Rim Plate to Buttress Plate for Posterior Wall Acetabular Fractures With and Without Inter-fragmentary Screws

Summary

The hypothesis of this study is that the Rim Plate method utilizing interfragmentary screws placed through the plate will result in superior fixation, a lower rate of loss of reduction of the fracture fragment, better anatomic healing of the articular (joint) surface, a decreased rate of early post-traumatic arthritic changes of the joint (cartilage) surface, and improved functional outcomes.

Detailed Description

Study type: Interventional Estimated enrollment: 60 Allocation: block randomization. The block randomization method is designed to randomize subjects into groups that result in equal sample sizes. This method is used to ensure a balance in sample size across groups over time. Interventional model: parallel assignment Description: two different methods of screw and plate fixation of posterior wall acetabulum fractures. Time perspective: Prospective Population: Skeletally mature patients who have presented with an acute traumatic fracture of the posterior wall of acetabulum due to dislocation of the femoral head will be included in this study. All surgeons on the study routinely perform both types of repairs. Treatment arms and Intervention: Arm A: Rim plate group - This group will consist of 30 patients where the posterior wall fracture will be operatively stabilized with a pelvic reconstruction plate and interfragmentary screws placed through the plate. Arm B: Buttress plate group - This group will consist of 30 patients where the posterior wall fracture will be operatively fixed with a buttress plate applied under compression without interfragmentary lag or position screws.

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions