BackgroundA novel anatomical locking plate (NALP) was designed. The NALP is fixed via an anterior column screw and a Magic screw to apply pressure on the acetabular fracture ends. This study was performed to compare the reduction effect and clinical outcome of the NALP versus the anatomical locking plate (ALP) for acetabular fractures involving both columns.MethodsFrom January 2013 to January 2018, 22 patients with acetabular fractures involving both columns were treated using the NALP or ALP in a single institution. The general condition and type of fracture were recorded. The NALP and ALP groups were compared regarding the Letournel fracture classification, operative approach, time from injury to operation, intraoperative bleeding volume, and operation time. The radiographic reduction outcome and hip function at final follow-up were compared between the two groups based on the Matta scores and Harris hip scores, respectively.ResultsThe NALP was used in 10 patients, while the ALP was used in 12. Three patients had transverse fractures, 12 had transverse fractures involving posterior wall, and 7 had double-column fractures. The two groups had no significantly differ regarding sex, age, affected side, Letournel fracture classification, operative approach, or follow-up duration. The time from injury to the operation was 20.70±1.2 days in the NALP group and 13.17±7.5 days in the ALP group (p=0.089). The operation time was 332.20±128.9 minutes in the NALP group and 257.50±91.6 minutes in the ALP group (p=0.128). The intraoperative blood loss volume was 1550.00±869.5 ml in the NALP group and 666.67±370.1 ml in the ALP group (p=0.011). The Matta score at final follow-up was 1.10±0.8 in the NALP group and 2.46±1.9 in the ALP group (p=0.045). The Harris hip score at final follow-up was 87.50±10.5 in the NALP group and 81.00±10.1 in the ALP group (p=0.0782).ConclusionThe NALP achieves adequate compression of the acetabular fracture ends and obtains stronger fixation than the ALP.Trial registrationChiCTR,ChiCTR2000030825. Registered 15 March 2020 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/ChiCTR2000030825