# The use of a plate for fixation of the acetabulum

## TL;DR

A self-developed plate was used successfully to fix complex acetabular fractures in eight patients, showing good functional outcomes and fracture healing.

## Contribution

A novel plate design for acetabular fracture fixation was developed and applied in clinical cases with satisfactory results.

## Key findings

- The modified Stoppa approach and novel plate achieved excellent or good radiological reduction quality in six out of eight patients.
- All patients achieved fracture healing with satisfactory functional outcomes based on the Harris Hip Score.
- One patient required additional surgery due to a post-traumatic false joint.

## Abstract

This study aimed to share our experience of a self-developed plate for acetabular fracture fixation through the presentation of clinical cases. Eight patients with complex acetabular fractures (Letournel classification) underwent surgery using a modified Stoppa approach and the novel plate design between 2021 and 2023 at the National Scientific Center for Traumatology and Orthopedics. Criteria such as the mechanism of injury, type of fracture, surgical approach, intraoperative and postoperative complications, quality of reduction, and functional and radiological results were evaluated. All patients included in the study presented complex types of acetabular fractures according to the Letournel classification. In all cases, surgical interventions were performed using a modified Stoppa approach. The assessment of reduction quality was conducted based on the radiological standards established by Matta. The reduction in quality was excellent in two patients, good in four, and satisfactory in two. One patient developed a post-traumatic false joint requiring additional surgery. The remaining patients achieved fracture healing with satisfactory Harris Hip Score (HHS) scores, indicating good overall function. The results of the self-developed plate for acetabular fracture fixation in our series were satisfactory.