OTA 2006 Posters


Scientific Poster #58 Pelvis

Outcomes of Posterior Wall Fractures of the Acetabulum
Berton R. Moed, MD (n); Jessica C. McMichael, MD (n);
St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA


Purpose: The Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) is a validated, reliable, self-administered questionnaire that is useful for determining health status. The D'Aubigne score is a clinical measure of hip function. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate outcomes of posterior wall acetabular fractures using these two methods.

Methods: 46 patients with a posterior wall acetabular (OTA 62-A1) fracture and a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, a subset of a previously reported larger series of all acetabular fracture types, were included for study. Functional outcome was assessed using the MFA. The MFA score can range from 0-100; the lower the score, the better. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the D'Aubigne score, which grades hip pain, hip range of motion, and gait each on a six-point scale with final grades as follows: Excellent = 18, Very Good = 17, Good = 16or15, Fair = 14or13, and Poor<13. The ten individual indices of the MFA and the total scores were calculated. The mean MFA scores were compared to previously reported normative values. The t-test for unequal variance was used to compare means with P <0.05 required for significance.

Results: The mean D'Aubigne score was 17 (range, 14-18), indicating overall good-to-excellent clinical results in this group of patients. However, the mean MFA total score was 23.17 as compared to the normative mean of 9.26 (P <0.0005). All MFA indices except Hand/Fine Motor were similarly significantly different from expected norms at the P <0.05 level (table below).

Musculoskeletal Function Assessment Results
 MFA Category  PW mean (std. dev.)  Norm mean* (std. dev.)  P value
 Total Score  23.17 (19.17)  9.26 (8.89)  <0.0005
 Self-Care  8.82 (13.64)  1.72 (4.39)  <0.003
 Sleep/Rest  29.35 (35.52)  15.45 (21.88)   <0.01
 Hand/Fine Motor  5.30 (15.46)  3.66 (12.90)  >0.1
 Mobility  30.22 (25.21)  11.94 (12.73)  <0.0005
 Housework  26.81 (26.35)  7.77 (15.38)  <0.0005
 Employment/Work  35.87 (43.03)  5.29 (16.71)  <0.0005
 Leisure/Recreation  43.49 (35.53)  9.96 (21.88)  <0.0005
 Family Relationships  19.78 (23.04)  7.89 (16.61)  <0.003
 Cognition/Thinking  23.37 (34.32)  6.10 (17.34)  <0.003
 Emotional Adjustment  27.29 (22.19)  15.64 (12.75)  <0.003
*American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Normative Data

Conclusion/Significance: Despite improvement in clinical parameters after posterior wall acetabular fracture, complete recovery is uncommon with residual functional deficits involving wide-ranging aspects of everyday living.


If noted, the author indicates something of value received. The codes are identified as a-research or institutional support; b-miscellaneous funding; c-royalties; d-stock options; e-consultant or employee; n-no conflicts disclosed, and *disclosure not available at time of printing.
· The FDA has not cleared this drug and/or medical device for the use described in this presentation (i.e., the drug or medical device is being discussed for an "off label" use). · · FDA information not available at time of printing.