Special contoured pelvic brim reconstruction titanium plate combined with trans-plate buttress screws (quadrilateral screws) for acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate involvement through the anterior ilioinguinal approach.

Background: Managing complicated acetabular fractures involving the quadrilateral plate (QLP) can be challenging for surgeons, especially when complicated by comminution and osteoporosis. Traditional implants do not provide sufficient fixed strength or a proper match. The new-type pre-contoured infrapectineal buttress plates may have drawbacks, such as inaccurate fitting on the medial surface of QLP and an inability to apply reversed compression force to resist medial displacement of femoral head. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to introduce a novel technique that utilizes a special contoured pelvic brim reconstruction titanium plate combined with quadrilateral screws to reduce and stabilize acetabular fractures involving the QLP through the ilioinguinal approach. Additionally, the secondary purpose is to evaluate both clinical effectiveness and radiological outcomes of this technique for QLP fractures. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 48 patients (31 males and 17 females) who suffered from acute displaced fractures of the QLP and were treated between January 2012 and December 2019 using a special contoured plate combined with quadrilateral screws. The patients' mean age was 47.56 ± 11.31 years (range: 19-73 years). Fracture patterns included 20 both-column fractures, 12 anterior column and posterior hemitransverse fractures, eight T-type fractures, five transverse fractures and three anterior column fractures with the QLP affected, all of which had femoral head protrusion. Immediate postoperative reduction quality was evaluated according to Matta's criteria. Final clinical functions were assessed during follow-up using the modified Merle d'Aubigné and Harris Hip scores (HHS). Results: The patients were followed up for an average of 48.36 ± 12.94 months (ranging from 24 to 84 months). The mean operative time was 246.08 ± 54.30 min (ranging from 178 to 397 min), and the average blood loss was 715.16 ± 263.84 ml (ranging from 400 to 2000ml). The radiological grading at postoperative stage showed anatomical reduction in 30 patients (62.50%), satisfactory reduction in 14 patients (29.17%), and poor reduction in four patients (8.33%). At the final follow-up, no re-protrusion of the femoral head was observed. In terms of functional outcome, the mean modified Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score was excellent in 26 patients (54.17%), good in 17 patients (35.42%), fair in four patients (8.33%), and poor in one patient (2.08%). The HHS was excellent in 23 patients (47.92%), good in 20 patients (41.67%), fair in four patients (8.33%), and poor in one patient (2.08%). The average HHS was 87.38 ± 7.86 (ranging from 52 to 98). Postoperative complications included lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury in two patients, delayed wound healing and subsequent development of an inguinal hernia in one patient. Late complications were observed in two patients, with one case of heterotopic ossification and another case of post-traumatic osteoarthritis underwent hip arthroplasty within two years after surgery. Conclusion: Our results indicate that employing the contoured plate specifically designed for QLP injuries, in conjunction with quadrilateral screws through the ilioinguinal approach, can lead to positive outcomes in the treatment of displaced acetabular fractures involving the QLP. This straightforward and efficient technique offers a viable option for surgeons who are managing complex acetabular fractures.

Clinical and radiographic results of internal fixation of quadrilateral plate fractures of acetabulum.

INTRODUCTION: Quadrilateral plate (QLP) is a relatively thin bony structure located below the pelvic brim proximal to the hip joint, so management of its fractures is challenging. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the functional and radiological outcomes of internal fixation of quadrilateral plate acetabular fractures; comparison of two methods of fracture fixation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective multicentric study including 30 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of QLP fractures through modified Stoppa approach. Patients were divided into two groups according to the method of fixation (anatomical QLP plate vs suprapectineal and infrapectineal plates). Post-operative quality of reduction was evaluated using Matta score. Radiographical assessment according Matta's grading criteria and clinical outcome assessment using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) were repeated at follow-up and at one year to assess displacement. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 34.9 ± 12.1 years. After one year follow-up, clinically mean HHS was 88. ± 5.74. Radiologically post-operative reduction quality was anatomical in 21 (70%) patients, satisfactory in eight (26.7%) patients and unsatisfactory in one (3.3%) patient. Matta's grading at the last follow-up was excellent in 21 (70%) patients, good in six (20%), fair in two (6.7%) patients and poor in one (3.3%) patient. No significant difference was recorded between the two groups in terms of radiographical and clinical results and rate of complications. CONCLUSION: Accurate reduction of quadrilateral plate fracture with secure fixation through modified Stoppa approach provides good and reproducible outcomes with few complications regardless the type of the implant.

