Functional Outcome of Acetabulum Fracture Managed With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Background: Acetabular fractures represent a complex orthopedic challenge due to their association with high-energy trauma and potential for long-term disability. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) remain the standard treatment, aiming to restore joint congruency and optimize functional outcomes. Objective: To determine the functional outcome of acetabular fractures managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Study Design: Descriptive study. Setting: The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar, Pakistan. Duration of Study: 22-12-2024 to 22-05-2025.Methods: A total of 65 patients aged 18–65 years with radiologically and clinically confirmed acetabular fractures were included. All patients underwent ORIF via surgical approaches tailored to their fracture pattern. Functional outcome was assessed three months postoperatively using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), categorizing results as excellent (41–48), good (34–40), fair (27–33), or poor (0–26). Data were analyzed to determine the distribution of outcomes according to fracture type and patient demographics. Results: The mean age was 45.12 ± 13.99 years, with a male predominance (64.6%). The most frequent fracture type was both-column (38.5%), followed by posterior wall (36.9%). At three-month follow-up, outcomes were excellent in 44 patients (67.7%), good in 17 (26.2%), and fair in 4 (6.2%). No poor outcomes were observed. Conclusion: ORIF for acetabular fractures demonstrated favorable short-term functional outcomes, with 67.7% of patients achieving excellent and 26.2% good results at three months. These findings support ORIF as an effective strategy for restoring hip function in patients with acetabular fractures.