic & acetabular fracture surgery.
- Unstable pelvic ring fractures
- Fractures of the acetabulum or hip socket
- Pelvic fractures with significant bleeding
- Pelvic injuries after road accidents or falls from height
- Fractures with associated hip dislocation
- Malunion or nonunion of previous pelvic fractures
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Resuscitation
Bleeding is controlled first, with a pelvic binder, fluids and blood, before any consideration of definitive surgery.
CT planning
Detailed CT with three-dimensional reconstruction maps the fracture, and the surgical approach is planned from it.
Reconstruction
The fracture is exposed, reduced as accurately as possible and fixed with plates and screws. This is lengthy surgery.
Rehabilitation
Weight bearing is restricted for six to twelve weeks, with physiotherapy from early on to maintain movement.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- These injuries arrive as emergencies with no preparation possible
- Family should expect a longer stay and a staged plan
- Blood transfusion is common and consent is usually taken early
- Ask about the weight-bearing plan, as it shapes the whole recovery
- Arrange substantial help at home well in advance of discharge
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Expect one to two weeks in hospital, sometimes longer
- Weight bearing is usually restricted for six to twelve weeks
- Clot prevention is important given the restricted mobility
- Physiotherapy continues for months after discharge
- Long-term follow-up watches for arthritis where the joint surface was involved
Why choose Humayun for pelvic and acetabular fractures
In acetabular fractures the accuracy of the reduction now decides whether the hip lasts decades.
- Bleeding controlled first, because a pelvic fracture is a haemorrhage problem before it is a bone problem
- Reconstruction planned from three-dimensional CT rather than plain films
- Intensive care and blood bank access in the same building
- Long-term follow-up, since the consequences of these injuries appear years later
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