Associated both-column acetabular fracture: An overview of operative steps and surgical technique

The management of both-column fractures of the acetabulum is challenging for the orthopaedic surgeon. Operative treatment is usually recommended in this particular fracture pattern, as residual joint surface displacement has been shown to increase local contact stress, drastically leading to rapid cartilage destruction. In this review, we present an overview of operative steps and surgical technique for both-column acetabular fracture reconstruction. Therefore, we demonstrate how correct understanding of fracture morphology and displacement, preoperative preparation, including choice of approach and patient positioning, reduction strategies, and programmed sequential fixation, starting from superior fracture lines on the anterior acetabular column and ending on the posterior components of this fracture type, may provide satisfactory outcomes in this difficult acetabular fracture pattern.     

A novel anatomical self-locking plate fixation for both-column acetabular fractures

PurposeTo compare the stability of the posterior anatomic self-locking plate (PASP) with two types of popular reconstruction plate fixation, i.e. double reconstruction plate (DRP) and cross reconstruction plate (CRP), and to explore the influence of sitting and turning right/left on implants.MethodsPASP, DRP and CRP were assembled on a finite element model of both-column fractures of the left acetabulum. A load of 600 N and a torque of 8 N·m were loaded on the S1 vertebral body to detect the change of stress and displacement when sitting and turning right/left.ResultsThe peak stress and displacement of the three kinds of fixation methods under all loading conditions were CRP > DRP > PASP. The peak stress and displacement of PASP are 313.5 MPa and 1.15 mm respectively when turning right; and the minimal was 234.0 Mpa and 0.619 mm when turning left.ConclusionPASP can provide higher stability than DRP and CRP for both-column acetabular fractures. The rational movement after posterior DRP and PASP fixation for acetabular fracture is to turn to the ipsilateral side, which can avoid implant failure.     

单纯改良后路切口后柱重建板前柱空心加压钉内固定治疗髋臼双柱骨折

目的探讨单纯改良后路切口后柱重建板前柱空心加压钉内固定治疗髋臼双柱骨折的临床疗效。方法对12例髋臼双柱骨折患者,均采用单纯改良后路切口后柱重建板前柱空心加压钉内固定治疗。结果 12例平均随访18(10~36)个月。骨折复位和关节功能按Matta标准进行评价:解剖复位10例,满意复位2例;关节功能优10例,良2例。术前合并坐骨神经损伤的2例均完全恢复,未出现股骨头坏死、创伤性关节炎;3例出现轻微异位骨化。结论单纯改良后路切口后柱重建板前柱空心加压钉内固定治疗髋臼双柱骨折疗效优良,创伤较联合切口小。     

Entrapment of the external iliac vein in a both-column acetabular fracture

We present a patient with an associated both-column acetabular fracture with entrapment of the external iliac vein in the fracture. This complication was not recognized until fracture manipulation during open reduction and fixation. This case report demonstrates that an acetabular fracture can have an associated vascular injury without any obvious clinical signs. This can be especially dangerous during percutaneous manipulation and fixation of these fractures as an obstruction or injury to the external iliac vein may occur and remain unrecognized. We feel that any surgeon involved in treating patients with acetabular or pelvic fractures should be aware of this potentially serious complication.     

Strategies of management of traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures around a pre-existing total hip arthroplasty

Introductionand aim: Traumatic peri-prosthetic fractures are relatively rare fractures that pose a significant surgical challenge. They have a fracture pattern that is different from its iatrogenic counterpart. This study aimed at reviewing the modalities of treatment of such injuries, proposing a treatment algorithm and reporting the outcomes of these injuries.Patients and methodsWe propose an algorithm for management of traumatic peri-prosthetic acetabular fractures which depends on fracture displacement, implant stability and associated bone loss.Twelve patients with traumatic peri-prosthetic acetabular fractures were treated between January 2012 and December 2018. All patients were treated surgically. Patients were allowed immediate weight bearing as pain allowed. Assessment was carried out using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and the Merle D’aubigné score (MDP).ResultsMean patient age 71 (range: 59–80). 8 patients underwent implant removal, fracture fixation and re-implantation of revision acetabular cup (displaced fracture, unstable implant, adequate bone stock). Three patients required acetabular reconstruction (inadequate bone stock). One patient underwent revision acetabular component. One patient suffered from recurrent dislocation that required surgical intervention. Mean follow up was 27 Months (range 12–48). Mean OHS was 36 (range 10–47). Mean MDP was 12 (range 9–18) with 80% excellent and good results.ConclusionSurgical management of peri-prosthetic acetabular fractures can produce good to excellent results provided adequate assessment and surgical planning have been carried out. Fracture displacement, implant stability and bone stock should be carefully assessed.     

