What is a posterior column fracture?

Posterior column fractures involve the posterior portion of the acetabulum, disconnecting it from the sciatic buttress (Fig 6, Movie 3). The fracture runs from the greater sciatic notch through the acetabulum and the obturator foramen and into the ischiopubic ramus.

What is the posterior column acetabulum?

The anterior column of the acetabulum includes most of the iliac wing, the anterior acetabulum, and the superior pubic ramus. The posterior column begins at the sciatic notch and includes the posterior portion of the acetabulum and the ischium. Anteroposterior view of the pelvis.

What is the treatment for a fractured acetabulum?

Surgical Treatment. Most acetabular fractures are treated with surgery. Because acetabular fractures damage the cartilage surface of the bone, an important goal of surgery is to restore a smooth, gliding hip surface.

Is acetabular fracture a hip fracture?

An acetabular fracture is a break in your hip socket. Your hip is a “ball-and-socket” joint. Your acetabulum, which is part of your pelvis, forms the socket. Your femoral head, which is the upper end of your femur (thigh bone), forms the ball.

How is a acetabular fracture diagnosed?

For acetabular fractures, a physician will generally take a full medical history, perform a physical examination and order X-rays and/or a CT scan to determine the extent and pattern of the fracture.

What makes up posterior column pelvis?

The posterior column is composed of the greater and lesser sciatic notches, posterior wall and dome of the acetabulum, and ischial tuberosity.

What is the posterior column of the pelvis?

The posterior, or ilioischial, column is composed mainly of the ischium and a small part of the ilium. It extends from the posterior iliac body just below the angle of the greater sciatic notch down the ischial body into the inferior obturator (ischiopubic) ramus.

How serious is a broken acetabulum?

Acetabular fractures usually require surgery to repair. Acetabular fractures are severe injuries, and they also come with a likelihood of complications. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment and recovery plan for you.

Where is the posterior acetabulum?

Basic Anatomy An acetabulum fracture is a break of your hip socket (red line on Figure 1). A posterior wall acetabular fracture is a specific break in the back part of your hip socket. This back wall of bone is important as it helps keep the ball of your femur in the socket.

How long does it take to heal acetabular fracture?

It takes eight to 12 weeks for an acetabular fracture to heal. The outcome varies depending on the severity of the fracture, type of fracture, any other injuries sustained, your age, health history and smoking status. (Smoking can hinder the healing process and also increases your risk for complications.)