Functional outcomes and complications of plate fixation for midshaft clavicle fractures by type and location: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Various plate types are used in the surgical treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. These plates can be positioned in different locations on the clavicle, although no studies to date have elucidated optimal plate type and location of fixation. This systematic review compares the functional outcomes and complications in the management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures using plate fixation by stratifying by both plate type and location. Methods: A systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted to identify all papers reporting functional outcomes, union rates, and/or complications using plates for the management of midshaft clavicle fractures. Multiple databases and trial registries were searched from inception until March 2022. A meta-analysis was conducted for functional outcomes and type of complication, stratified by plate type (locking, compression, or reconstruction) and location (superior or anteroinferior). Pooled estimates of functional outcome scores and incidence of complications were calculated using a random effects model. Risk of bias and quality were assessed using the risk of bias version 2 and ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions) tools. The confidence in estimates were rated and described according to the recommendations of the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) working group. Results: Forty-five studies were included in the systematic review and 43 were included in the meta-analysis. Depending on plate type and location, pooled Constant-Murley Scores ranged from 89.23 to 93.48 at 12 months. Nonunion rates were 3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1-6) for superior locking plates (GRADE Low). Rates of any complication (nonunion, hardware failure, hardware irritation, wound dehiscence, keloid, superficial infection, deep infection, delayed union, malunion, and/or persistent pain) by plate type and location ranged from 3% to 17% (GRADE Very Low to Moderate). Superior compression plates had the highest incidence of any complications (17% [95% CI 5-44], GRADE Very Low), while anterior inferior compression plates had the lowest incidence of any complication (3% [95% CI 0-15], GRADE Very Low). Hardware irritation was the most reported individual complication for superior locking plates and superior compression plates, 11% (95% CI 7-17, GRADE Low) and 11% (95% CI 3-33, GRADE Very Low), respectively. Conclusion: Although most studies were of low quality, studies reporting functional outcomes generally showed good functional results and similar incidence of any complication regardless of plate type and location. There is no evidence of a plate and location combination to optimize patient functional outcomes or complications. We were unable to reliably evaluate union rates or individual complications for most plate types stratified by location.

Management of the atrophic mandibular fractures: a ten-year prospective study of 48 injuries.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to (a) record and evaluate the epidemiological data relevant to the fractures of the atrophic mandible in the Greek population (b) present our experience in the management of these difficult injuries and (c) compare our results to the outcomes of other similar studies and discuss the postoperative complications. METHODS: A prospective analysis of all the edentulous patients with fractures of the atrophic mandible treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of K.A.T General Hospital of Athens in Greece was performed from November 2012 to December 2022. Age, gender and medical history of the patient, etiology and site of the fracture, classification of atrophy, type of surgical approach, type of osteosynthesis and postoperative complication. RESULTS: 34 patients were included in the present study and 48 fractures of the atrophic edentulous mandible were managed surgically. 22 fractures were classified as class II of atrophy, 21 fractures as class III and 5 injuries as class I. In 32 patients we used an extraoral approach and only 2 patients were treated with an intraoral access. 44 fractures were treated with a 2.0 mm locking reconstruction plate and only 4 injuries of class I atrophy were treated with mini plates. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical practice has confirmed that for these cases an extraoral approach followed by stable fixation with a 2.0 mm reconstruction locking plate can deliver excellent results. Our findings show that the routine use of primary bone grafts is not necessary and can be reserved for more complex cases.

Subvastus Arthrotomy and Multifaceted Fixation in Medial Femoral Comminuted Hoffa's Fracture: A Case Report.

In managing orthopedic trauma, Hoffa's fracture, a rare intra-articular fracture affecting the femoral condyle, presents a unique challenge. We report a case of a 45-year-old male patient who had a traumatic injury and complained of substantial knee discomfort and limited range of motion. The patient had a medial femoral comminuted Hoffa's fracture. Subvastus arthrotomy was employed to handle the fracture successfully, and then a locking reconstruction plate, Herbert screws, and 4 mm cannulated screws were used for precise reduction and fixation. At the one-year follow-up, the patient showed acceptable postoperative results, including recovered knee function and radiographic indications of fracture repair.

Modified one third tubular plate (spring plate) augmented with reconstruction plates for treatment of comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures, Short to midterm outcomes of 24 patients.

The most common form of acetabular fracture is believed to be the posterior wall; its incidence ranges from 25% to 47%. Managing such fractures has been difficult in the past and until recently. To obtain a favorable functional outcome, an accurate diagnosis and a well-executed treatment strategy are essential. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of employing a spring plate augmented by a traditional 3.5 mm reconstruction plate for the treatment of comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures. Patients and Methods: A prospective case series was performed on 24 patients with comminuted fractures of the posterior wall. After an average of 6 days, the patients underwent surgery. Eighteen patients were fixed with one spring plate, six patients were fixed with two spring plates, and all were reinforced with a 3.5-mm reconstruction plate. Each case was followed once every three months until the fracture healed and then regularly every six months thereafter. Results: There were 21 men and 3 women. The average follow-up period was 14 months, and the median age was 34.5 years. The main reason for injuries was motor vehicle collisions. The mean operation time was 107.5 min. The clinical results were evaluated by the MAP and m HHS, and the means were 10.2 (5-12) and 86 (64-96), respectively. Only two patients developed avascular necrosis and were treated by total hip replacement, another three (12.5%) had mild arthritis. Conclusion: Comminuted acetabulum posterior wall fractures can be stabilized with spring plates. It could be used in conjunction with the primary reconstruction plate as a viable alternative for stable and anatomical reduction. High patient satisfaction and good functional results make this approach effective.

