An Unusual Combination of Acetabular and Pelvic Fracture: Is This a New Subtype of Acetabular Fracture?

Acetabular fractures are a common problem among young males. An acetabular fracture with disruption of the joint surface, if untreated, will rapidly lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Proper reduction and internal fixation depend on accurate classification and the quality of imaging.

We present an unusual form of acetabular fracture, which is not included in the conventional classification (Judet and Letournel) ; this occurred in a middle-aged male who was operatively treated without any complications. In this case due to posterior extension of the fracture into the SI joint and concomitant anterior column fracture in the area above the acetabular dome, no portion of the acetabular anterior surface remained connected to the innominate bone.

We recognized this type of fracture and treated it similarly to both column fractures. We recommend that the classification of acetabular fractures be modified to include this type of fracture.