Acetabular Fixation
An acetabular fracture is a break or gap in the socket portion of the ball-and-socket joint. Although acetabular fractures are rare, they are not as common as fractures of the upper femur or femoral head. These fractures typically occur due to accidents, such as bike collisions, falling from a height (like jumping off a roof), or other traumatic injuries, which require immediate medical attention.
Treatment for Acetabular Fixation in India usually involves surgery to restore the normal anatomy of the hip joint. Also stabilize it, returning it to its pre-injury state. Acetabular fractures can also occur in older adults who fall while standing, as their bones are weaker compared to those of younger individuals. In such cases, it is considered a low-energy injury, particularly in people suffering from osteoporosis.
Structure and Function of the Hip Joint
The hip joint is one of the larger joints in the human body. Specifically, it is known as a ball-and-socket joint. In this structure, the socket joint is a part of the pelvis, developed by the acetabulum. Meanwhile, the ball is the upper end of the femur, also known as the femoral head.
Furthermore, the articular cartilage covers the ball and socket along with the bone surface. This cartilage consists of slippery, smooth components that prevent and cushion the bones, thereby helping them function smoothly. In addition, a ligament is a bunch of tissue that connects one bone to another. These ligaments play a crucial role in mobility, contributing to the function and stability of the hip joint. As a result, the mobility allows the joint to move without falling out of the socket.
Seriousness of the Condition
The seriousness of the condition of acetabular fixation depends upon the injury. As stated by the best orthopedic surgeons of India, they recommend the replacement or surgery accordingly.
Some of the conditions include:
- The size of the displacement. In some cases, the broken bones may fragment over each other, or there may be a larger gap between the broken pieces.
- The size of the fracture.
- The number of the fractures.
- The injury or damage to the joint surface of the acetabulum and the head of the femur.
- The damage to the nearby muscle, nerves, veins, and skin.
Causes and Mechanism of Acetabular Fracture
An acetabular fracture takes place when any pressure hits the head of the femur counter to the acetabulum. This force can be transferred in the following ways:
- Firstly, from the side that hits directly onto the hip.
- Secondly, from the knee when it hits the knee against the head.
Additionally, hip dislocation also includes the direction of the pressure. In such cases, the head of the femur sometimes hits directly and is pushed out of the hip socket. As a result, this type of injury comes under hip dislocation.
Furthermore, if someone is facing direct force with high energy, then such an incident needs immediate medical attention.
Acetabular fractures are also caused due to weak bone or insufficient bone. This mostly occurs in older people who are suffering from osteoporosis.
Treatment Options for Acetabular Fixation
Before undergoing any treatment for fixation, surgeons need several tests such as X-ray, CT scan, and physical analysis. These tests help to provide a clearer slug inside the body and assist in planning the best treatment for fixation.
There are two most common types of acetabular fixation procedures, which include:
- Firstly, Percutaneous fixation: This method is performed when the fracture is mild or if the patient is not allowing for open surgery due to other health conditions. In such situations, Percutaneous fixation is a good option. Moreover, it is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed with minimal incision to restore stability.
- Secondly, Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This is one of the most common procedures for fixation. It allows the surgeon to make an incision for direct access to the fracture site and realign the bone in the proper position. Additionally, artificial joints like screws, plates, and rods may be used to fix the fracture.
The best orthopedic hospitals in India perform both the treatment for Acetabular Fixation. Even non surgical treatments are also an option if the severity of the condition is not very intense.
Cost of Acetabular Fixation in India
India is achieving immense success in medical fields by providing better facilities and services to their domestic or international patients. The cost of Acetabular Fixation in India is more affordable and reasonable than other nations.
Conclusion
An acetabular fracture is a break or gap in the socket portion of the ball-and-socket joint. Although acetabular fractures are rare, they are not as common as fractures of the upper femur or femoral head.
India is providing better facilities and services to their domestic or international patients.
