Displaced acetabular fractures are serious injuries often resulting in
permanent disability. Fifty-five patients with fifty-six such injuries seen
at the Campbell Clinic between 1927 and 1970 had either central dislocation
with or without fracture of the weightbearing dome, or acetabular
disruption usually associated with posterior displacement of the hip. After
an average follow-up of 8.6 years, 56 per cent of those treated without
surgery had good or satisfactory results compared with 54 per cent good or
satisfactory results in those treated surgically. Patients with displaced
fractures of the acetabular dome not reduced by manipulation and traction
should be considered candidates for open reduction.