Strategies of management of traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures around a pre-existing total hip arthroplasty

Introductionand aim: Traumatic peri-prosthetic fractures are relatively rare fractures that pose a significant surgical challenge. They have a fracture pattern that is different from its iatrogenic counterpart. This study aimed at reviewing the modalities of treatment of such injuries, proposing a treatment algorithm and reporting the outcomes of these injuries.Patients and methodsWe propose an algorithm for management of traumatic peri-prosthetic acetabular fractures which depends on fracture displacement, implant stability and associated bone loss.Twelve patients with traumatic peri-prosthetic acetabular fractures were treated between January 2012 and December 2018. All patients were treated surgically. Patients were allowed immediate weight bearing as pain allowed. Assessment was carried out using the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and the Merle D’aubigné score (MDP).ResultsMean patient age 71 (range: 59–80). 8 patients underwent implant removal, fracture fixation and re-implantation of revision acetabular cup (displaced fracture, unstable implant, adequate bone stock). Three patients required acetabular reconstruction (inadequate bone stock). One patient underwent revision acetabular component. One patient suffered from recurrent dislocation that required surgical intervention. Mean follow up was 27 Months (range 12–48). Mean OHS was 36 (range 10–47). Mean MDP was 12 (range 9–18) with 80% excellent and good results.ConclusionSurgical management of peri-prosthetic acetabular fractures can produce good to excellent results provided adequate assessment and surgical planning have been carried out. Fracture displacement, implant stability and bone stock should be carefully assessed.     

前后联合入路治疗髋臼双柱骨折

目的探讨经前后联合入路手术治疗髋臼双柱骨折的临床疗效。方法对2006年1月～2009年6月间收治的19例髋臼双柱骨折病人行前后联合入路切开复位、重建钢板内固定手术。结果所有患者均获随访,随访时间12～36个月,平均27个月。骨折复位程度按照Matta标准：解剖复位14例,满意复位4例,不满意复位1例;髋关节功能采用改良Merled’ Aubigne-Postel髋关节评分标准：优9例,良7例,可2例,差1例,优良率为84.2%。术后并发症：创伤性关节炎2例;股骨头缺血性坏死1例,行人工全髋关节置换术。结论前后联合入路手术可使病人获得满意复位、牢固固定及早期功能锻炼,是治疗髋臼双柱骨折的有效方法。     

A systematic review of combined pelvic and acetabular injuries

PurposeInjuries of both pelvic ring and acetabulum as rare very few articles are available in literature. There are no set protocols in defining the injury let alone defining early and definitive management strategies. This article is an attempt to encompass all available data to give us guidelines in managing these injuries.MethodsAn extensive literature review was carried out on PubMed/Medline, google scholar and Embase databases was done with the eligibility criteria of 1) Case series with a minimum of 20 cases. 2) The patient’s outcome reported. 3) Full article available. 4) Article in English. 5) Minimum Jadad score of 3. As per PRISMA guidelines the search was done and gradually filtered down to relevant articles which were 8 in number.ResultsThe incidence of these injuries range from 5 to 16%. The transverse acetabular fracture pattern is the commonest followed by associated both column fractures. There is equal propensity of Anteroposterior compression and lateral compression injuries. The injury mechanism appears to transmitted lateral force from the greater trochanter inwards with an implosion injury causing acetabular and pelvic injury as a continuum. The initial management is similar to managing pelvic ring injuries with focus on patient resuscitation, hemodynamic stabilization and temporary stabilization. The injury severity score and the mortality rates are comparable to isolated unstable pelvic ring injuries. Definitive management focuses on fixing the posterior pelvic ring first followed by the acetabular fracture and then the anterior pelvic ring. The displacement rates and outcome is worse than isolated acetabular injuries or pelvic injuries.ConclusionCombined Pelvic and acetabular injuries are complex injuries which need to be managed initially as we manage pelvic injury and later as we fix as an acetabular fracture meticulously.     

A systematic review of combined pelvic and acetabular injuries

PurposeInjuries of both pelvic ring and acetabulum as rare very few articles are available in literature. There are no set protocols in defining the injury let alone defining early and definitive management strategies. This article is an attempt to encompass all available data to give us guidelines in managing these injuries.MethodsAn extensive literature review was carried out on PubMed/Medline, google scholar and Embase databases was done with the eligibility criteria of 1) Case series with a minimum of 20 cases. 2) The patient’s outcome reported. 3) Full article available. 4) Article in English. 5) Minimum Jadad score of 3. As per PRISMA guidelines the search was done and gradually filtered down to relevant articles which were 8 in number.ResultsThe incidence of these injuries range from 5 to 16%. The transverse acetabular fracture pattern is the commonest followed by associated both column fractures. There is equal propensity of Anteroposterior compression and lateral compression injuries. The injury mechanism appears to transmitted lateral force from the greater trochanter inwards with an implosion injury causing acetabular and pelvic injury as a continuum. The initial management is similar to managing pelvic ring injuries with focus on patient resuscitation, hemodynamic stabilization and temporary stabilization. The injury severity score and the mortality rates are comparable to isolated unstable pelvic ring injuries. Definitive management focuses on fixing the posterior pelvic ring first followed by the acetabular fracture and then the anterior pelvic ring. The displacement rates and outcome is worse than isolated acetabular injuries or pelvic injuries.ConclusionCombined Pelvic and acetabular injuries are complex injuries which need to be managed initially as we manage pelvic injury and later as we fix as an acetabular fracture meticulously.     

不同髋臼骨折手术入路选择的相关性因素分析

[目的]探讨髋臼骨折的手术治疗方法。[方法]对1995年1月～2005年3月手术治疗的髋臼骨折进行回顾性分析，探讨影响手术入路选择的相关因素。[结果]手术治疗107例，其中，采用Kocher—Langenbeck入路44例，扩大髂股入路5例，髂腹股沟或前侧扩大入路30例，前后联合入路28例。获解剖复位66例，满意复位36例，不满意复位5例。随访1～11a，采用美国矫形外科学会髋关节功能评估标准，总优良率89．72％。[结论]骨折类型及其移位方向是确定手术入路的关键因素，骨折合并伤、手术时间及不同手术入路相关副损伤或并发症是其重要参考因素。     

Extensile triradiate approach in the management of combined acetabular fractures

Introduction We investigated the results of combined acetabular fractures that were treated through the extensile triradiate approach in this study.Materials and methods Between January 1996 and January 2001, a total of 48 acetabular fractures were treated surgically (mainly combined fractures). Twenty-five of the combined acetabular fractures that were surgically treated through the triradiate approach with a minimum of 2 years follow-up were included in the study. The mean patient age was 42 years. There were 8 both-column, 6 T-shaped, 2 anterior column/posterior hemitransverse, 4 transverse with comminuted roof area, 4 posterior wall with comminuted roof area, and 1 posterior column/posterior wall fracture. Associated injuries included two full-thickness chondral injuries of the head, one Pipkin type II fracture, five posterior and one central dislocation of the ipsilateral femoral head, and acetabular marginal impaction in four hips. The average follow-up was 44 months.Results The postoperative reduction was graded as excellent in 68% and imperfect in 8% of the patients. The hips were evaluated functionally according to the modified Postel-DAubigne score and rated as excellent in 7 patients (28%), good in 13 patients (52%), fair in 3 patients (12%) and poor in 2 patients (8%). There were 2 deep infections (8%), 2 avascular necroses of the head (8%), and 4 (16%) non-disabling heterotopic ossifications.Conclusion Our results support the idea that open reduction with the triradiate approach provides good visualization and direct reduction of combined acetabular fractures. Its learning curve for combined fractures is shorter than that for single approaches and provides at least the same rate of anatomical reduction. It should be in the armamentarium of a surgeon dealing with such fractures.     

