The Stoppa approach for acetabular fracture

Objective

Acetabular fractures pose a great surgical challenge for orthopedic trauma surgeons. We believe that the Stoppa approach with an iliac window extension, previously described as a modified Stoppa approach is adequate for the majority of acetabular fractures excluding those with predominant posterior wall involvement. In this paper we will present our experience in using the Stoppa approach, its indications, preparations, the detailed surgical approach, complications and the different tips used in this relatively modern approach.

Indications

All simple and combined fracture types that involve the anterior column of the pelvis including the quadrilateral plate.

Contraindications

Posterior wall or extensive posterior column involvement. Transverse and T-fractures with mainly posterior displacement.

Surgical technique

Suprapubic, intrapelvic approach, extending from the symphysis pubis anteriorly to the sacroiliac joint posteriorly. Superficial landmarks are identical to the Pfannenstiel approach, the rectus abdominis muscles are longitudinally dissected, the symphysis pubis is exposed and a sub-periosteal deep surgical dissection is carried out along the anterior column and the quadrilateral plate, and posteriorly toward the greater sciatic notch and the sacroiliac joint.

Results

In a 5-year review of 60 acetabular fractures that underwent open reduction and internal fixation using the modified Stoppa approach, there were 36% anterior column fractures, 28% both-column fractures, the rest being anterior column with posterior hemi transverse fractures, transverse and T-fractures. Any extension of the fracture to the iliac wing necessitated an additional lateral window (93% of cases). In cases with posterior displacement, an additional approach was utilized to address a posterior wall fracture. All fractures healed within 12?weeks. Mean Merle d’Aubigné score was 15.22. Postoperative radiological evaluation revealed anatomical reduction in 54% of the patients, satisfactory in 43%, and unsatisfactory in 3% of the patients. Overall there were 15?minor and major complications     

Rationales for the Bernese approaches in acetabular surgery

Purpose

To present two new approaches to acetabular surgery that were established in Berne, and which aim at enhanced visualization and anatomical reconstruction of acetabular fractures.

Method

The trochanteric flip osteotomy allows for surgical hip dislocation, and was introduced as a posterior approach for acetabular fracture management involving the posterior column and wall. For acetabular fractures predominantly involving the anterior column and the quadrilateral plate, the Pararectus approach is described.

Results

Full exposure of the hip joint, as provided by the trochanteric flip osteotomy, facilitates anatomical reduction of acetabular or femoral head fractures and safe positioning of the anterior column screw in transverse or T-shaped fractures. Additionally, the approach enables osteochondral transplantation as a salvage procedure for severe chondral femoral head damage and osteoplasty of an associated inadequate offset at the femoral head–neck junction. The Pararectus approach allows anatomical restoration with minimal access morbidity, and combines advantages of the ilioinguinal and modified Stoppa approaches.

Conclusions

Utilization of the trochanteric flip osteotomy eases visualization of the superior aspect of the acetabulum, and enables the evaluation and treatment of chondral lesions of the femoral head or acetabulum and labral tears. Displaced fractures of the anterior column with a medialized quadrilateral plate can be addressed successfully through the Pararectus approach, in which surgical access is associated with minimal morbidity. However, long-term results following the two presented Bernese approaches are needed to confirm that in the treatment of complex acetabular fractures the rate of poor results in almost one-third of all cases (as currently yielded using traditional approaches) might be reduced by the utilization of the presented novel approaches.     

Digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy and surgical dislocation of hip in the management of acetabular fractures

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy technique in the management of acetabular fractures and to evaluate surgical outcome in terms of fracture reduction, femoral head viability of selected acetabular fractures treated operatively using a digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy and a modified Kocher–Langenbeck approach with surgical dislocation of the femoral head.

Design

Prospective.

Patients

Eighteen patients predominantly with combined transverse and posterior wall fractures or multifragmentary posterior wall fractures.

Outcome evaluation

Clinical and radiographic analysis after a minimum 18 months follow-up.

Methods

A single modified approach involving digastric trochanteric flip osteotomy and a modified Kocher–Langenbeck approach with anterior (n = 14) or posterior (n = 4) surgical dislocation of the femoral head, was done for one or more of following reasons: intra-articular assessment of reduction in fractures with comminution, marginal impaction and involvement of the anterior column, removal of intra-articular fragments, and confirmation of extra-articular screw placement.