Use of calcaneal locking plate in surgical treatment of quadrilateral plate fractures of the acetabulum.

PURPOSE: Specialized devices for fixation of the acetabulum quadrilateral plate (QP) fractures may not be readily available in resource-constrained settings. In this article, we aim to explore the use of a 3.5-mm locking calcaneal plate in fixation of QP fractures. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with QP fractures underwent surgery using the modified Stoppa approach. Follow-up at 12 months assessed fracture healing and functional outcomes using the Majeed pelvic outcome score. Descriptive statistics summarized patient demographics and fracture characteristics. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and exact logistic regression explored associations between factors (age, AO/OTA classification, gender, and time to surgery) and Majeed scores. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 42.71 years, with the majority being male (64.29%). All patients achieved bony union. Post-traumatic arthritis developed in three patients, while two patients experienced post-operative fracture redisplacement. Evaluation using the Majeed pelvic outcome score revealed generally favorable outcomes, with 32.14% achieving excellent, 39.29% good, 21.43% fair, and 7.14% poor outcome. Only an older age was associated with a worse outcome score (excellent/good versus fair/poor, odds ratio: 0.87, 95% confidence interval: 0.77, 0.96). CONCLUSION: Surgical management of quadrilateral plate fractures using 3.5-mm locking calcaneal plates demonstrates promising outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings, where specialized devices may be lacking.

Quadrilateral plate classification program of acetabular fractures based on three-column classification: a three-dimensional fracture mapping study.

BACKGROUND: A new classification system for acetabular fractures has been proposed in recent years, which is called the 3-column classification. However, this system does not provide information regarding quadrilateral plate fractures. To address this issue, we utilized three-dimensional (3D) fracture line mapping and heat map to analyze the link between the 3-column classification and quadrilateral plate fractures. METHODS: We collected CT scan data from 177 patients who had been diagnosed with acetabular fractures. Additionally, we utilized a CT scan of a healthy adult to generate a standard acetabular model. We utilized the collected CT data of the fracture to create a 3D model and subsequently reduced it. We then matched each acetabular fracture model with the standard acetabular model and mapped all of the fracture lines to the standard model. 3D fracture lines and heat maps were created by overlapping all fracture lines. Fracture characteristics were then summarized using these maps. RESULTS: This study analyzed a total of 221 acetabular fractures. The most frequently observed fracture type, based on the three-column classification, was A1.2, which corresponds to fractures of the anterior column. In contrast, the least common type of fracture was A4, which represents fractures of the central wall. It was noted that quadrilateral plate fractures were frequently observed in fractures classified as type B and C according to the three-column classification. CONCLUSIONS: Among the three-column classification, the QLP fractures are commonly observed in type B and C. It is important to carefully identify these fractures during the diagnostic process. Therefore, based on the three-column classification, we have amalgamated quadrilateral plate fractures and formulated a classification program for acetabular fractures.

[Progress on treatment of acetabular quadrilateral plate injury].

Acetabular quadrilateral plate injury has become a hot spot and focus in the field of orthopaedic trauma and pelvic floor function in recent years. Although there are five fracture types,they are all based on fracture morphology,without considering the pulling force of ligaments,joint capsular and muscles. A perfect classification needs to describe the displacement of bone mass in three-dimensional space to better guide reduction and fixation. The seven incision and exposure methods are still the traditional open-eye surgery,and how to protect the criss-crossing vascular neural network and pelvic organs is still the focus. Quadrilateral defect causes dislocation of artificial hip joint,and quantitative evaluation of quadrilateral defect volume and revision techniques are still a hot topic. In this paper,the viewpoints of three-dimensional network structure of acetabular pelvic vascular anatomy,anatomical surgical target channel and fixation anchor point of acetabular fracture reduction are proposed to design new techniques for accurate and minimally invasive surgical operations,in order to realize the requirements of rapid orthopedic rehabilitation.

Functional, radiological, and quality of life outcome of unstable acetabular fracture with quadrilateral plate involvement at a tertiary care center in Jakarta, Indonesia.

INTRODUCTION: Unstable acetabular fracture remains a complex fracture that requires technically demanding surgery for orthopedic surgeons. Quadrilateral plate (QP) fractures of the acetabulum are a challenging group of acetabular fractures to manage. However, the literature regarding the management of these injuries are limited. The QP is a relatively thin medial wall of the acetabulum and intra-articular; thus, anatomical reduction and stable fixation are required for satisfactory outcome. This study aims to determine the functional, radiological, and quality of life outcome of unstable acetabular fracture with QP involvement. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital during the period of 2010-2020. Patients with unstable acetabular fractures with and without QP involvement were included in this study. They were followed up postoperatively at 1, 6, and 12 months. Functional outcome was assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Merle D'Aubigne, and Oxford Hip Score (OHS); while radiology outcome was assessed using Matta Outcome Grading; and quality of life was assessed using the SF-36. RESULTS: This study involved 53 subjects with a median age was 29 (18-75) years of age. Twenty-eight (52.8%) subjects had unstable acetabular fracture with QP involvement. Twenty-five (47.2%) subjects had unstable acetabular fracture without QP involvement. Twenty-five (47.2%) subjects were fixed using quadrilateral hook plate, 3 (5.7%) with infrapectineal plate, 10 (18.8%) with posterior column plate, and 15 (28.3%) with suprapectineal plate. The median intraoperative bleeding in those with unstable acetabular fracture with QP involvement was 600 (300-4000) ml, which was higher than those without QP involvement (400 [100-1700] ml). Those with QP involvement achieved anatomical reduction in 20 (71.4%) subjects. Whereas, the subjects without QP involvement achieved anatomical reduction 23 patients (92%). Subjects with QP involvement had significantly lower functional, radiological, and quality of life outcomes compared to those without quadrilateral plate involvement based on Harris Hip Score (p = 0.046), Merle D'Aubigne (0.001), Oxford Hip Score (0.001), Matta Outcome Grading (0.004), and SF-36 (0.001). Patients with quadrilateral hook plate showed no significant functional, and radiological outcome difference compared to patients with infrapectineal plate based on Harris Hip Score (p = 0.582), Merle D'Aubigne (0.698), Oxford Hip Score (1.000), and Matta Outcome Grading (1.000). In addition, we also found no significant functional, radiological, and quality of life outcome difference between posterior column plate and suprapectineal plate group based on Harris Hip Score (p = 0.200), Merle D'Aubigne (0.643), Oxford Hip Score (0.316), Matta Outcome Grading (1.000), and SF-36 (0.600). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with unstable acetabular fracture with quadrilateral plate involvement subject had significantly lower functional, radiological, and quality of life outcomes compared to those without quadrilateral plate involvement. Both quadrilateral hook and infrapectineal plates demonstrated non-significant functional and radiological outcomes difference. Posterior column plate also resulted in the same functional, radiological, and quality of life outcome compared with suprapectineal fixation.

Is the Direct Fixation of Displaced Quadrilateral Plates in Acetabular Fractures Necessary?