髋臼骨折的三维CT重建

本文报告12例髋臼骨折行三维CT重建的临床应用,三维CT对复杂的髋曰骨折能明确骨折移位、粉碎程度,能显示整个骨盆的轮廓及立体感,对术前骨折的评估、分类、指导手术入路有一定的临床意义。     

Inability to obtain formal informed consent in the face of a standard surgical indication

A thirty-eight-year-old intoxicated man was admitted to the surgical trauma service following a single motor-vehicle accident. He had a severe closed head injury, bilateral pulmonary contusions, a fracture-dislocation of the right acetabulum, and an open injury of the right knee joint. The acetabular fracture pattern was an associated both-column fracture with the femoral head dislocated into a widely displaced posterior-column fracture line. The treating physicians agreed that it would be in the patient's best interest to take him to the operating room for emergent debridement and irrigation of his knee wound. At surgery, the patient also underwent attempted closed reduction of the acetabular fracture and placement of a skeletal traction pin. Radiographs obtained with the patient in traction showed reduction of the femoral head beneath a displaced superior dome fragment, but there remained a 12-mm gap in the posterior column, greater than 3 mm of step incongruity, and a large articular fragment entrapped in the anterior aspect of the hip joint. The patient remained intubated and sedated for several days. Upon weaning from the ventilator, it became evident that his head injury would prevent him from being able to give informed consent in the foreseeable future. The patient's family members refused to become involved with his care or medical decision-making, as he had become completely estranged from them as a result of his chronic alcohol abuse. Further delay in surgical treatment for the acetabular fracture would be associated with greater difficulty in obtaining an anatomic reduction, the potential for additional articular damage to the femoral head, and an increased risk of surgical complications. The question that arises is whether it is in the patient's best interest for the surgeon to proceed with open reduction and internal fixation of the acetabular fracture without having had the opportunity to fully inform him of the treatment options or the risks associated with an extensive surgical exposure.     

单一腹直肌外侧切口治疗髋臼前后柱骨折

 目的 探讨经单一前方腹直肌外侧切口前柱钢板加后柱顺行拉力螺钉固定治疗髋臼前后柱骨折的手术技巧及临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2012年1月至2014年6月,采用单一前方腹直肌外侧切口前柱钢板加后柱拉力螺钉固定治疗28例髋臼前后柱骨折患者资料,男12例,女16例;年龄19~61岁,平均41.4岁。髋臼骨折按Letournel-Judet分型：前方伴后半横形骨折18例,双柱骨折10例,骨折均未涉及髋臼后壁;其中15例合并骨盆环骨折,9例合并四肢骨折,6例合并其他脏器损伤;13例为多发损伤。手术经前方腹直肌外侧切口进入,直视下复位髋臼骨折,将预弯的钢板放置于四方体的内侧面固定前柱,通过牵拉、撬拨复位后柱骨折,经小骨盆环上缘向坐骨棘或坐骨结节方向打入直径6.5 mm空心螺钉导针后,沿导针顺行拉力螺钉固定后柱。结果 28例患者均顺利完成手术。术后X线及CT检查均示髋臼前后柱骨折复位固定良好,无一例发生围手术期并发症。按Matta影像学复位标准：优20例,良5例,可3例,优良率89.2%（25/28）。28例患者均获得随访,随访时间6~18个月,髋臼骨折均愈合,愈合时间8~14周,平均12周。根据Matta改良的Merle d’ Aubigne和Postel评分系统评价髋关节功能：优19例,良7例,可2例,优良率为92.8%（26/28）。2例分别于术后6、11个月行走时出现疼痛,影像学表现为髋关节创伤性关节炎,口服氨基葡萄糖片治疗,症状无明显改善。结论 经单一腹直肌外侧切口入路术中能充分显露髋臼前柱及后柱内侧面,并能直视下对髋臼前、后柱骨折进行有效复位与固定,疗效满意。     