Results

At a mean follow-up of 26 months (18–40 months), the 17 patients presented with a good to excellent clinical result according to the d’Aubigné score. In all subjects, anatomical reduction was achieved during surgery. The osteotomy site healed at an average of 7 weeks and all the patients recovered abductor strength at 12 weeks. One avascular necrosis occurred in a case of posterior column plus wall fracture (who presented to us after 3 weeks). No heterotopic ossification interfering with hip function was found.

Conclusion

This technique gives good exposure (especially in posterior wall, dome area, posterior fracture-dislocation with intra-articular fragments/femoral head fractures and T-fractures), preservation of abductor strength (which may be lost with excessive retraction of abductors to see dome area in classical posterior approach), reliable healing of osteotomy (in contrast to conventional trochanteric osteotomy) without risking the vascularity of femoral head.     

Are Quadrilateral Surface Buttress Plates Comparable to Traditional Forms of Transverse Acetabular Fracture Fixation?

Background

Several construct options exist for transverse acetabular fracture fixation. Accepted techniques use a combination of column plates and lag screws. Quadrilateral surface buttress plates have been introduced as potential fixation options, but as a result of their novelty, biomechanical data regarding their stabilizing effects are nonexistent. Therefore, we aimed to determine if this fixation method confers similar stability to traditional forms of fixation.

Questions/purposes

We biomechanically compared two acetabular fixation plates with quadrilateral surface buttressing with traditional forms of fixation using lag screws and column plates.

Methods

Thirty-five synthetic hemipelves with a transverse transtectal acetabular fracture were allocated to one of five groups: anterior column plate + posterior column lag screw, posterior column plate + anterior column lag screw, anterior and posterior column lag screws only, infrapectineal plate + anterior column plate, and suprapectineal plate alone. Specimens were loaded for 1500 cycles up to 2.5x body weight and stiffness was calculated. Thereafter, constructs were destructively loaded and failure loads were recorded.

Results

After 1500 cycles, final stiffness was not different with the numbers available between the infrapectineal (568 ± 43 N/mm) and suprapectineal groups (602 ± 87 N/mm, p = 0.988). Both quadrilateral plates were significantly stiffer than the posterior column buttress plate with supplemental lag screw fixation group (311 ± 99 N/mm, p < 0.006). No difference in stiffness was identified with the numbers available between the quadrilateral surface plating groups and the lag screw group (423 ± 219 N/mm, p > 0.223). The infrapectineal group failed at the highest loads (5.4 ± 0.6 kN) and this was significant relative to the suprapectineal (4.4 ± 0.3 kN; p = 0.023), lag screw (2.9 ± 0.8 kN; p < 0.001), and anterior buttress plate with posterior column lag screw (4.0 ± 0.6 kN; p = 0.001) groups.

Conclusions

Quadrilateral surface buttress plates spanning the posterior and anterior columns are biomechanically comparable and, in some cases, superior to traditional forms of fixation in this synthetic hemipelvis model.

Clinical Relevance

Quadrilateral surface buttress plates may present a viable alternative for the treatment of transtectal transverse acetabular fractures. Clinical studies are required to fully define the use of this new form of fixation for such fractures when accessed through the anterior intrapelvic approach.     

A novel technique for reduction of unreducible lumbar fractures in ankylosing spondylitis

Study design

Retrospective case series study.

Purpose of study

Fractures in ankylosed lumbar spine are difficult to reduce and it is like attempting to reduce the ends of a long bone fracture of an extremity. Simple compression from the posterior results in the anterior column opening in lumbar spine because of the inherent lordosis present there, which usually requires combined approach, if the gap is extensive. Purpose of our study is to describe a new technique for reduction of lumbar fracture not reducing through conventional technique in ankylosing spondylitis. There are no techniques described for reduction of these complex fractures in the literature to the best of our knowledge.

Methods

Four patients were operated by a new modified staged posterior approach. Two patients had AIS D neurology, one patient had AIS A neurology and one patient had normal neurology (AIS E). Patients were operated in a staged procedure in a single sitting, as single posterior procedure did not allow for complete reduction of lumbar fracture. The patients were first positioned prone and instrumentation was done. To close the anterior gap, patients were then positioned lateral and reduction and stabilization of fracture was done.