Quadrilateral plate fractures represent a heterogeneous group of acetabular fractures. Accurate reduction is required to prevent post-traumatic arthritis. The purpose of this study is to determine the reduction effect of the direct fixation of quadrilateral plates in acetabular fractures, and to evaluate the strength of direct fixation compared to indirect fixation. Between 2005 and 2021, 49 patients underwent surgery for open reduction and internal fixation in acetabular fractures with severely displaced quadrilateral plates. Twenty-nine patients comprised the indirect fixation group, and twenty patients comprised the direct fixation group. In a comparison of primary outcome between two groups, 10 out of 29 indirect-group patients and 1 out of 20 direct-group patients developed post-traumatic osteoarthritis, wherein the difference between the two groups is statistically significant. In the assessment of postoperative Matta's radiological reduction status, 19 out of 20 patients in the direct group had achieved anatomical and congruent reduction. The treatment using a direct reduction and internal fixation improved the reduction quality of articular displacement and offered a better survivorship of the affected hip joint.

Inclined angles of acetabular quadrilateral plate: digital measurement and clinical application of the new anatomical concept.

PURPOSE: Matta scoring standard is one of the most frequently used postoperative imaging evaluations for acetabular fracture reduction, but has obvious shortcomings. This study, for the first time, proposed the concept of inclined angles of acetabular quadrilateral plate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the normal range of the inclined angles in adults by digital measurement and explore the feasibility of using them to evaluate the reduction quality of acetabular quadrilateral fractures after surgery. METHODS: Firstly, the pelvic CT three-dimensional reconstruction data of 40 healthy adults including 20 males and 20 females were collected. The normal range of the anterior, middle, and posterior inclined angles were measured via Mimics software. Secondly, a modified Matta criteria that combined the classic Matta criteria and evaluation criteria of the inclined angles was proposed. And we classified modified Matta criteria into three grades including excellent, good and poor. Finally, a total of 125 cases with quadrilateral plate fractures was included and the postoperative CT data were analyzed by using both the classic Matta criteria and our modified Matta criteria. Then, the accuracy and consistency of both criteria to evaluate postoperative hip function was investigated. RESULTS: The average anterior inclined angle: male (97.11° ± 2.59°), female (90.63° ± 2.09°); middle inclined angle: male (105.57° ± 1.93°), female (100.64° ± 2.46°); and posterior inclined angle: male (112.62° ± 2.54), female (106.37° ± 2.53°). Whether in males or in females, the anterior, middle, and posterior inclined angles showed a progressively increasing trend. All the three inclined angles in males were all significantly larger than those in females (p < 0.05). Among 125 cases with quadrilateral plate fractures, 101 cases (80.8%) were graded as excellent, 18 cases (14.4%) as good, and 6 cases (4.8%) as poor according to the classic Matta criteria. While based on modified Matta criteria, there were excellent in 37 cases (29.6%), good in 76 cases (60.8%), and poor in 12 cases (9.6%). According to the Harris hip score system, the functional outcomes were excellent in 59 cases (47.2%), good in 26 cases (20.8%), fair in 24 cases (19.2%), and poor in 16 cases (12.8%). Our results showed that among the cases evaluated as excellent according to the classic Matta criteria and modified Matta criteria, the excellent-to-good rates of hip function were 70.3% and 78.4%, respectively. And among the cases evaluated as poor according to the modified Matta criteria, the fair-to-poor rate of hip function was 75%, while this value was 50% for classic Matta criteria. Both differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Inclined angles of the quadrilateral plate could be used to assess the quality of fracture reduction and provide a basis for evaluating the rotational displacement of fracture blocks in the quadrilateral plate, which compensates the shortage of classic Matta criteria.

Percutaneous osteosynthesis of acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate involvement using an infra-pectineal plate through a new paramedial approach: Description of the technique using cadaveric specimens.

