COMPARATIVE RETROSPECTIVE STUDY BETWEEN RESULTS OF FIXATION OF TRANSTECTAL VERSUS JUXTATECTAL ACETABULAR FRACTURES

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:Transverse acetabular fractures pose a significant risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. This study aimed to compare the incidence of osteoarthritis and functional outcomes between transtectal and juxtatectal subtypes.AIM: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of transtectal and juxtatectal acetabular fractures regarding post-operative osteoarthritis and functional outcomes to provide further insight into their management.PATIENTS AND METHODS:A retrospective study analyzed 52 patients with surgically treated transtectal and juxtatectal acetabular fractures. Data on demographics, injury characteristics, surgical approach, and postoperative outcomes were collected.RESULTS: While both groups achieved high rates of anatomical reduction, the juxtatectal group exhibited a trend towards increased sciatic nerve injuries. The transtectal group demonstrated a higher incidence of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis (33.3% vs. 16.0%) and experienced significantly higher levels of pain compared to the juxtatectal group. Functional outcomes, as assessed by the Oxford Hip Score, were comparable between groups.CONCLUSIONThis study highlights distinct clinical and functional outcomes between transtectal and juxtatectal acetabular fractures. The transtectal group exhibited a higher incidence of pain and a trend towards increased osteoarthritis, emphasizing the importance of tailored management strategies for each fracture subtype. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is warranted to validate these findings and guide future clinical practice.