Pelvic Injuries
Dr. Steven S. Louis is an integral part of the Hinsdale Orthopaedics team since 1997. Dr. Louis’ exceptional surgical skills are complemented by a personable style and dedication to the highest quality patient outcomes and satisfaction. He is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and is fellowship trained in the area of trauma.
Acetabulum Fractures
Trauma & Fracture Specialist In The Greater Chicagoland Area
Dr. Steven Louis treats Pelvic injuries in the Emergency Department and at his office in Hinsdale, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Dr. Louis of Hinsdale Orthopaedics is a specially-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in pelvic injuries. Each of his patients receives a unique treatment plan matching their lifestyle goals. As a leader in the minimally invasive Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement, he is an advocate of state-of-the art technologies that benefit his patients in many ways.
FAQs on Acetabulum Fractures
What Is An Acetabulum Fracture?
Acetabulum fractures occur in the “socket” section of the “ball and socket” hip joint. An acetabulum fracture is usually caused by a high-energy impact such as a car crash or a fall, when a sudden strong force drives the head of the femur ball into the acetabulum. A patient can have both a fracture and a dislocation if the femoral head ends up outside the acetabulum. Many patients can experience damage to surrounding skin, muscles, and neurovascular structures (nerves, arteries and veins). Any form of an acetabulum fracture is very serious and requires urgent and precise treatment.
What Are The Symptoms of Acetabulum Fractures?
Acetabular fractures usually produce hip pain, but may also cause diffuse pain in the groin and leg. Putting weight on the affected leg can be painful, but it still may be possible to put weight on it.
What Are The Treatment Options For Acetabulum Fractures?
Like any injury, the goal of treating an acetabulum fracture is to enable the patient to return to their day-to-day activities. The surgery to treat an acetabular fracture is difficult and should be performed by an experienced, fellowship trained orthopedic doctor like Dr. Louis.
Surgery
Typically, the surgeon will line up the bone fragments and remove the broken shards of bone from inside the joint. They will most often use plates and screws to stabilize the fragments. Realignment of the bones is achieved through an open reduction procedure, in which the surgeon makes an incision to directly maneuver the bone. After surgery, patients should be wary of putting any significant amount of pressure or weight on the leg under the hip until the fracture heals.
