BACKGROUND

Within this study, we aimed to investigate the radiological and functional outcomes of acetabular fractures involving quadrilateral surface using 105° drill attachment in the anterior intrapelvic approach.

METHODS

The 35 patients who underwent surgical treatment from January 2016 and January 2020 for acetabular fractures involving quadrilateral surface with anterior intrapelvic approach using 105° drill attachment and a minimum of 12 months of postoperative follow-up were included. Perioperative complications, operation duration, and the quality of reduction were evaluated. Reduction quality was classified as poor, imperfect, and anatomic. Functional evaluation was performed according to the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Merle d'Aubigne Score.

RESULTS

Among 35 patients (median age 36 (21-80)), radiological results of the acetabular fixations were anatomic, imperfect, and poor in 28 (80%), 5 (14.3%), and 2 (5.7%) patients, respectively. Postoperative 1-year functional outcomes with Merle d'Aubigne scores and HHS were median 18 (10-18) and 90 (60-96), respectively. The clinical outcomes of the patients showed concordance with reduction quality. The median operation duration was 180 minutes (range 125-270). Iatrogenic neurovascular damage was not noted in any patients.

DISCUSSION

Reduction and fixation of deep intrapelvic fractures are risky and difficult due to the narrow anatomy and adjacent crucial neurovascular structures. As the 105-degree drill application is safe and easy to intervene in, short surgery duration and satisfactory results with minimum complications can be obtained with a 105 angulated drill in the deep pelvic region.