Abstract
Background:Cases of acetabular fractures involving the quadrilateral surface are increasing annually. Quadrilateral surface surgery is complex, involves combined approaches, and the quality of fracture reduction closely depends on the surgical procedure. This study aimed to explore the clinical effects of the anterior pelvic wall locking plate through the lateral rectus approach for treating acetabular fractures involving quadrilateral surface. Methods:A retrospective analysis of 35 patients with acetabular fractures involving the quadrilateral surface treated with anterior pelvic wall-locking plates at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2016 to December 2020. Patients included 25 males and ten females; age 23-82 years, average 52.4 years. The fracture classification was based on the Letournel-Judet classification: 13 cases of double-column fractures, seven cases of T-shaped fractures, seven cases of anterior wall with posterior semi-transverse fractures, and eight cases of transverse fractures. All patients were exposed through the lateral rectus approach, and fractures were fixed with the anterior pelvic wall-locking plate combined with the reconstruction plate. The Matta imaging standard assessed the quality of fracture reduction, and hip joint function was assessed according to the modified Merled’Aubigné-Postel scoring standard. Results:Patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed up for 12-42 months, with an average of 26.1 months. At the last follow-up, Matta imaging evaluation showed that 24 cases were anatomically reduced (68.6%, 24/35), seven cases were satisfied (20%, 7/35), and four cases were dissatisfied (11.4%, 4/35). The satisfaction rate was 88.6% (31/35), according to the modified Merled'Aubigné-Postel scoring standard. The hip function was excellent in 23 cases, good in six cases, fair in four cases, and poor in two cases. The excellent and good rates were 82.9% (29/35). Conclusion: The acetabular fracture involving the quadrilateral surface is clearly revealed through the lateral rectus approach. The anterior pelvic wall-locking plate combined with the reconstruction plate can fix well, with satisfactory clinical effects.