Question 1

What is an acetabular fracture?

Accepted Answer

The acetabulum is the socket part of your hip joint - the cup-shaped area in your pelvis where the ball of your thigh bone (femur) sits. An acetabular fracture is a break in this socket. These are serious injuries that usually happen in high-energy accidents like car crashes. The fracture disrupts the smooth joint surface, which can lead to arthritis if not properly treated. Think of it like breaking a teacup - if the broken pieces don't line up perfectly, it won't work properly anymore.

Question 2

How did this happen from a car accident?

Accepted Answer

Acetabular fractures typically occur in front-seat passengers during car accidents when their knee hits the dashboard. The force travels up the thigh bone and breaks the hip socket. This is called a 'dashboard injury.' The fracture pattern depends on the position of your leg and direction of force at impact. Drivers can also sustain this injury, as can motorcyclists and pedestrians struck by vehicles. These fractures require tremendous force, which is why they're associated with high-energy trauma.

Question 3

Will I need surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most acetabular fractures require surgery to achieve the best outcome. Surgery is recommended when: the joint surface is displaced (shifted out of alignment) by more than 2-3mm, the socket is unstable, or the hip is dislocated. The goal is to restore perfect alignment of the joint surface because even small irregularities can cause arthritis. Only very stable, minimally displaced fractures in selected patients can be treated without surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon will examine your CT scan to decide. About 80-90% of acetabular fractures require surgical fixation.

Question 4

How long will I be in hospital?

Accepted Answer

Hospital stays vary but typically range from 7-14 days for surgical treatment. The surgery itself takes 3-5 hours. You'll usually spend 1-2 days in high-dependency or intensive care for monitoring after surgery. The rest of the admission involves pain management, starting gentle movements, learning to use walking aids, and ensuring you can safely manage at home. If you have other injuries from the accident, your stay may be longer. Some patients need transfer to rehabilitation facilities before going home.

Question 5

When can I walk again?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your specific fracture pattern and how it was treated. Most patients after surgical fixation start as 'toe-touch weight bearing' - using crutches and only touching the floor with toes for balance, not putting actual weight on the leg. At 6 weeks, if X-rays show good healing, you may progress to partial weight bearing (putting some weight through the leg). At 12 weeks, many progress to full weight bearing if healing continues well. Some complex fractures require longer periods of restricted weight bearing. Walking normally without aids typically takes 6-9 months, and many people have a permanent limp.

Medical Disclaimer

Hip Socket Fracture

📖What is Hip Socket Fracture?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention