Fractures of the acetabulum in young individuals usually result from a high energy injury like vehicular accident or feet first fall.

Typically, it is caused by a combination of forces acting on the hip through the femoral head.

Depending on the level at which the fracture line passes in relation to weight bearing area, the transverse fracture is further subdivided into types: X-ray visualization is best done in Antero posterior view and Iliac and obturator oblique views.

In CT scan the characteristic feature is that the fracture line runs from front to back.

The broken bone pieces or the dislocated head of the femur may injure the sciatic nerve, causing paralysis of the foot; the patient may or may not recover sensation in the foot, depending on the extent of injury to the nerve.

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are other complications that may occur in any type of injury to the acetabulum.

If the femur head is dislocated, it should be reduced as soon as possible, to prevent damage to its blood supply.

This is preferably done under anaesthesia, following which, leg is kept pulled by applying traction to prevent joint from dislocating.

Depending on the stability achieved via initial treatment, the patient may be allowed to stand and walk with help of support within about six to eight weeks.

It is essential to document status of nerves and vessels before starting any treatment to protect oneself from litigation On arrival at the hospital, trained trauma surgeon will assess the patient and prescribe necessary tests including x-rays as described earlier.

In most part the bone is thick enough and has broad surfaces that are amenable to primary fixation using lag screw(s) and to neutralize forces across the bone one needs to add plate(s) on the surface of the fractured fragments for it to heal without deformity.

Following are the common approaches; Implants : normally lag screws and reconstruction plates are preferred implants Post operative management: would involve initial period or bed rest, followed by mobilisation by trained therapist Total time to recover may be up to 3 months Elderly patients have worse outcomes than other populations.