Abstract
BackgroundSurgical treatment of acetabular fractures involving a quadrilateral plate is a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. We have developed a novel fixation technique using a specially shaped reconstruction plate combined with several buttress screws of a quadrilateral plate which was also called a dynamic anterior plate-screw system for quadrilateral plate (DAPSQ) to treat acetabular fractures involving quadrilateral plate since 2005 (RP group). And the long-term follow-up results have confirmed the effectiveness and safety of this technique. After 2016, standardized titanium plate (STP group) of DAPSQ have been designed and applied. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical efficacy of anatomical plate and the reconstruction plate of DAPSQ in the treatment of quadrilateral plate fractures.MethodsWe led a propensity-matched cohort study of quadrilateral plate fractures. Twenty-two patients were included in the STP group during the inclusion period (2016–2018) and were matched to 22 cases in our database of the RP group (2008–2016). The primary outcome measures were the quality of reduction and functional outcomes. Intraoperative conditions were also compared.ResultsOf these 22 consecutive patients in the STP group, the mean age was 46.7 years and the most common fracture pattern was a both-column fracture (12 cases, 54.5%) according to Letournel-Judet classification. The mean follow-up period was 23.1 months (range 12–37). There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to the quality of reduction using the Matta radiological criteria and functional outcomes evaluated by the modified Merle d’Aubigné score (P > 0.05). Compared with the RP group, the STP group had a shorter operation time (245.1 min vs. 286.8 min, P = 0.020), less intraoperative blood loss (1136.4 mL vs. 1777.3 mL, P = 0.014), and transfusion (780.9 vs. 1256.8 mL, P = 0.035). The complication rate was 18.2% in the STP group, and there was no significant difference compared with the RP group (36.4%) (P > 0.05). None of the cases in the two groups had quadrilateral screws entering the hip or implant failure.ConclusionsThe fixation of standardized titanium plate in quadrilateral plate fractures showed a similar result to the reconstruction plate, in terms of quality of reduction and functional outcome. The standardized titanium plate of DAPSQ has the advantages of a short operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, and blood transfusion, and it is worth further promotion and research.
Highlights
Surgical treatment of acetabular fractures involving a quadrilateral plate is a challenge to orthopedic surgeons
The fixation of standardized titanium plate in quadrilateral plate fractures showed a similar result to the reconstruction plate, in terms of quality of reduction and functional outcome
The standardized titanium plate of dynamic anterior plate-screw system for quadrilateral plate (DAPSQ) has the advantages of a short operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, and blood transfusion, and it is worth further promotion and research
Summary
Surgical treatment of acetabular fractures involving a quadrilateral plate is a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. It is worth noting that in addition to the simple anterior or posterior wall fractures, the other 8 types of acetabular fractures may involve an important anatomical structure called a quadrilateral plate. Chang et al [4] noted that the reduction of the quadrilateral plate fracture played an important role in the surgical results of acetabular fractures, and more than 80% of implant failure occurred in this area. Quadrilateral plate fractures are not formally considered as a separate parameter of acetabular fracture classification, they are frequently encountered in various fracture patterns and gradually attract the attention of orthopedic surgeons and even considered to be an important factor affecting the complexity of surgery [5, 6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
