Introduction: The current gold standard for operatively treated acetabular fractures is open reduction and internal fixation. In this study we report the early results of percutaneous screw osteosynthesis of acetabular fractures in 14 cases, using a computer navigation system to reduce screw misplacement, approach associated risks and radiation exposure.
Results: All 36 acetabular screws were placed correctly without any perioperative complication. The mean operation time per screw was 54 min, the mean fluoroscopic time per screw was 87 s. In the follow-up examinations (current rate: 71 %, mean follow-up: 13.1 +/- 1.8 months) no fixation failure or development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis was seen. One wound infection occured.
Conclusion: Our first experience with this novel approach is promising and serious advances of fluoroscopic navigated percutaneous screw osteosynthesis of well selected acetabular fractures can be expected.