The most common form of acetabular fracture is believed to be the posterior wall; its incidence ranges from 25% to 47%. Managing such fractures has been difficult in the past and until recently. To obtain a favorable functional outcome, an accurate diagnosis and a well-executed treatment strategy are essential.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of employing a spring plate augmented by a traditional 3.5 mm reconstruction plate for the treatment of comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures.
Patients and methods: A prospective case series was performed on 24 patients with comminuted fractures of the posterior wall. After an average of 6 days, the patients underwent surgery. Eighteen patients were fixed with one spring plate, six patients were fixed with two spring plates, and all were reinforced with a 3.5-mm reconstruction plate. Each case was followed once every three months until the fracture healed and then regularly every six months thereafter.
Results: There were 21 men and 3 women. The average follow-up period was 14 months, and the median age was 34.5 years. The main reason for injuries was motor vehicle collisions. The mean operation time was 107.5 min. The clinical results were evaluated by the MAP and m HHS, and the means were 10.2 (5-12) and 86 (64-96), respectively. Only two patients developed avascular necrosis and were treated by total hip replacement, another three (12.5%) had mild arthritis.
Conclusion: Comminuted acetabulum posterior wall fractures can be stabilized with spring plates. It could be used in conjunction with the primary reconstruction plate as a viable alternative for stable and anatomical reduction. High patient satisfaction and good functional results make this approach effective.
Keywords: acetabulum; fixation; posterior wall fracture; reconstruction plate; spring plate.