Progress in research on infra-acetabular screwing for acetabular fracture

Abstract

Surgical treatment of acetabular fracture is very challenging because the acetabular geometry is complex. As anterior and posterior columns are the main support structures of the acetabulum, anatomical reduction and strong internal fixation of the two acetabular columns can achieve the best prognosis for patients with acetabular fracture. Constant study of the complex anatomy around the acetabulum reveals an infra-acetabular screw channel that can pass through both columns. Biomechanical studies show that use of an additional infra-acetabular screw can greatly strengthen the internal fixation of acetabular fracture. Biomor-phological studies prove that an infra-acetabular screw channel of 5 mm in diameter is available in more than 90% of people which allows insertion of a 3.5 mm screw. Imaging studies demonstrate that one in-fra-acetabular screw can be safely placed under the guidance of C-arm roentgenography. In surgery of acetabular fracture, surgeons have used infra-acetabular screws, the clinical value of which has been confirmed by good functional recovery of the patients after surgery. This paper presents an overview of the progress in research on infra-acetabular screwing for acetabular fracture. Key words: Acetabulum; Fractures, bone; Bone nails; Fracture fixation, internal