Percutaneous osteosynthesis of acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate involvement using an infra-pectineal plate through a new paramedial approach using cadaveric specimens. BACKGROUND: Intrapelvic approaches and infrapectineal plates have been used since the mid-nineties to solve Quadrilateral Plate osteosynthesis, with some problems in applying screws in the correct direction and difficulty in fracture reduction. We describe a minimally invasive paramedial approach and new ways to fix infrapectineal plates using one-step osteosynthesis (reduction and fixation). METHODS: Four transverse and four posterior hemitransverse acetabular fractures were reproduced using four fresh frozen cadavers. Acetabular osteosynthesis was performed using the paramedial approach. Sequential lasting time and reduction/stability quality were measured using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni Correction as the statistical method, registering iatrogenic injuries. RESULTS: Osteosynthesis was performed on seven acetabulae using infrapectineal horizontal plates for transverse fractures and vertical plates for posterior hemitransverse fractures. The duration of incision was 3:08 min and osteosynthesis was 55:12 min, with a total of 58:29 min. Median fracture displacement of 13.25 mm turned to a median of 0.01 mm once fracture osteosynthesis was performed with a p = 0.017. The peritoneum was injured twice and good osteosynthesis stability was observed. CONCLUSION: The paramedial approach is safe with direct access to key anatomical structures for acetabular osteosynthesis. Infrapectineal with reverse fixation plate osteosynthesis provides an excellent reduction rate and good stability once the implants act against displacement forces, making it possible to direct them freely. Further clinical and biomechanical trials are required to confirm our findings. We believe that there was an improvement of up to 60% in the result quality for some cases; however, this technique must be compared with other techniques. Evidence Level IV (Experimental Trial).

A new classification for quadrilateral plate fracture of acetabulum.

BACKGROUND: Recently, quadrilateral plate (QLP) fractures of acetabulum have attracted increasing attention. However, evidence for the appropriate classification of QLP fractures is still lacking, making it difficult to understand and manage these fractures. This study aimed to introduce a new classification for QLP fractures and evaluate its reproducibility. METHODS: A series of 1101 consecutive patients with acetabular fractures from 8 level-I trauma centers were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent preoperative radiograph and computed tomography imaging. QLP fractures were identified and classified using the new and Judet-Letournel classification system. The inter- and intra-observer reliabilities (kappa coefficients, κ) of these two systems were investigated by 4 observers. Furthermore, surgical approaches and fixation methods for each fracture type are described. RESULTS: In total, 243 (243/1101, 22%) patients with QLP fractures were identified and included in this analysis. The mean κ value of the intra-observer reliability was 0.84 (range, 0.763-0.919) for the new classification, indicating excellent agreement, and the inter-observer reliability was 0.762 (range, 0.625-0.876), indicating substantial agreement. The values were 0.649 (range, 0.523-0.708) and 0.584 (0.497-0.646), respectively, according to the Judet-Letournel classification. Six cases (6/243, 2.5%) could not be classified using the Judet-Letournel classification. The selection of surgical approaches and fixation methods depends on the fracture type; however, an anterior intra-pelvic approach and buttressing fixation using the plate or screw are preferred for QLP fractures. CONCLUSION: This study presents a new classification for QLP fractures, showing higher intra- and inter-observer reliabilities than those obtained using the Judet-Letournel classification. This allowed us to obtain an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of QLP fractures. Additionally, the new classification might guide further studies on surgical strategies for QLP fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

New screw technique for posterior column and ischial fixation from the anterior approach for acetabular fractures.

Management of the ischial fragment in acetabular fractures is a considerable problem. In this report, we presented how to drill or screw around the posterior column and ischium from the anterior approach using a novel 'sleeve guide technique' and the difficulty of plating. A sleeve, drill, depth gauge and driver from DepuySynthes were prepared. The portal was about 2-3 cm inside the anterior superior iliac spine opposite to the side of the fracture. The sleeve was inserted to the screw point around quadrilateral area through the retroperitoneal space. Drilling, measuring screw length by a depth gauge and the screwing were performed through the sleeve. Case 1 used a one-third plate and case 2 used a reconstruction plate. With this technique, the approach angles to the posterior column and ischium were inclined, and plating and screw insertion could be performed with a low risk of organ injury.

A device that facilitates screwing at an appropriate angle in quadrilateral surface fractures: 105-degree drill attachment.

