The acetabulum is the socket of the hip joint that is part of the pelvis. An acetabular fracture occurs when this socket is broken, usually from high-energy trauma or osteoporosis in elderly patients. Treatment depends on the extent of the fracture but often involves surgery to realign the cartilage and bone and restore stability. Patients require restricted weight-bearing during recovery to avoid further injury. Long-term complications can include hip arthritis requiring replacement surgery.