Transitional and Extra-articular Forms

Abstract

Our study of the anatomical and radiological features of fractures of the acetabulum has been conducted over three decades. Personal observations have led to the isolation, from a previously somewhat amorphous group, of the posterior wall fracture with marginal impaction, isolated fractures of the anterior and posterior columns, the associated anterior column and posterior hemitransverse fracture, the associated posterior column and posterior wall fracture and the both-column fracture. As the series grew, we were led progressively to accepting all the types of injury as members of a spectrum; the interrelationship between them is logical and based on observable mechanical factors, namely, the description and site of application of the injury force, the anatomy of the bones concerned, and the composite mechanical properties of these. The exact analysis in any one fracture would be difficult to achieve, of course, but the broad outline is not too complicated to grasp.