Antegrade Femoral Nailing in Acetabular Fractures Requiring a Kocher-Langenbeck Approach

Ipsilateral displaced acetabular and femoral shaft fractures represent a dilemma for orthopedic surgeons because antegrade femoral nailing may complicate a Kocher-Langenbeck acetabular exposure. The goals of this study were to review the results of ipsilateral femoral and acetabular fractures treated with antegrade femoral nailing and a Kocher-Langenbeck approach and to evaluate the assertion that this treatment strategy is associated with increased morbidity. This was a retrospective cohort study at a regional Level I trauma center. Sixteen patients with a femoral fracture treated with antegrade nailing and an ipsilateral acetabular fracture treated with a Kocher-Langenbeck approach were identified. One patient died as a result of his injuries, and 2 were not available for long-term follow-up. One had a deep infection requiring irrigation, debridement, and intraveonous antibiotics. One patient developed a hematoma requiring irrigation and debridement. At final follow-up, 2 patients had no heterotopic ossification about the hip, 4 had Brooker class I heterotopic ossification, 3 had Brooker class II heterotopic ossification, 2 had Brooker class III heterotopic ossification, and 2 patients had Brooker class IV heterotopic ossification requiring excision. Ipsilateral femoral and acetabular fractures represent a rare and severe injury constellation. Antegrade nailing of the femur with ipsilateral Kocher-Langenbeck exposure for fixation of the acetabulum was not associated with excessive rates of wound-healing complications, but the incidence of heterotopic ossification was increased.