Percutaneous retrograde screwing for stabilisation of acetabular fractures

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of retrograde percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) in minimally or undisplaced acetabular fractures in a geriatric population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1998 and July 2001, 21 consecutive patients with an acetabular fracture underwent fluoroscopic guided percutaneous fixation. The mean age was 81 years (range 67--90 years). In all cases, the fracture was minimally or undisplaced (<2mm). Two cannulated cancellous 7.3mm screws were inserted in a retrograde fashion to stabilise the posterior and the anterior column. Bed to chair transfer began after 24h. Weight bearing as tolerated was allowed at 4 weeks. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were reviewed at a mean of 3.5 years (range 2--5 years). Soft tissue dissection was minimal. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. At the latest follow-up there was no radiographical evidence of secondary displacement of fragments, degenerative changes, or screw failure. Fractures healed at a mean time of 12 weeks (range 8--15 weeks). Clinical results were satisfactory in 17 patients. CONCLUSION: Our results show that percutaneous screw fixation under fluoroscopic control is a safe technique to treat some pattern of acetabular fracture.     

Conservatively treated acetabular fractures: A retrospective analysis

Background:

There are a few studies reporting the long term outcome of conservatively treated acetabular fractures. The present study aims to evaluate the quality of reduction, and radiological and functional outcome in displaced acetabular fractures treated conservatively.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty-nine patients (55 men and 14 women) with 71 displaced acetabular fractures (mean age 38.6 years) managed conservatively were retrospectively evaluated. There were 11 posterior wall, 5 posterior column, 6 anterior column, 13 transverse, 2 posterior column with posterior wall, 9 transverse with posterior wall, 6 T-shaped, 1 anterior column with posterior hemi-transverse, and 18 both-column fractures. The follow-up radiographs were graded according to the criteria developed by Matta J. Functional outcome was assessed using Harris hip score and Merle d’Aubigne and Postel score at final followup. Average follow-up was 4.34 years (range 2–11 years).

Results:

Patients with congruent reduction (n=45) had good or excellent functional outcome. Radiologic outcome in incongruent reduction (n=26) was good or excellent in 6 and fair or poor in 20 hips. The functional outcome in patients with incongruent reduction was good or excellent in 16 and satisfactory or poor in 10 hips. Good to excellent radiologic and functional outcome was achieved in all patients with posterior wall fractures including four having more than 50% of broken wall. Good to excellent functional outcome was observed in 88.8% of both-column fractures with secondary congruence despite medial subluxation.

Conclusions:

Nonoperative treatment of acetabular fractures can give good radiological and functional outcome in congruent reduction. Posterior wall fractures with a congruous joint without subluxation on computed tomography axial section, posterior column, anterior column, infratectal transverse or T-shaped, and both-column fractures may be managed conservatively. Small osteochondral fragments in the cotyloid fossa or non–weight-bearing part of the hip with a congruous joint do not seem to adversely affect the functional outcome. Displaced transverse fractures with “V” sign may require operative treatment.     

A combination of three-dimensional printing and computer-assisted virtual surgical procedure for preoperative planning of acetabular fracture reduction

ObjectiveTreatment of acetabular fractures remains one of the most challenging tasks that orthopaedic surgeons face. An accurate assessment of the injuries and preoperative planning are essential for an excellent reduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, accuracy and effectiveness of performing 3D printing technology and computer-assisted virtual surgical procedures for preoperative planning in acetabular fractures. We hypothesised that more accurate preoperative planning using 3D printing models will reduce the operation time and significantly improve the outcome of acetabular fracture repair.MethodsTen patients with acetabular fractures were recruited prospectively and examined by CT scanning. A 3-D model of each acetabular fracture was reconstructed with MIMICS14.0 software from the DICOM file of the CT data. Bone fragments were moved and rotated to simulate fracture reduction and restore the pelvic integrity with virtual fixation. The computer-assisted 3D image of the reduced acetabula was printed for surgery simulation and plate pre-bending. The postoperative CT scan was performed to compare the consistency of the preoperative planning with the surgical implants by 3D-superimposition in MIMICS14.0, and evaluated by Matta's method.ResultsComputer-based pre-operations were precisely mimicked and consistent with the actual operations in all cases. The pre-bent fixation plates had an anatomical shape specifically fit to the individual pelvis without further bending or adjustment at the time of surgery and fracture reductions were significantly improved. Seven out of 10 patients had a displacement of fracture reduction of less than 1 mm; 3 cases had a displacement of fracture reduction between 1 and 2 mm.ConclusionsThe 3D printing technology combined with virtual surgery for acetabular fractures is feasible, accurate, and effective leading to improved patient-specific preoperative planning and outcome of real surgery. The results provide useful technical tips in planning pelvic surgeries.     