Results

Mean age of the patients was 50 years. Average time of surgery was 3 h 40 min. All four patients operated with this modified posterior approach had fusion 6 months after surgery. There were no significant complications.

Conclusion

We recommend this technique to be used in fractures in lumbar ankylosed spine as they have tendency to open anteriorly after trauma. It helps in closure of anterior column in a single surgery and obviates the need for anterior surgery in these patients.     

Treatment of periprosthetic acetabular fractures after previous hemi- or total hip arthroplasty

Objective

Treatment of displaced periprosthetic acetabular fractures in elderly patients. The goal is to stabilize an acetabular fracture independent of the fracture pattern, by inserting the custom-made roof-reinforcement plate and starting early postoperative full weight-bearing mobilization.

Indications

Acetabular fracture with or without previous hemi- or total hip arthroplasty.

Contraindications

Non-displaced acetabular fractures.

Surgical technique

Watson-Jones approach to provide accessibility to the anterior and supraacetabular part of the iliac bone. Angle-stable positioning of the roof-reinforcement plate without any fracture reduction. Cementing a polyethylene cup into the metal plate and restoring prosthetic femoral components.

Postoperative management

Full weight-bearing mobilization within the first 10 days after surgery. In cases of two column fractures, partial weight-bearing is recommended.

Results

Of 7 patients with periprosthetic acetabular fracture, 5 were available for follow-up at 3, 6, 6, 15, and 24 months postoperatively. No complications were recognized and all fractures showed bony consolidation. Early postoperative mobilization was started within the first 10 days. All patients except one reached their preinjury mobility level. This individual and novel implant is custom made for displaced acetabular and periprosthetic fractures in patients with osteopenic bone. It provides a hopeful benefit due to early full weight-bearing mobilization within the first 10 days after surgery.

Limitations

In case of largely destroyed supraacetabular bone or two-column fractures according to Letournel additional synthesis via an anterior approach might be necessary. In these cases partial weight bearing is recommended.

     

Osteosynthese und Pfannenwechsel bei periprothetischer Azetabulumfraktur über einen Kocher-Langenbeck-Zugang

Objective

Reconstruction/stable fixation of the acetabular columns to create an adequate periacetabular requirement for the implantation of a revision cup.

Indications

Displaced/nondisplaced fractures with involvement of the posterior column. Resulting instability of the cup in an adequate bone stock situation.

Contraindications

Periprosthetic acetabulum fractures with inadequate bone stock. Extended periacetabular defects with loss of anchorage options. Isolated periprosthetic fractures of the anterior column. Septic loosening.

Surgical technique

Dorsal approach. Dislocation of hip. Mechanical testing of inlaying acetabular cup. With unstable cup situation explantation of the cup, fracture fixation of acetabulum with dorsal double plate osteosynthesis along the posterior column. Cup revision. Hip joint reposition.

Postoperative management

Early mobilization; partial weight bearing for 12 weeks. Thrombosis prophylaxis. Clinical and radiological follow-ups.

Results

Periprosthetic acetabular fracture in 17 patients with 9 fractures after primary total hip replacement (THR), 8 after revision THR. Fractures: 12 due to trauma, 5 spontaneously; 7 anterior column fractures, 5 transverse fractures, 4 posterior column fractures, 1 two column fracture after hemiendoprosthesis. 5 type 1 fractures and 12 type 2 fractures. Operatively treated cases (10/17) received 3 reinforcement ring, 2 pedestal cup, 1 standard revision cup, cup-1 cage construct, 1 ventral plate osteosynthesis, 1 dorsal plate osteosynthesis, and 1 dorsal plate osteosynthesis plus cup revision (10-month Harris Hip Score 78 points). Radiological follow-up for 10 patients: consolidation of fractures without dislocation and a fixed acetabular cup. No revision surgeries during follow-up; 2 hip dislocations, 1 transient sciatic nerve palsy.

     

改良Stoppa入路在治疗骨盆髋臼骨折中的应用

目的:探讨改良Stoppa入路在骨盆髋臼骨折治疗中的应用疗效。方法:2010年3月至2012年5月共收治16例骨盆骨折和7例髋臼骨折患者,男18例,女5例;年龄17～65岁,平均39岁。16例骨盆骨折按Tile分型:B1型1例,B2型2例,B3型3例;C1-1型4例,C1-2型2例,Cl-3型2例,C2型2例。7例髋臼骨折按Letournel分型:前柱骨折l例,横形骨折1例,T形骨折2例,前柱伴后半横形骨折1例,双柱骨折2例。16例骨盆骨折中单独使用改良Stoppa入路9例,联合髂窝入路6例,联合后路l例。7例髋臼骨折中单独使用改良Stoppa入路4例,联合Kocher-Langenbeck入路2例,联合髂窝入路及Kocher-Langenbeck入路1例。结果:23例患者手术时间50～350min,平均130min;出血量100～1200ml,平均320ml;无手术并发症。术后根据Matta影像学评分,16例骨盆骨折均复位优;髋臼骨折复位优4例,良3例。21例患者获得随访,时间4～24个月,平均8个月,骨折均获愈合,愈合时间2.5～5个月,平均3.2个月。螺钉松动1例,l例屈髋轻度受限,无钢板断裂,无腹壁疝情况。结论:改良Stoppa入路治疗骨盆、髋臼骨折,其操作安全简捷、并发症少的优点,具有一定的应用价值。     

改良Stoppa入路在骨盆髋臼骨折治疗中的初步应用

目的 探讨改良Stoppa入路在骨盆髋臼骨折治疗中的应用疗效.方法 2008年3月至2009年12月共收治26例骨盆骨折和9例髓臼骨折患者,男28例,女7例;年龄18～61岁,平均37岁.26例骨盆骨折按Tile分型:B1型2例,B2型4例,B3型7例;C1-1型4例,C1-2型2例,C1-3型4例,C2型3例.9例髋臼骨折按Letournel分型:前柱骨折1例,横形骨折3例,T形骨折2例,前柱伴后半横形骨折1例,双柱骨折2例.26例骨盆骨折中单独使用改良Stoppa入路10例,联合髂窝入路15例,联合后路1例.9例髋臼骨折中单独使用改良Stoppa入路3例,联合Kocher-Langenbeck入路4例,联合髂窝入路及Kocher-Langenbeck入路2例.结果 除1例患者外,其余34例患者的平均手术时间为90 min(65～135min),平均出血量为320 mL(150～1200 mL).术后根据Matta影像学评分,骨盆骨折前后环损伤均复位优;髋臼骨折解剖复位8例,满意复位1例.4例骨盆骨折患者失访,其余22例患者平均随访4个月,钢板断裂及螺钉松动各1例.2例髋臼骨折患者失访,其余7例患者获平均4个月随访,1例屈髋轻度受限,1例BrookerⅡ型异位骨化,无股骨头坏死.29例获随访患者骨折均获愈合,平均愈合时间为2.7个月(2.5～4.0个月).结论 改良Stoppa入路可单独或联合其他入路治疗骨盆髋臼骨折,其具有操作便捷、并发症少的优点.     

新改良Stoppa入路治疗骨盆、髋臼骨折

目的 总结新改良Stoppa入路治疗骨盆、髋臼骨折的临床经验,探讨其应用价值.方法 采用新改良Stoppa入路手术治疗骨盆、髋臼骨折患者19例.骨盆骨折者采用前路钢板固定后应用骨盆外固定器进行固定;髋臼骨折者如后柱骨折移位较大,联合应用髋关节后外侧入路.结果 切口长度10～13(11.04±0.73)cm,手术时间80～270(120.33±35.80)min,术中出血量400～1 200(601.47±176.92)ml,无手术并发症.根据Matta评分对术后X线片进行测量,骨折复位优16例,良3例.15例患者获得随访,时间3～9个月.13例功能满意,2例患侧髋部偶有疼痛,其中1例有轻度跛行.结论 新改良Stoppa入路具有切口小、解剖清晰、固定操作简单等优点,作为髂腹股沟入路之外的选择,在治疗骨盆、髋臼骨折时具有独到的应用价值.     

Percutaneous screw fixation of acetabular fractures with 2D fluoroscopy-based computerized navigation

Introduction

The treatment of displaced acetabular fractures with formal open reduction and internal fixation has gained general acceptance. However, extensile exposure can lead to complications. Two-dimensional fluoroscopy-based computerized navigation for placement of percutaneous screw across non-displaced acetabular fractures has attracted interest by making use of stored patient-specific imaging data to provide real-time guidance in multiple image planes during implant placement. The purpose of the present study was to document early treatment results and complications associated with this new technique and evaluate its clinical application to displaced acetabular fractures amenable to closed or limited open reduction.

Materials and methods

Eighteen adult patients with 12 non-displaced and 8 displaced acetabular fractures were treated with percutaneous screw fixation under the guidance of a fluoroscopy-based navigation system. There were 14 men and four women with a mean age of 42.1 years (range 19–54 years). According to the AO and Orthopaedic Trauma Association Classification, there were nine 62-A3, five 62-B1, three 62-B2, and three 62-B3. The mean follow-up was 21 months (range 12–28 months). The mean time from injury to surgery was 4 days (range 2–7 days).

Results

A total of 30 acetabular screws were inserted, including 21 anterior column screws and 9 posterior column screws. The average operation time was 24.6 min (range 16–47 min) from the image acquisition to wound closure. The average fluoroscopic time was 28.4 s (range 11–58 s). Compared to the final position of the screw, the average deviated distance of wire tip was 2.5 mm (range 1.1–3.6 mm) and the average trajectory difference was 2.45° (range 1.5°–4.6°). Maximal gap displacement averaged 10 mm (range 2–22 mm) preoperatively and 3 mm (range 0–5 mm) postoperatively; while maximal step displacement averaged 4 mm (range 1–10 mm) preoperatively and 2 mm (range 0–4 mm) postoperatively. One patient sustained a transient femoral nerve palsy and resolved 2 months after the operation. No superficial or deep infection occurred. Using the rating system of D’Aubigne and Postel, 13 patients had excellent results, 4 patients had good results, and 1 patient had a fair result.

Conclusion

Percutaneous screw fixation of acetabular fractures with 2D fluoroscopy-based navigation could be applied not only to non-displaced fractures but also to displaced fractures amenable to closed or limited open reduction.     

Treatment results for acetabulum fractures using the modified Stoppa approach

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures using modified Stoppa approach.

Mid-term results in relation to age and analysis of predictive factors after fixation of acetabular fractures using the modified Stoppa approach

Introduction

Data concerning outcome after management of acetabular fractures by anterior approaches with focus on age and fractures associated with roof impaction, central dislocation and/or quadrilateral plate displacement are rare.

Methods

Between October 2005 and April 2009 a series of 59 patients (mean age 57 years, range 13–91) with fractures involving the anterior column was treated using the modified Stoppa approach alone or for reduction of displaced iliac wing or low anterior column fractures in combination with the 1st window of the ilioinguinal approach or the modified Smith-Petersen approach, respectively. Surgical data, accuracy of reduction, clinical and radiographic outcome at mid-term and the need for endoprosthetic replacement in the postoperative course (defined as failure) were assessed; uni- and multivariate regression analysis were performed to identify independent predictive factors (e.g. age, nonanatomical reduction, acetabular roof impaction, central dislocation, quadrilateral plate displacement) for a failure. Outcome was assessed for all patients in general and in accordance to age in particular; patients were subdivided into two groups according to their age (group “<60 yrs”, group “≥60 yrs”).

Results

Forty-three of 59 patients (mean age 54 yrs, 13–89) were available for evaluation. Of these, anatomic reduction was achieved in 72% of cases. Nonanatomical reduction was identified as being the only multivariate predictor for subsequent total hip replacement (Adjusted Hazard Ratio 23.5; p < 0.01). A statistically significant higher rate of nonanatomical reduction was observed in the presence of acetabular roof impaction (p = 0.01). In 16% of all patients, total hip replacement was performed and in 69% of patients with preserved hips the clinical results were excellent or good at a mean follow up of 35 ± 10 months (range: 24–55). No statistical significant differences were observed between both groups.

Conclusion

Nonanatomical reconstruction of the articular surfaces is at risk for failure of joint-preserving management of acetabular fractures through an isolated or combined modified Stoppa approach resulting in total joint replacement at mid-term. In the elderly, joint-preserving surgery is worth considering as promising clinical and radiographic results might be obtained at mid-term.     

Kombinierte Salter-Pemberton-Beckenosteotomie

Objective

In simple pelvic osteotomy in childhood the aim is for better lateral roofing, a safe centering of the femoral head and tuning between the volumes of the acetabulum and the femoral head. By the combination of anterior modified Pemberton osteotomy with dorsal osteotomy according to Salter these objectives can be achieved.

