Acetabular fractures are usually the result of major direct trauma to the pelvis and femur. The acetabulum may be classified into the anterior (iliopubic) column, the posterior (ilioischial) column, and the dome of the acetabulum. Posterior wall fracture is usually the result of posterior hip dislocation.

A	AP radiograph of the right hip. This shows a comminuted fracture of the acetabulum.
B	Axial CT. This demonstrates a fracture of the neck of the femur and the anterior column of the acetabulum.
C	Axial CT. This image from a different patient shows fractures of both columns of the acetabulum.

Links to online textbooks:

• Wheeless' Orthopedics: discussion of anterior column fractures
• Wheeless' Orthopedics: discussion of anterior wall fractures
• Wheeless' Orthopedics: discussion of column theory
• Wheeless' Orthopedics: discussion of fracture-dislocation injuries
• Wheeless' Orthopedics: discussion of posterior column fractures
• Wheeless' Orthopedics: discussion of posterior wall fractures
• Wheeless' Orthopedics: discussion of two column fractures

Links to online cases:

• HWB Foundation
• Amirmd.com

References:

• Liebergall M, Mosheiff R, Low J, Goldvirt M, Matan Y, Segal D: Acetabular fractures. Clinical outcome of surgical treatment Clin Orthop. 1999 Sep;(366):205-16.           [See related articles]
• Haveri M, Junila J, Suramo I, Lahde S: Multiplanar and 3D CT of acetabular fractures Acta Radiol. 1998 May;39(3):257-64.           [See related articles]
• Dakin GJ, Eberhardt AW, Alonso JE, Stannard JP, Mann KA: Acetabular fracture patterns: associations with motor vehicle crash information J Trauma. 1999 Dec;47(6):1063-71.           [See related articles]