An acetabular fracture can cause severe hip pain, limited mobility, and difficulty placing weight on the injured side. Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, and more than 100,000 patient evaluations. He evaluates the location, pattern, and severity of each fracture to determine whether nonsurgical care, fracture repair, or hip replacement may be appropriate. Learning how the hip socket works can help explain why these injuries require careful diagnosis and treatment.
Hip Socket Fracture Overview
The hip is the largest weight-bearing joint in the human body. It is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the upper end of the thighbone and a socket in the pelvis called the acetabulum.
An acetabular fracture is a break in the hip socket. The fracture may be complete or incomplete, simple or comminuted, and closed or open. A comminuted fracture causes the bone to break into multiple fragments.
These injuries often occur when the top of the thighbone is forced against the acetabulum. Acetabular fractures vary in pattern and severity and may have long-term effects on hip function.
The position, angle, and orientation of the fracture help Dr. Cohen determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
Acetabular Fracture Symptoms
The most common symptom of an acetabular fracture is hip or groin pain, especially pain that increases with movement or weight-bearing. Patients may also have difficulty walking or moving the injured leg.
If nerve damage is present, symptoms may include:
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Weakness in the leg
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Numbness
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Tingling
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Changes in sensation
An open fracture occurs when a broken bone or a wound extends through the skin. This is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. An acetabular fracture associated with a hip dislocation also requires emergency care.
Hip Socket Fracture Causes
Acetabular fractures are commonly caused by high-impact trauma. One frequent example is a motor vehicle accident in which the knee strikes the dashboard and forces the femoral head into the hip socket.
These fractures may also occur after a fall from a significant height, such as from a ladder. High-energy injuries often require immediate medical evaluation because other injuries may also be present.
In some cases, a lower-impact fall can cause an acetabular fracture. This is more likely in older adults or patients whose bones have been weakened by osteoporosis or another medical condition.
Acetabular Fracture Diagnosis
Treatment for an acetabular fracture depends on the fracture pattern, degree of displacement, associated injuries, and the patient’s overall health. Dr. Cohen reviews these factors along with imaging results to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Some acetabular fractures can be treated without surgery. Nonsurgical treatment may be appropriate for stable, nondisplaced, or minimally displaced fractures. It may also be recommended when a patient has medical conditions that make surgery unsafe.
Treatment may include:
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Crutches or a walker to limit weight-bearing
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Positioning aids or activity restrictions to protect the hip
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Medication to manage pain
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Physical therapy when appropriate
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Follow-up imaging to monitor healing and alignment
Dr. Cohen will provide instructions about movement, weight-bearing, and follow-up care based on the specific fracture.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be recommended when the fracture is displaced, unstable, or unlikely to heal in proper alignment without intervention. Dr. Cohen will explain how the fracture pattern, associated injuries, and existing medical conditions affect the surgical plan.
During fracture repair, the bone fragments are returned as closely as possible to their preinjury position. They are then secured with plates and screws or with screws alone.
In some cases, the acetabulum is too severely damaged to be repaired successfully. Total hip replacement may then be considered, particularly when there is extensive joint damage or a high risk of post-traumatic arthritis. This procedure replaces the damaged portions of the hip joint with prosthetic components.
Healing may take several months and varies based on the severity of the injury, the procedure performed, and the patient’s overall health. Dr. Cohen reviews the risks and benefits of the recommended procedure and provides a detailed postoperative plan designed to support recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Acetabular Fracture Care in Chillicothe, OH
Acetabular fractures require careful evaluation because the injury affects a major weight-bearing joint. Treatment may include protected weight-bearing, fracture repair, or total hip replacement, depending on the severity of the damage. Dr. Cohen develops a personalized plan based on imaging, overall health, and long-term mobility needs. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
