Please login to view this media
- Talk
- 16/08/2021
- UK
Acetabular Fracture Surgery: What I Have Learned Over 35 Years
Description
The presentation is by Dr. David Helfet, an esteemed orthopedic surgeon discussing the nuances of acetabular fractures, their management, and surgical techniques honed over 35 years of experience. He opens with gratitude for the opportunity to speak at a symposium named after Baron Lister, a surgical icon, before transitioning into a detailed exploration of complex acetabular fractures.
Dr. Helfet outlines the importance of accurate diagnosis and pathoanatomical understanding to achieve good surgical outcomes, referencing the works of renowned figures like Letournel. He stresses the significance of proper surgical technique, illustrated through case studies, including a journalist with a complex acetabular fracture and a head nurse from the ICU who experienced a similar injury following a traumatic accident.
He goes on to discuss various approaches to surgery, such as the ilioinguinal approach and the Kocher-Langenbeck approach, emphasizing the importance of indirect reduction techniques in achieving favorable outcomes, especially in complex fractures involving both columns of the acetabulum. Using 3D imaging for preoperative planning and intraoperative fluoroscopy for real-time guidance is also highlighted.
Dr. Helfet shares experiences with complex cases including Pipkin fractures, detailing how surgical techniques can evolve and adapt based on individual patient scenarios, particularly in young athletes and elderly patients. He underscores the preceding error and the learning curve that comes with surgical practice, citing the need for continuous education and preparation for unforeseen intraoperative complications.
Throughout the presentation, he maintains an emphasis on the essential skill of performing accurate reductions and cautions against complacency in surgical judgment. He concludes with reflections on the future of acetabular fracture management, advocating for innovation while maintaining a strong foundation of established techniques. Dr. Helfet leaves the audience with a sense of both humility and purpose, urging the next generation of orthopedic surgeons to learn from the past while also paving new paths in the field.