Minimal invasive para-rectus approach for limited open reduction and percutaneous fixation of displaced acetabular fractures

Introduction

Minimal invasive fixation has been reported as an alternative option for treatment of acetabular fractures to avoid blood loss and complications of extensive approaches. Closed reduction and percutaneous lag screw fixation can be done in minimally displaced acetabular fractures. Open reduction is indicated, if there is wide displacement. In this study, we report the use of a mini-open anterior approach to manipulate and reduce anteriorly displaced transverse acetabular fractures combined with percutaneous lag screw fixation.

Methods

This report included eight patients. All had anterior displaced simple transverse acetabular fractures. An oblique mini-incision was made above and medial to the mid-inguinal point, and lateral to the lateral border of rectus abdominis muscle. The external abdominal oblique aponeurosis was incised along its fibres. The arched fibres of internal abdominal oblique were displaced medially above the inguinal ligament to expose and incise the fascia transversalis. Care was taken to avoid injury of ilioinguinal nerve, inferior epigastric vessels, and spermatic cord. The external iliac vessels were palpated and protected laterally. A blunt long bone impactor was introduced through this small incision to manipulate and reduce the fracture under fluoroscopic control. Fluoroscopic guided percutaneous lag screw fixation was done in all patients.

Results

The average time to operation was 4 days. Average blood loss was 110 mL. Operative time averaged 95 min. Maximum fracture displacement averaged 10 mm preoperatively and 1.3 mm postoperatively. According to Matta score, anatomical reduction of the fracture was achieved in five patients and imperfect in three. Follow up averaged 27 months. Wound healing occurred without complications and fracture union was achieved without secondary displacement in all patients. Average time to fracture healing was 14 weeks. According to the modified Merle d’Aubigné score, functional outcome was good to excellent in all patients.

Discussion and conclusion

Limited open reduction can solve the problem of fracture reduction, which is the main concern in minimal invasive fixation of acetabular fractures. It may help the inclusion of displaced acetabular fractures for percutaneous lag screw fixation. This mini-para-rectus approach has the advantages of minimal soft tissue dissection with the possible anatomical reduction of simple transverse displaced acetabular fractures.     

A modified extensile exposure for the treatment of complex or malunited acetabular fractures

A modification of the extended iliofemoral incision of Letournel and Judet facilitates the operative exposure of T-type, complex transverse, and both-column acetabular fractures and malunions. The modification includes the utilization of a T-shaped skin incision with large flaps, and osteotomies of the iliac crest, greater trochanter, and anterior superior iliac spine. The iliotibial band is transected and the abductor muscle mass is rotated posteriorly, hinged on the superior gluteal neurovascular bundle. Twenty patients had open reduction and internal fixation of a complex acetabular fracture using this surgical approach. Excellent surgical exposure allowed good or excellent reduction of the acetabulum in all patients. No flap necrosis developed, and all fractures healed. One non-union of a trochanteric osteotomy needed revision. This approach provides increased exposure of the posterior column and visualization of the entire surface of the joint and it allows fixation of the fracture from both sides of the iliac wing. The T-shaped skin incision allows utilization of a standard posterior approach with conversion to the extensile exposure if necessary. Options for late reconstruction are not compromised. Lagscrew fixation of the osteotomies allows aggressive rehabilitation of the joint.