Evolution of pelvic and acetabular surgery from ancient to modern times

SummaryFracture stabilisation before the 19th century was in its infancy. The outcome was suboptimal, and quite often mortality was the end result. Advances in the stabilisation of long-bone fractures did not become apparent until the mid-1940s and for other bones, even later. In the mid-1960s, Judet and Letournel initiated a series of experimental and clinical studies focusing on pelvic and acetabular reconstruction surgery. Their work set the pace for all the subsequent advancements made in this field of surgery. Today, pelvic and acetabular reconstruction is a recognised subspecialty within the disciplines of trauma and orthopaedics. This review article traces the evolution of pelvic and acetabular surgery, from ancient to modern times.