To evaluate the usefulness of wire fixation in displaced acetabular fractures.

From January 2000 to December 2005, 19 cases of displaced acetabular fracture were treated with wire fixation. According to Letournel's classification there were 9 both column fracture, 5 transverse fracture, 3 anterior column with posterior hemitransverse and 2 T-type fracture. Only wire fixation in 13 cases and wire with plate or wire with screw fixation in 6 cases.

We evaluate the accuracy of reduction by Matta' criteria, anatomical reduction in 12 cases, incomplete reduction in 4 cases, poor reduction in 2 cases and surgical secondary congruence in 1 case. The clinical results showed excellent in 12 cases, good in 4 cases, fair in 2 cases and poor in 1 case. The radiological results showed excellent in 10 cases, good in 4 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 2 cases. There were 4 cases of complication; wound infection in 1case, post-traumatic arthritis in 1 case and heterotopic ossification in 2 cases.

The cerclage wiring is a preferable method in internal fixation of displaced acetabular fractures that can facilitate reduction and achieve stable fixation.