A 60-year-old woman sustains a low-energy fall and is diagnosed with an acetabular fracture. CT shows a non-displaced anterior column fracture with a congruent hip joint and less than 2 mm of step-off. Which is the most appropriate management?
- A Non-operative management with toe-touch weight bearing for 6-8 weeks ✓
- B Immediate ORIF via ilioinguinal approach
- C Skeletal traction for 6 weeks
- D Total hip arthroplasty
Correct answer: A. Non-operative management with toe-touch weight bearing for 6-8 weeks
Explanation
Non-operative management is indicated for acetabular fractures that are congruent, stable, with less than 2 mm of displacement, and no posterior wall involvement. The patient should be managed with toe-touch weight bearing for 6-8 weeks with serial radiographs to ensure no displacement. ORIF is indicated for displaced fractures (>2 mm), incongruent hip, or posterior wall fractures with instability.
Reference: Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.