BACKGROUND: Within this study, we aimed to investigate the radiological and functional outcomes of acetabular fractures involving quadrilateral surface using 105° drill attachment in the anterior intrapelvic approach. METHODS: The 35 patients who underwent surgical treatment from January 2016 and January 2020 for acetabular fractures involving quadrilateral surface with anterior intrapelvic approach using 105° drill attachment and a minimum of 12 months of postoperative follow-up were included. Perioperative complications, operation duration, and the quality of reduction were evaluated. Reduction quality was classified as poor, imperfect, and anatomic. Functional evaluation was performed according to the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Merle d'Aubigne Score. RESULTS: Among 35 patients (median age 36 (21-80)), radiological results of the acetabular fixations were anatomic, imperfect, and poor in 28 (80%), 5 (14.3%), and 2 (5.7%) patients, respectively. Postoperative 1-year functional outcomes with Merle d'Aubigne scores and HHS were median 18 (10-18) and 90 (60-96), respectively. The clinical outcomes of the patients showed concordance with reduction quality. The median operation duration was 180 minutes (range 125-270). Iatrogenic neurovascular damage was not noted in any patients. DISCUSSION: Reduction and fixation of deep intrapelvic fractures are risky and difficult due to the narrow anatomy and adjacent crucial neurovascular structures. As the 105-degree drill application is safe and easy to intervene in, short surgery duration and satisfactory results with minimum complications can be obtained with a 105 angulated drill in the deep pelvic region.

Three-dimensional morphological analysis of quadrilateral plate fragments in associated both-column acetabular fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the fracture morphology of quadrilateral plate (QP) fragments is associated with the anterior and posterior columns in associated both-column (ABC) fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional computed tomography data of 100 ABC fractures treated at our hospital from August 2016 to August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed using Mimics and 3-matic software. The distribution of fracture lines was described using the fracture mapping technique. RESULTS: One fragment presented on the QP was confirmed in 88% of the patients. The QP fragments' fracture lines were divided into the anterior oblique (AO), superior posterior oblique (SPO), and mid-posterior oblique (MPO) lines, occurring in 100, 86, and 8 cases, respectively. AO lines were distributed along the arcuate line. SPO lines were continuations of the AO lines, which were distributed to the posterior column from the greater sciatic notch to the lesser sciatic notch. MPO lines were involved in the QP's central area. A simple fracture was found at the proximal AO and SPO lines in 80% and 86% of all displaced fractures, respectively. AO lines distal to the superior rim of the acetabula were confirmed to be comminuted fractures in 32% of all cases. CONCLUSIONS: In ABC fractures, there was only one QP fragment in nearly 90% of all cases. The QP fractures were mainly present in the QP's peripheral area. More than 80% of the fracture patterns on the cephalic side of the QP were simple. The reduction and internal fixation of QP fractures in ABC fractures should be in the cephalic region.

Quadrilateral plate fractures of the acetabulum: Classification, approach, implant therapy and related research progress.

The quadrilateral plate (QP) is an essential structure of the inner wall of the acetabulum, an important weight-bearing joint of the human body, which is often involved in acetabular fractures. The operative exposure, reduction and fixation of QP fractures have always been the difficulties in orthopedics due to the special morphological structure and anatomical features of the QP. Fortunately, there have been many effective methods and instruments developed for QP exposure, reduction and fixation by virtue of the combined efforts of numerous orthopedists. At the same time, each method presents with its own advantages and disadvantages, resulting in different prognoses. It is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the anatomy, radiology and fixation techniques of the QP in terms of patient prognosis optimization. In this paper, the anatomical features, definition and classification of QP, operative approach selection, implant internal fixation methods and efficacy were reviewed.

Treatment of acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate injury - a comparison of two commonly used methods.

