This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
No advantage, disadvantage found for early, late fixation of certain fractures
In terms of estimated blood loss or operative time, no advantage or disadvantage was found for early fixation compared with late fixation for posterior wall, associated both column or anterior column posterior hemitransverse acetabular fractures, according to study results.
Researchers retrospectively reviewed charts and anesthesia records for 288 patients who had sustained either posterior-wall, associated both column (ABC) or anterior column posterior hemitransverse acetabular (ACPHT) fractures. Among these patients, 176 posterior-wall fractures were treated through a Kocher-Langenbeck approach, and 112 ABC/ACPHT fractures were treated through an anterior intrapelvic approach. Main outcome measures included estimated blood loss (EBL) and operative time.
Study results showed ABC/ACPHT fractures had greater EBL, operative time and hospital stay compared with posterior-wall fractures. No difference was found in EBL or operative time when comparing early vs. late treatment of posterior-wall fractures, however. Similar results were seen when comparing early vs. late treatment of ABC/ACPHT fractures, according to the researchers.
Disclosure: Archdeacon is a paid consultant for Stryker; lectures for Stryker, AO North America and Smith & Nephew; and receives royalties from Slack Incorporated.