AOTrauma North America Pelvic and Acetabular Management Course

Although pelvic and acetabular fractures are relatively uncommon injuries, they are often complex, difficult to understand and associated with life threatening trauma. The incidence of complications may be quite high and surgeons are often unfamiliar with the regional anatomy of the pelvis and the specialized reduction techniques and implants necessary to treat these injuries. The initial management of a patient with an unstable pelvic fracture may be life-saving or significantly decrease ultimate morbidity. Practicing orthopaedic surgeons are often faced with the initial management of these patients while taking emergency room call but are unprepared during their residency training to provide this management. Even practicing trauma surgeons who have graduated from a trauma fellowship often seek advice and additional instruction is managing these complex injuries.

The management of pelvic and acetabular fractures is inherently difficult. Surgical approaches are complex and involve unfamiliar anatomy often poorly understood by orthopaedic surgeons. The radiographic anatomy of the pelvis is complex and difficult to understand. Reduction and fixation techniques are challenging and require specialized instruments and implants as well as knowledge of reduction techniques and maneuvers.