The applications of combined plates for acetabular fractures involving anterior column and anterior wall

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of combined plates through superior-ilioinguinal approach for acetabular fractures involving anterior wall and anterior column. Methods Data of twelve patients with acetabular fractures involving anterior column and anterior wall who were treated by combined plates from June 2015 to August 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them 9 cases were males and 3 cases were females, with an average age of 55.4 years old (range, 22-69 years old). Three cases were combined with posterior hemitransverse fractures. Six cases were combined with posterior column fractures. The mean time from injury to operation was 7.2 d (range, 5-12 d). Simultaneous management of anterior wall and anterior column fractures were achieved through single superior-ilioinguinal approach using the novel combined plates in all patients. The image results were evaluated by Matta’s standard and the functional outcome was evaluated by the Matta's improved Merle d'Aubigne-Postel scores system at the final follow-up. Results All 12 patients were followed up for average 18.3 months (range, 12-24 months). Average blood loss was 560 ml (range, 200-1 200 ml) and average operative time was 102 min (range, 88-190 min). The mean time of bony union was 2.9 months (range, 2.5-4.5 months). The quality of postoperative fracture reduction was evaluated according to Matta’s standard, of which there were 7 cases anatomic, 3 cases satisfactory, and 2 cases unsatisfactory, with an anatomic or satisfactory rate of 83.3%(10/12). The average Matta’s improved Merle d’Aubigne-Postel score was 16.1 (range, 12-18), and there were 8 cases excellent, 2 cases good, 1 case fair and 1 case poor, with an excellent or good rate of 83.3%(10/12). Rupture of the peritoneum occurred in one patient during the surgery which was repaired immediately. One patient suffered obturator nerve palsy and was fully recovered in one year. No inguinal hernia, surgical site infection and femoral head avascular necrosis occurred. Conclusion The combined plates could provide simultaneous fixation for anterior column and anterior wall fractures firmly through single superior-ilioinguinal approach. Satisfactory reduction and functional outcomes could be achieved by the novel plates. Key words: Acetabulum; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation, internal; Internal fixators