Abstract
Objectives
The tremendous increase of acetabular fractures in the elderly provides new challenges
for their surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical
properties of conventional and newly developed implants for the stabilisation of an
anterior column combined with posterior hemitransverse fracture (ACPHTF), which represents
the typical acetabular fracture in the elderly.
Methods
Using a single-leg stance model we analysed four different implant systems for the
stabilisation of ACPHTFs in synthetic and cadaveric pelvises. Applying an increasing
axial load, fracture dislocation was analysed with a new multidirectional ultrasonic
measuring system. Results of the different implant systems were compared by Scheffé
post hoc test and one-way ANOVA.
Results
In synthetic pelvises, the standard reconstruction plate fixed by 3 periarticular
long screws and a new titanium fixator with multidirectional interlocking screws were
associated with significantly less dislocation of the fractured quadrilateral plate
of the acetabulum when compared to a standard reconstruction plate fixed by only one
periarticular long screw and a locking reconstruction plate. No significant differences
between the different osteosynthesis techniques could be observed in cadaver pelvises,
probably due to a heterogeneous bone quality.
Conclusions
We conclude that the plate fixation by positioning of periarticular long screws as
well as the multidirectional positioning of interlocking screws account for the most
sufficient fracture stabilisation of ACPHTFs under experimental conditions.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
December 1,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.