2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (4): 578-582

Application of T-shaped plate for fractures involving the quadrilateral region of acetabulum

Chen Lei, Jia Yanfei, Lyu Huicheng, Zhang Lifeng   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that the T-shaped plate can be pre-bent to a suitable angle and shape to block the fracture fragments in the quadrilateral region of the acetabulum, especially the fracture line extending to the greater sciatic notch.  
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of T-shaped plate in the operation of acetabular quadrilateral fracture.
METHODS: Totally 31 patients who underwent acetabular fracture surgery in Second Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University from January 2018 to April 2020 were selected as the research object, of which 18 patients were combined with reconstruction plate and T-shaped plate. During the operation, the reconstruction plate and pre-bending of T-shaped plate were carried out according to the fracture situation, and the transverse plate on the head side of T-shaped plate was bent to the tail end, making the whole plate close to a right angle to match the fracture and fix the fracture block at the top of the square area. The 13 patients were not applied with T-shaped plate as the control group. Other operations were the same as in the experimental group. After treatment, the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length and fracture healing were observed; the X-ray score and the function of the affected hip were evaluated after fracture reduction.  
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The patients were followed up regularly for 24-40 weeks. After good intraoperative reduction of quadrilateral fractures, pre- bent reconstruction plate and T-shaped plate were placed, and the plate was in good contact with the bone surface. (2) The operation time of the trial group was longer than that of the control group (P < 0.05), and the intraoperative blood loss was less than that of the control group (P < 0.05). (3) Fracture reduction was evaluated according to Matta standard. The excellent and good rate of the trial group was 89% (16/18), and the excellent and good rate of the control group was 85% (11/13). The complete weight-bearing time of the trial group [(7.9±1.6) weeks] was better than that of the control group [(9.5±2.1) weeks] (P < 0.05). (4) It is concluded that T-shaped plate combined with reconstruction plate involving fractures in the quadrilateral region of the acetabulum has a good reduction effect, simple operation, less intraoperative blood loss, and short complete weight-bearing time.
Key words: T-shaped plate, fracture of acetabular quadrilateral region, internal fixation, acetahbulum, fracture