Optimizing surgical management of acetabulum fractures involving both columns using buttress plating of posterior column through AIP approach

Introduction

Acetabulum fractures involving both columns are complicated injuries to treat, and achieving satisfactory post operative reduction with less extensile approaches is difficult. These injuries often require dual approaches, associated with their own share of complications. The anterior intrapelvic approach (AIP) addresses both columns through a single approach, minimizing these complications. Specifically, posterior column fixation is of utmost importance. This study aims to evaluate functional outcomes and complications of posterior column fixation using medial surface buttress plate in fractures involving both columns.

Materials and methods

Between 2017 and 2024, 366 patients had fractures involving both columns, out of which 64 were operated using the AIP approach. Excluding patients with displaced posterior wall fractures, transverse fractures, delayed treatment, or aged under 18 years. Out of 64, we collected data from 60 patients, as 4 patients could not be followed up. All patients were operated using the AIP approach, and posterior column fixation was done using 3.5 mm reconstruction plates. Patients were followed for minimum 6 months–70 months, with an average of 29 months. The associations between variables and functional outcomes were examined using the Chi-Square Test or Fisher's Exact Test.

Results

The study included 60 patients, with 48.3 % under 40 years old and 51.7 % older. Males comprised 68.3 % of the cohort. 46.7 % sustained road traffic accidents and 53.3 % had fall from height. T-type fractures were most common (50.0 %), with high posterior column fractures in 66.7 % of patients. Post-operative reductions less than 1 mm were achieved in 80.0 % of patients. Functional outcomes using the Harris hip Scores were found to be excellent to good in 90.0 % of patients.

Conclusion

We conclude that medial surface buttress plating of the posterior column using the standard AIP approach can be utilised to treat even the most complex of acetabular fracture patterns involving both anterior as well as posterior columns, excluding those that contain a displaced posterior wall.