Open reduction and internal fixation of quadrilateral plate fractures in the elderly: association between initial fracture pattern and outcomes

BackgroundAcetabular fractures with medial displacement of the quadrilateral plate (QLP) are common in the elderly. The presence of QLP fractures greatly increase the surgical difficulty of acetabular fractures. This study aims to evaluate the clinical radiological outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in QLP fractures in elderly patients and to investigate factors potentially affecting the result.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study. A series of 37 consecutive patients with acetabular fracture involving the QLP aged 60 years and older who received ORIF between January 2010 and May 2019 were included. QLP fractures were classified according to Walid's classification system. Radiological outcomes were evaluated using Matta criteria and functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Merle d'Aubigne score. The relationships between Walid's classification and radiological or functional outcomes were analyzed.ResultsAccording to Walid's classification, 18, 13, 6 were classified as QLP1, QLP2 and QLP3, respectively. The average follow-up was 35.510.7 months. We obtained anatomic reduction in 48.6% (18/37) of cases, imperfect reduction in 40.5% (15/37) of cases, and poor reduction in 10.8% (4/37) of cases. Excellent-good functional scores were found in 83.7% (modified Merle d'Aubigne). There were no cases of screw entering the hip, pull-out and loosening or implant failure during the follow-up. Walid's classification was positively correlated with radiological outcomes of reduction (r=0.661; P<0.001), and functional outcomes (r=0.478; P=0.003). Unsatisfactory reduction was demonstrated a correlation with the development of post-traumatic arthritis (r =-0.410; P=0.012).Conclusions ORIF may be suggested for quadrilateral plate fractures in the elderly. Walid's classification system is associated with the reduction quality and functional recovery.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of ORIF in elderly patients with quadrilateral plate fractures, and investigated the factors potentially affecting the results. The Walid's classification system was found to be associated with the quality of reduction and functional recovery, suggesting ORIF as a viable treatment option for elderly patients with quadrilateral plate fractures.