Indications

Dysplasia of the acetabulum in patients between 2 years old and adolescence, subluxation and dislocation of the femoral head, also in neurological diseases as cerebral palsy and hypercontainment in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Contraindications

Critically small pelvic bones in toddlers younger than 18 months, children with a delay in skeletal formation. In patients aged more than 15 years if the symphysis is too taut for an effectual pivoting of the acetabulum and the acetabulum has no potential for future maturing.

Surgical technique

Surgery is carried out by making a skin incision by the iliac crest ending in the middle of the groin, the cartilaginous iliac apophysis is split and the periosteum is elevated from the medial and lateral wall of the ilium to the inner pelvic ring. A K-wire is used to mark the level and the center of the osteotomy and dorsal to the K-wire a straight osteotomy is performed with a Gigli saw and anteriorly an arc-shaped and tilted cut is made with a chisel. The distal iliac fragment is rotated widely outwards and forwards and a triangular bone graft is removed from the anterior part of the iliac crest. The graft is inserted into the opened up osteotomy, three K-wires are used to fix the desired position of the iliac fragments and the two halves of the iliac apophysis are sutured together.

Postoperative management

After the operation uncooperative children receive a scotch cast for 4 weeks. Cooperative children are mobilized after 3 weeks of bed rest. Partial weight-bearing is allowed after 6 weeks and full weight-bearing after 8–10 weeks.

Results

A total of 56 combined Salter-Pemberton pelvic osteotomies were performed in 49 patients from 1999 to 2008. The results of these studies demonstrate that this osteotomy is a safe and effective procedure which enables not only sufficient correction in classical dysplasia of the hip joint but also in high grade dislocation of the hip joint caused by cerebral palsy.     

The olecranon osteotomy provides better outcome than the triceps-lifting approach for the treatment of distal humerus fractures

Introduction

Intra-articular distal humeral fractures can be approached in a variety of ways. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes of two approaches: approach with olecranon osteotomy and triceps-lifting approach for the treatment of intra-articular distal humeral fractures.

Methods

This study shows a consecutive series of 54 intra-articular distal humeral fractures of 54 patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with anatomic plating. Lateral plating was performed in 10 (45.5 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 12 (54.5 %) patients in olecranon osteotomy group, while lateral plating was performed in 8 (25 %) patients, and medial and lateral parallel plating was performed in 24 (75 %) patients in triceps-lifting group.

Results

Mean follow-up was 38.3 months for olecranon osteotomy group and 41.4 months for triceps-lifting group. Functional outcomes according to MAYO elbow score and extension-flexion motion arc values were significantly better in olecranon osteotomy group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Approach with olecranon osteotomy provided better functional outcomes than triceps-lifting approach. Additionally, intra-articular distal humerus fractures can be safely treated with olecranon osteotomy which provides more control over the elbow joint and better visualisation and allows early postoperative rehabilitation.

Level of evidence

IV.     

Biologisch azetabuläre Defektrekonstruktion beim Hüftendoprothesenwechsel mittels „Impaction Grafting“ und azetabulärem Rekonstruktionsring

Objective

Management of acetabular bone defects Paprosky types IIa and IIb in revision hip arthroplasty by rebuilding the bone stock using impaction bone grafting, primary stable reconstruction with an acetabular reconstruction ring, and restoring the hip center of rotation to its anatomical position.

Indications

Acetabular segmental or combined structural defects in the superior acetabular dome with superior/lateral hip center migration with intact anterior and posterior columns (Paprosky types IIa, IIb).

Contraindications

Acute or chronic infections, severe acetabular bone defects preventing adequate anchorage of the prosthesis—particularly destruction of the posterior column.

Surgical technique

Modified transgluteal, lateral approach to the hip joint. Removal of the loose acetabular component. Complete circumferential exposure of the acetabular rim, while maintaining mechanical stability of the remaining bone. Preparation of the homologous spongiosa chips and reconstruction of the acetabular defect in impaction grafting technique. Implantation of the acetabular reconstruction ring and primary stable fixation with cancellous screws in the acetabular dome. Cemented fixation of a polyethylene inlay.

