Objective: Acetabular fractures, often resulting from high-energy traumas, are serious orthopedic injuries that significantly affect both the stability and function of the hip joint. This study aims to evaluate the functional, clinical, and radiological outcomes of various fixation materials (cables, plates, and screws) used during acute total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with acetabular fractures. By comparing different fixation techniques, it seeks to determine their relative efficacy and their contributions to achieving stable fixation and improved clinical outcomes.
Materials and
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 57 patients treated with acute THA between 2007 and 2018. Patients were grouped based on the fixation method used: Cables, plates, or screws. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Merle d’Aubigne-Postel scoring systems, while radiological evaluations focused on stability, heterotopic ossification (HO), and component alignment. Statistical analyses were performed to compare functional and radiological outcomes among groups.

Results: The mean HHS was 85.5, and the overall mobility rate was 86%. While no statistically significant differences were found in functional scores, complication rates, or radiological outcomes among the fixation groups, trends were observed. Cable fixation was associated with lower HO rates (39% vs. 61% overall), while plate fixation showed slightly higher mobility rates. The overall complication rate was 26.3%, with HO observed in 61% of patients. Despite these challenges, patient outcomes were generally satisfactory, with stable fixation achieved in all cases.

Conclusion: Acute THA is a viable treatment option for acetabular fractures, particularly when open reduction and internal fixation alone cannot ensure adequate stability. Stable fixation is the primary determinant of successful outcomes, irrespective of the fixation method used. Future studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings and optimize fixation strategies based on patient-specific factors such as bone quality and fracture complexity.