Pelvic Acetabular Surgery: A Quick Look

Pelvic acetabular surgery is performed to treat injuries to the structures surrounding the pelvis such as fractures and dislocation. This type of surgery is a key component in the restoration of the hip joint pain and greatly improves the quality of life for an individual. After an injury such as trauma to the pelvic region OR peach complex fractures, this type of surgery is performed. It is important to note the benefits of the various types of surgeries so that people can make informed decisions regarding their treatment.

Types of Pelvic Acetabular Surgery

Based on the classification of the injury, it is possible to categorize pelvic acetabular surgeries into different types. These types also include the approach for accessing the pelvis and technique in which the fracture is fixed. The types include the following:-

• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

Description: This is the most frequently performed technique that deals with acetabular fractures. During this surgery, the surgeon uses an incision to access the hip joint and realign the broken bones. After alignment, the surgeon uses internal fixation devices such as plates, screws, or pins to aid in bone stabilization during the healing process.

When It’s Completed: ORIF (An open reduction internal fixation procedure) is done for fractures that need repositioning and stabilization due to being moved away from their natural positioned or having been dislocated. 

• Arthroplasty (Surgery of the Hip)

Description: In severe joint destruction, or due to immense arthritis in the joint – a full hip joint replacement, called hip arthroplasty, is an option. The joint socket that is harmed is surgically and mechanically removed and replaced with a prosthetic covering to relieve pain and help regain activity.

 When It’s Completed: Hip joint replacement is recommended during acetabular fracture where fragments are not well contained to the joint or there is no possibility of healing to the normal hip anatomical structure. 

• Percutaneous Fixation

Description: This technique brings a minimal surgical trauma by replacing screws or pins through tiny cuts to bind the bone fracture. Less severe than ORIF, percutaneous fixation is usually reserved for non-displaced fractures or for patients with certain medical issues who cannot undergo open surgery. 

When It’s Completed: Non-displaced fractures are treated with percutaneous fixation or when other factors must be taken into account such as patient’s age or health condition.

• External Fixation

Description: In some instances, external fixation might be applied to help support the pelvis and acetabulum. This involves using rigid frames attached to the body with pins or screws inserted into the bone at a distance.

When It’s Done: External fixation is utilized when there are open fractures, severe fractures, or whenever it is hard to apply

• Arthritis or Degenerative Conditions

The acetabulum and hip joint might get injured due to arthritis or other degenerative conditions over a while. If joints become too damaged, they may require surgical repairs or replacements. This may happen if conservative methods like medications or physical therapies are enlisted with no success.

• Post-Traumatic Deformities

Some patients after an injury may sustain post traumatic deformities or misalignment of the pelvis region or at the hip joint. The purpose of the pelvic acetabular surgery is to rectify such deformations and reinstate functionality.

Why Is Pelvic Acetabular Surgery Done?

There are various purposes why surgeons perform pelvic acetabular surgery:

• Restoration of Joint Function

Pelvic acetabular surgery aims to improve the knee joint function. This type of surgery helps in repositioning and fixing the fractured bones in place, which enables the joint to function properly and alleviate it pain.

• Pain Relief

The majority of an individual’s pain can come from severe dislocating, hip fracture, or even arthritis. Pain management is key to skeletal health, and pelvic acetabular surgery assists in relief in the key areas of discomfort by repairing fractures or replacing severely damaged joints.

• Prevention of Long-Term Complications

If acetabular fractures or dislocations remain unattended, patients might find themselves faced with serious complications like chronic pain, arthritis, and other joint deformities later in life. With correct surgical approach to aligning the bones coupled with restoring the joint function, a patient is far less likely to suffer from these health concerns.

• Improving Quality of Life and Mobility

After someone undergoes surgery, a lot people report an improvement in their mobility and ability to perform daily activities. This is crucial for people who’s hip joints are the primary means for walking, working, or any leisure activities. 

Key Benefits of Pelvic Acetabular Surgery

Pelvic acetabular surgery has a few core benefits for patients that include:

• Speedy Recovery: Due to the right combination of surgery and professional supervised rehabilitation, many patients report faster recovery than traditional therapy options. This allows them to get back to their normal lives faster than before. 

• Renewed Strength and Joint Stability: After the operation, the joint is reinforced with the surrounding structures, which enables the patient to regain strength in the area and enhances joint stability. These steps invariably reduce the chances of injuries or complications in the future. 

• Better Results with Severe Injuries: Surgical treatment for people with severely fractured bones or damaged joints has undeniably better results than non surgical methods. A lot of these types of injuries if left untreated could result in permanent disabilities or chronic pain.

• Better Life Quality: The most significant benefit of pelvic acetabular surgery is restoring the ability to walk, move, and perform everyday tasks without pain. Most patients express optimial mental and physical wellbeing after successful surgery.

Closing Thoughts

Pelvic acetabulum surgery encompasses treatment of complex fractures, dislocated joints, and pelvic joint injury. The treatment may vary based upon the patient’s clinical condition with the use Opterative techniques such as open reduction and internal fixation, arthroplasty, percutaneous, and enfissation are employed. The surgery pain relief along with the restoration of function while reducing the chances of complications amputation. 

Patients who have undergone this surgical procedure have noted improvement in their mobility and life quality. You may schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor specializing in hip joint or pelvic problems for yourself or your relatives.