BACKGROUND: Acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate (QLP) involvement have traditionally been treated by buttress plates applied through an Ilio-inguinal approach. Recently, many surgeons prefer the application of infra-pectineal plates through the modified Stoppa approach for this purpose. Whether one method can be preferred over the other is a matter of investigation. HYPOTHESIS: The research question was whether an infra pectineal plate applied through the modified Stoppa approach for acetabular fractures with QLP involvement would result in an equivalent or better outcome than a buttress plate applied through an ilioinguinal approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with QLP fractures operated by either of the two methods and who had completed at least one year follow up. Demographic and surgical details and the radiological and clinical outcomes at the last follow-up visit were obtained from patient records. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were treated with a buttress plate applied through an ilioinguinal approach (group A), and 49 patients were treated with an infra-pectineal plate by the modified Stoppa approach (group B). Duration of surgery and intra-operative blood loss was significantly less in group B patients. Radiological and clinical outcomes were better in group B patients than group A patients. Implant loosening was more frequent in group A patients. Injury to the obturator vessels were more common in group B patients. CONCLUSION: With a comparatively lesser surgical duration and blood loss, better clinical and radiological outcomes at least one year after the surgery, an infra-pectineal plate applied through the modified Stoppa approach can be considered the preferred treatment for most acetabular fractures with QLP involvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Outcomes of Direct Infrapectineal Buttress Plate for Quadrilateral Surface Fractures of Acetabulum Using an Anterior Intrapelvic Approach.

PURPOSE: Reduction and stable fixation of the quadrilateral plate are challenging primarily due to its location in the true pelvis, limited bone stock, juxta-articular nature, and its comminution. The current study aimed to investigate the quality of reduction and functional outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with infrapectineal buttress plating of the quadrilateral surface via an anterior intrapelvic approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of twenty-one patients with acetabular fractures involving quadrilateral plate operated at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital between January 2017 and December 2018. Radiological assessment of the quality of reduction was conducted using criteria described by Matta. Functional outcomes were evaluated using a modified Postel Merle d'Aubigné score. RESULTS: The current study included 15 males and 6 females with a mean age of 40.67±12.17 years (range, 22-62 years). The most common fracture pattern was anterior column and posterior hemi-transverse in eight patients followed by true bicolumn and T-type fractures in seven and four patients respectively. Both transverse fractures were transtectal. The quality of reduction according to Matta criteria was anatomical in 14 patients, imperfect in five and poor in two. Functional outcomes were excellent in 47.6% cases, good in 42.9%, and fair in 9.5% cases. Both patients with fair outcomes had non-anatomical reduction, and one required total hip arthroplasty at a later time. CONCLUSION: Quadrilateral plate reconstruction with an infrapectineal buttress plate applied though an anterior intrapelvic approach provides high rates of anatomical reduction and yields good functional outcomes.

Obturator dislocation of the hip associated with ipsilateral quadrilateral plate fracture: A rare case report.

Traumatic hip dislocations typically result of high-energy trauma and frequently involve young patients. The obturator dislocation is not a common condition and rarely combined with acetabular fracture. We report a rare case of a 48-year-old male patient with a trauma of the left hip following a car-vs-car frontal accident. He presented with an obturator hip dislocation combined with ipsilateral quadrilateral plate fracture. The patient underwent a clinical and imaging evaluation to identify the acetabular fracture dislocation. The CT scan showed a severe dislocation of the acetabular medial wall. Closed reduction under conscious sedation was performed in Emergency Department. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation. During surgery, obturator nerve was entrapped inside the fracture rim and then it was released. No intra-operative complications were observed. The patient was followed, with accurate clinical and radiological follow up assessments for 24 months reporting excellent clinical outcomes according to Oxford Hip Score (47/48 points), a good hip range of motion and a complete recovery of basic activities of daily living. After two years of follow-up, no evidence of femoral head necrosis was reported and the patient returned to sport activity.