Postoperative management

Mobilization on 2 underarm crutches from postoperative day 1. Partial weight bearing with 20 kg for 6 weeks postoperatively. If plain radiographs show unchanged seating of the prosthesis after 6 weeks, loading can be increased by 10 kg/week until full weight bearing is achieved; thrombosis prophylaxis is continued throughout. Limitation of hip flexion to 90° during the first 6 weeks, and no adduction and forced external rotation to avoid dislocation. Avoidance of sports involving jumping and axial impact loading for 12 months. Radiologic checkups after 3, 6, and 12 months and, thereafter, every 2 years.

Results

Analysis between 2008 and 2011 involved 22 consecutive patients with a total of 23 prostheses; the mean follow-up was 38?±?11 months. Compared to the preoperative evaluation, follow-up yielded a significant improvement in the average Harris Hip Score (82.2?±?8.7 vs. 44.7?±?10.7) and the Merle d’Aubigné Score (14.6?±?1.9 vs. 7.5?±?1.3). Radiological solid osseointegration of the cup was observed in 21 cases; partial radiolucent lines were seen in 2 cases (9?%) in the zones I–III delineated by DeLee and Charnley. In 21 cases (91?%) radiographs confirmed no measurable migration or displacement of the acetabular component and the bone graft was determined to be incorporated on the basis of osseous consolidation within the grafted area in 20 cases (87?%). During follow-up 3 prosthesis (13?%) required revision.     

Angiographic embolization in the treatment of arterial pelvic hemorrhage: evaluation of prognostic mortality-related factors

Purpose

The control of arterial bleeding associated with pelvic ring and acetabular fractures (PRAF) remains a challenge for emergency trauma care. The aim of the present study was to uncover early prognostic mortality-related factors in PRAF-related arterial bleedings treated with transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE).

Methods

Forty-nine PRAF patients (46 pelvic ring and three acetabular fractures) with arterial pelvic bleeding controlled with TAE (within 24 h) were evaluated.

Results

All large arterial disruptions (n = 7) were seen in type C pelvic ring injuries. The 30-day mortality in large vessel (iliac artery) bleeding was higher (57 %) than in medium- or small-size artery bleeding (24 %). Overall 30-day mortality was 29 %. No statistically significant difference in the first laboratory values between the survivors and nonsurvivors was found. However, after excluding patients dying of head injuries (n = 5), a reasonable cut-off value was identified for the base excess (BE; lower than ?10 mmol/l) obtained on admission.

Conclusions

PRAF patients with exsanguinating bleeding from the large pelvic artery have the worst prognosis. Very low BE values (<?10.0 mmol/l) on admission for exsanguinating patients have a negative predictive value for survival, thus anticipating a poor outcome in bleeding controlled with TAE only and an increased risk of death. In critical cases, an aggressive bleeding control protocol prompts extraperitoneal pelvic packing prior to TAE. PRAF-related rupture of the external iliac artery is rare and indicates surgical techniques in controlling and restoring blood supply to the lower leg.     

The incidence and the risk factors of venous thromboembolism in Korean patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures

Background

Pelvic ring and acetabular fractures are the results of high energy trauma, but there is a paucity of information available regarding the incidence and risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after these injuries in Asians. This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of VTE after a pelvic or an acetabular fracture and to identify predictive factors.

Methods

A prospective evaluation was performed by indirect computed tomography (CT) venography in patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures. Ninety-five patients were examined by indirect CT venography. Fifty-five patients suffered from a pelvic ring injury (anteroposterior compression 5, lateral compression 25, vertical shear 25), and the remaining 40 from acetabular fractures (simple 18, complex 22). Indirect CT venography was performed within 1–2 weeks of initial trauma. Relationships between VTE and sex, age, fracture pattern, body mass index, injury severity score, period of immobilization, and need for surgical treatment were analyzed. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a more proximal to popliteal vein and the existence of PE were considered clinically significant.

Results

Thirty-two patients (33.7 %) were found to have VTE at an average of 11 days after initial injury. Clinically significant DVT was found 20 cases (21.1 %). No statistical difference was found between pelvic ring injuries and acetabular fractures with respect to the development of VTE. For those with pelvic ring injury, the incidence of VTE in those with a vertical shear injury (52 %) was significantly greater than in others with a pelvic ring injury (p = 0.014). Patients with an age >50 were found to be at greater risk of VTE (p = 0.032).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that Korean patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures have a higher risk of VTE than is generally believed, and caution should be taken to prevent and treat VTE, especially in high energy pelvic ring injury and elderly patients.