The use of cervical vertebrae plates for cortical substitution in posterior wall acetabular fractures.

Abstract

We report a new technique for operative fixation of posterior wall acetabular fractures that require cortical substitution. This technique uses cervical vertebrae plates that are H-shaped as an alternative to the combination of standard locking or nonlocking pelvic reconstruction plates and cortical substitution plates, ie, spring plates. We believe this technique provides a more robust structural support with the plate acting as a cortical substitute in comminuted fracture patterns. Compared with pelvic reconstruction plates, cervical vertebrae plates are almost twice as wide. Additionally, the plate configuration allows more screws per unit length compared with pelvic reconstruction plates, potentially providing more points of fixation. Finally, cost comparison of the two plates shows the cervical vertebrae plates to be less expensive than standard pelvic reconstruction plates. Our series of 23 consecutive patients shows outcomes similar to the published literature for standard pelvic reconstruction plates, and initial results show no early hardware failure.