Internal fixation of anterior acetabular fractures with a limited pararectus approach and the anatomical plates: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of acetabular fracture has adverse outcomes and high risk, and minimally invasive method is a good way to reduce complications and improve hip joint function. This study is to investigate the treatment of certain acetabular fractures primarily involving the anterior column and quadrilateral plate using a limited pararectus approach and the anatomical plates. METHODS: A consecutive cohort of 17 patients with anterior displaced acetabular fractures were managed operatively with a limited approach and the anatomical plates. Ten patients had anterior column fractures, 1 patient had anterior wall fracture, 4 patients had transverse fractures and 2 patients had anterior column with posterior hemi-transverse fractures. The inferior half of the pararectus approach was adopted to open the medial window and to access the anterior column and the quadrilateral plate. The anatomical plates were used for internal fixation. Residual displacements were assessed on the postoperative CT scans using a standardized digital method. The surgical details, hip functional outcomes, and complications were noted. RESULTS: All of the patients were operated using the limited pararectus approach and the anatomical plates successfully. The mean operative time and blood loss were 90.9 min and 334.1 ml, respectively. The average postoperative residual gap and step displacement on CT were 2.9 mm and 0.7 mm, respectively. The radiological outcome was estimated according to the Matta score, ten of the cases were graded anatomical, six were graded imperfect, and one was graded poor. Follow up averaged 15 months. Functional outcomes were excellent for nine, good for six, and fair for two. It was noted that one case of peritoneal injury was repaired intraoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The limited pararectus approach with the advantages of less trauma, direct exposure to the anterior column and quadrilateral plate. The anatomical plates can fit with the surface of the acetabulum, which saves the time of remodeling plates during operation and facilitate fracture reduction. The combination approach can be a good choice for limited surgery of displaced anterior acetabular fractures especially involving the quadrilateral plate.

Expanding the indications for calcaneal plates beyond foot fractures: a technical trick and case series.

Although non-locking calcaneal plates are designed to treat calcaneal fractures, they present some interesting characteristics that justify using them beyond their current application in fractures of the foot. Calcaneal plates are malleable, have an increased footprint area for fracture containment or buttressing, and present several hole options for screw placement in different trajectories, thereby providing proper fixation even in comminuted fracture patterns. The aim of this study is to describe the unconventional use of calcaneal plates in the orthopaedic trauma scenario.

Internal fixation of acetabular quadrilateral plate fractures in elderly patients: Could the fracture reduction quality affect their functional recovery?

BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic acetabular fractures frequently involve the quadrilateral plate (QP), a flat and thin bone constituting the medial wall of the acetabulum. This study aims to assess the impact of the quality of osteoporotic QP fractures reduction on the patients' functional recovery, at 24 months follow-up. METHODS: Patients referring with osteoporotic QP fractures to our Level I trauma centre were prospectively recruited. INCLUSION CRITERIA: patients aged 60 years old or older; osteoporosis, defined as Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) T-score ≤ - 2.5; acute acetabular fracture; anatomic or good fracture reduction according to Matta on postoperative CT. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: moderate cognitive impairment (defined as Mini-Mental State Examination < 19); a history of malignant neoplasm; concomitant fractures in other sites; traumatic head injury; lower limb joint prostheses; patient not able to walk independently before trauma; poor fracture reduction, according to Matta, on postoperative CT. All the QP fractures were surgically managed. After surgery, the reduction of each QP fracture was classified as anatomical (displacement 0-1 mm), good (displacement 2-3 mm) and poor (displacement > 3 mm) on postoperative CT. Based on this classification: patients with a poor fracture reduction were excluded from this study, patients with an anatomical reduction were recruited in Group-A and patients with a good reduction in Group-B. All the patients underwent a clinical and radiographic 24-months follow-up. RESULTS: 68 patients (males 38; females 30; mean age 68.6 years old; range 60-79) were finally included in in the study. No cases of open fractures or concomitant pelvic ring fractures were observed. Based on the post-operative CT, 39 patients showed an anatomic fracture reduction (Group-A) while the remaining 29 patients revealed a good fracture reduction (Group-B). Complication rates and mean clinical scores showed no significant differences between groups, at 24-months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the functional recovery at 24 months follow-up showed no significant differences in elderly patients with QP fracture undergoing anatomical reconstruction (displacement 0-1 mm) compared to patients receiving a good QP fracture reconstruction (displacement ≤ 3 mm).