Module 18, General Orthopaedist Level

1,2

A 16 year old female was previously in good health when she was involved in a roll-over motor vehicle accident as an unrestrained passenger. She was ejected from the vehicle and landed in a field. She was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital complaining of pain in the pelvis. An xray of her pelvis was obtained (image 1), Obturator and iliac oblique(image 2).

Question 18A

Acetabular fractures in children are the same as in adults.

Question 18B

There is a well defined classification system for children's acetabular fractures.

Question 18C

With good open reduction the outcome of pediatric acetabular fractures still continues to be unpredictable.

Question 18D

Further work up of this fracture is required before a final decision on treatment is reached. The imaging of choice would be an MRI scan to better define the fracture pattern.

Question 18E

Pelvis and acetabular fractures in children with open growth plates should be treated without surgery.