Acetabulum consisting of the hip joint is the most important weight bearing portion in the lower extremity But if fractures of acetabulum are not accurately evaluated, classified, and reduced anatomically, major sequalae and complication are frequently developed. Because of complicated anatomy, difficulty with surgical exposure, frequent associated injury, the treat ment of acetabular fractures between conservative and surgical methods is still controversal.

We studied roentgenographic finding, associated inlury, method of treatment and result of treatment. We reviewed forty cases of acetabular fracture from May 1985 to July 1993. The results was as follows;

1. The pervalent age was from second decade to forth decade.

2. We classified 40 cases by Letournel classification. The most common type was posterior wall fracture, the second was anterior column fracture.

3. Most common associated injury was pelvic bone fractures.

4. Surgical approaches were decided by the fracture type and duration from injury to operation.

5. In nonoperative treatment group, 73.3% of cases were excellent and good result, and in operative treatment group 88.0% of cases were excellent and good result.

6. The complications were occured in 12 cases(48.0%) of 25 cases of operative reatment group.