Comparison of the Radiological Outcomes of an Anatomical Quadrilateral Surface Plate with a Pelvic Reconstruction Plate in Acetabulum Fractures

Purpose: This study compared the radiological outcomes of fixation using an anatomical quadrilateral surface plate with those using a traditional pelvic reconstruction plate for fractures involving the quadrilateral surface or superomedial wall of the acetabulum. Materials and Methods:From 2015 to 2022, 47 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed retrospectively.Internal fixation of an acetabular fracture was achieved with a pelvic reconstruction plate (n=28) or an anatomical quadrilateral surface plate (n=19).The ability to achieve immediate postoperative anatomical reduction and the long-term outcomes were assessed by confirming the arthritic changes.Immediate postoperative reduction quality and long-term radiological outcomes for post-traumatic arthritis were assessed using the Matta scoring system on standard radiographs.Results: The assessment of immediate postoperative reduction in the pelvic reconstruction plate group was satisfactory in 16 patients (57.1%) and unsatisfactory in 12 patients (42.9%).In the anatomical quadrilateral surface plate group, the results were satisfactory in 16 patients (84.2%) and unsatisfactory in 3 patients (15.8%).When evaluating over an extended follow-up period in the pelvic reconstruction plate group, 19 patients (67.9%) demonstrated satisfactory, while 9 patients (32.1%) had unsatisfactory outcomes.In the anatomical quadrilateral surface plate group, 12 patients (63.2%) achieved satisfactory, and 7 patients (36.8%) had unsatisfactory outcomes.The immediate postoperative reduction quality was superior in the anatomical quadrilateral surface plate group (p=0.03).Comparing longterm results, the anatomical quadrilateral surface plate group did not have statistically more favorable outcomes (p=0.49). Conclusion:In this study, the anatomical quadrilateral surface plate achieved sufficiently good radiological results without significant difference from the existing pelvic reconstruction plate.It was concluded that it is a useful option that can replace the existing metal plate in the selection of surgery for acetabular fractures.