[Translated article] Intrapelvic suprapectineal acetabular plates interfere with the quality of reduction evaluations on postoperative X-rays: A retrospective case series

Abstract

Introduction

Intrapelvic suprapectineal plates play an important role in acetabular fracture fixation. However, the shape of these implants may interfere with the quality of reduction evaluations using plain X-rays. We sought to evaluate this artefact and its relationship with CT findings.

Materials and methods

In a retrospective, single-centre series of 22 acetabular fractures, postoperative AP, alar and obturator X-ray views and CT images were evaluated by three independent observers. Cohen's kappa was used to examine interrater reliability.

Results

Suprapectineal plates interfered with the evaluation of the weight-bearing surface in 75.3%, and with all three oblique views in 43.9% of cases. The central segment was most consistently interfered with, corresponding to the area where the greatest malreduction was in 46.9% coronal and 42.4% of sagittal CT views.

Conclusions

Since the quality of reduction has prognostic value and is a necessary guide for the surgical team, that CT may be considered for the postoperative examination of the most challenging acetabular fracture cases.