Postoperative Outcomes in Acetabular Fracture Patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Postoperative Outcomes in Acetabular Fracture Patients: A PROMs-Based Follow-Up Study After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
IRAS ID
358732
Contact name
Cailin de Wet
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Acetabular fractures are relatively uncommon injuries, with an incidence of 3 patients per 100,000 population per year. The patient demographics and mechanisms of injury can generally be divided into two categories: younger patients with high energy mechanisms of injury, and older patients with low energy or fragility fractures. These are complex injuries with a significant impact on patients' functional capacity and quality of life. They injuries often require surgical intervention, with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) remaining the primary treatment modality, particularly for the younger, higher energy group. Other treatment options include alterative surgical intervention such as primary total hip arthroplasty, or conservative management. Given the relative rarity of the injury, long-term outcomes remain underreported.
Limited evidence exists on how these patients fare in terms of pain, mobility, quality of life, and return to daily activities in the years following surgery. Current treatment focuses on anatomical reduction and early rehabilitation; however, there is a lack of robust data capturing patients' perspectives on recovery, which may help guide improvements in surgical care and follow-up pathways.
This study aims to address the evidence gap by collecting validated Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) from patients who have undergone ORIF for acetabular fractures. Understanding these outcomes is crucial for evaluating long-term effectiveness, informing clinical decision-making, and aligning care with patient priorities. The study is relevant to ongoing NHS efforts to improve patient-centred care and long-term outcome monitoring. PROMs offer a valuable supplement to traditional clinical assessments, providing insights into aspects such as pain, function, return to work or sport, and overall quality of life.
By identifying predictors of outcomes, this study may support the development of targeted interventions and improve follow-up care. The findings could influence clinical guidelines, resource allocation, and rehabilitation protocols.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1171
Date of REC Opinion
22 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion