The supra-pectineal quadrilateral surface buttress plate for the treatment of complex acetabular fractures

Abstract

Objective To introduce a novel anatomical supra-pectineal quadrilateral surface buttress plate, and explore its advantages, disadvantages and clinical efficacy in the treatment of complex acetabular fractures. Methods Data of eighteen cases of acetabular fractures treated in our department from March 2017 to March 2019were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 males and 3 females with an average age of 49.6 years (range, 27-62 years). According to the Letournel-Judet’s classification, there were 3 cases of anterior column fractures (involving quadrilateral surface), 2 cases of T shaped, 8 of cases anterior column and posterior hemi-transverse (ACPHT) and 5 cases of double columns fractures. The time from injury to operation was 5-14 days (mean, 7 days). Before operation, all patients were taken pelvic anterior-posterior X-ray and CT scan. All patients were adopted supra-ilioinguinal approach and fixed by supra-pectineal quadrilateral surface buttress plate. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications were collected. After operations all patients were taken pelvic X-ray in anterior-posterior and Judet position, as well as CT scan. The radiographic quality of reduction was evaluated by Matta criteria and hip functions were evaluated by Matta Modified Merle d’Aubigne-Postel scoring system. Results The average surgical time was 130 min (range, 100-200 min). The average blood loss was 560 ml (range, 400-900 ml). An additional shaping was unnecessary in 18 patients who were implanted with the anatomical supra-pectineal quadrilateral surface buttress plate and all patients were operated successfully. All patients were followed up for an average time of 9 months (range, 6-15 months). The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated according to Matta standard, of which there were 11 cases excellent, 4 cases good, and 3 cases poor, with an excellent rate of 83.3% (15/18). At the latest follow-up, the function of the hip joint was evaluated according to the Matta Modified Merle d’Aubigne-Postel scoring system for a mean of 15.8 scores (range, 12-18 scores), of which there were 10 cases excellent, 6 cases good, 2 cases fair, with an excellent rate of 88.9% (16/18). All patients recovered well, and there were 2 cases of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury postoperative who had recovered one month later. There was no other postoperative complications. Conclusion The anterior and posterior column and quadrilateral surface could be stabilized simultaneously by the anatomical supra-pectineal quadrilateral surface buttress plate without intraoperative shaping. Moreover, it is more likely to obtain a satisfactory clinical outcome by using this special plate with lower complications and rigid fixation. Therefore, it is a kind of internal fixation method worthy of promotion in the treatment of complex acetabular fractures. Key words: Acetabulum; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation, internal; Internal fixators