Combined anatomical reduction plate for quadrilateral acetabular fractures via a posterior approach: an anatomical–morphological study

Abstract

Objective To digitally measure the fixation trajectory of anatomical plates used in the combined reduction of quadrilateral acetabular fractures via the posterior approach, and to develop anatomical plates that align with the characteristics of the pelvis in the Chinese population. Methods Pelvic computed tomography (CT) data from 102 adult patients were collected at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University. This group included 51 males and 51 females, aged between 20 and 60 years. Using Mimics software (version 21.0), a three-dimensional model of each pelvic data point was reconstructed. The fixation path for the combined reset anatomical steel plate was drawn, where the curves on the fixation path were approximated as arcs. The radius of curvature and length of these curves were measured, and an anatomical steel plate was designed to best fit the pelvic structure. Results The combined anatomical reduction plate fixation system for quadrilateral acetabular fractures using a posterior approach consisted of two parts: a locking plate and a reduction plate. The posterior wall region (r2), ischial region (r3), quadrilateral region (r4), and bending region (r5), and the total length of the reduction plate were significantly smaller in females (P < 0.05). Similarly, the posterior wall region (R3), distal posterior wall region (R4), and the total length of the locking plate were significantly smaller in females (P < 0.05). Additionally, the anterior superior iliac spine side (r1) and the total length of the T-shaped auxiliary plate were significantly smaller in females (P < 0.05). The bending angle (< A) was also significantly smaller in females (P < 0.05). Conclusions The pelvic surface structure is irregular and varies greatly among individuals.Compared to the traditional steel plate, The combined reduction anatomical plate designed in this study demonstrated high precision and improved conformity to the anatomical structure of the pelvis.