Evaluation of aesthetic outcomes of mandibular reconstruction using artificial intelligence.

BACKGROUND: Although vascularized bone graft (VBG) transfer is the current standard for mandibular reconstruction, reconstruction with a mandibular reconstruction plate (MRP) and with a soft-tissue flap (STF) alone remain crucial options for patients with poor general conditions. However, objective aesthetic outcome evaluations for these methods are limited. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of 65 patients (VBG, 33; MRP, 19; and STF, 13), mandibular asymmetry value was calculated for each patient's photograph using facial recognition AI, with a higher value indicating worse asymmetry. RESULTS: The MRP group had a value comparable to the VBG group regardless of mandibular defect types. The STF group had a significantly higher value than the VBG group. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding cosmesis, STF was inferior to VBG, whereas MRP was comparable to VBG, even for anterior defects for which rigid reconstruction is mandatory. However, MRP's risks of plate-related complications limit its use to cases where VBG is contraindicated or with poor prognosis.

Which implant is better for the fixation of posterior wall acetabular fractures: A conventional reconstruction plate or a brand-new calcaneal plate?

BACKGROUND: Increased posterior wall acetabular fractures among older adults, require precise treatment to restore stability to the joint, lower the risk of degenerative arthritis, and enhance overall functional recovery. The purpose of this study was to compare the fixation stability and mechanical characteristics of calcaneal buttress plate and conventional reconstruction plate under different loading condition. METHODS: Typical acetabular posterior wall fractures were created on twenty synthetic hemipelvis models. They were fixed with calcaneus plate and reconstruction plate. Dynamic and static tests were performed. Displacements of fracture line and stiffness were calculated. FINDINGS: After dynamic loading, calcaneus plate fixation has significantly less displacement than the reconstruction plate on the superior posterior wall. Under static loading condition, the calcaneus plate group has significantly less displacement than the reconstruction plate group on the inferior posterior part of the fracture. The average stiffness values of the calcaneus plate group and the reconstruction plate group were 265.16±53.98 N/mm and 167.48±36.87 N/mm, respectively and a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. INTERPRETATION: The calcaneal plate group demonstrated better stability along the fracture line after dynamic and static loading conditions. Especially when the fragment was on the acetabulum's superior posterior, inferior posterior, and inferior rim, Calcaneal buttress plates offer biomechanically effective choices.

Use of reconstruction plates prebent on three-dimensional models to reduce the complications of mandibular reconstruction.

Background/purpose: Though the gold standard method for mandible reconstruction of the defect from segmental mandibulectomy is by osseous flap or graft, using reconstruction plates is still indicated in some cases. Traditionally, the plate is bended immediately after the segmental mandibulectomy by freehand. However, it's difficult to fit well to the original position of mandible, which may result in more complications. This study therefore aimed to investigate whether using prebent plates on computer-aided 3D printing models could reduce the complication rate. Materials and methods: Patients who received mandible reconstruction by reconstruction plate from 2018 to 2022 were enrolled and evaluated in this study. The data, including demographics, indications for surgery, pre-existed preoperative and postoperative therapies, classification of defects, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 52 patients were enrolled in our study. The prebent group exhibited a significantly lower complication rate than that of the immediately bent group (P = 0.012). Other risk factors of plate complications included postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (P = 0.017) and previous surgery (P = 0.047). The complication-free survival rate was also better in the prebent group in a 3-year follow-up period (P = 0.012). Conclusion: Prebent plates on computer-aided printing models proved to be an effective approach to reduce the complications for mandibular reconstruction in segmental mandibulectomy.

The comparison between various methods of mandibular reconstruction based on finite element analysis.

The Mandible can be damaged by pathological factors, tumors, trauma, infection, and needs a surgical operation for reconstruction and restoring function. There are different methods for the reconstruction of mandible. Based on the surgical approach, primary reconstruction of mandible by reconstruction plate after resection is necessary for maintaining mandibular symmetric and esthetic of the lower third of the face. A finite element model of mandible and masticatory muscles was produced from a normal person (male with 35-year-old). The normal model was resected from the left sixth tooth to the second tooth. The pathological model was reconstructed in different conditions by macro plate. Different conditions were analyzed and compared based on bite force on right fifth tooth, stress developed on screws and macro plate. The finite element analysis results showed that maximum bite force and lower stress on screws were seen in the pathological model (condition 5) when one macro plate and six screws were inserted in the mid-body. The findings showed that the use of two macro plates causes lower stress on it than when we use one. Use of one macro plate and six screws is the best choice in mandibular immobilization which decrease the stress applied on bone and increase the bite force. Because of less stress developed on macro plates and screws, use of two macro plates or one macro plate in mid-body area are also preferred.

Biomechanical analysis of bridge combined fixation system as a novel treatment for the fixation of type A3 distal femoral fractures.

Background: To compare the biomechanical parameters of AO/OTA type A3 distal femoral fractures fixed bilaterally with a bridge combined fixation system (BCFS) and lateral locking compression plate + locking reconstruction plate (LCP + LRP). Methods: Twelve A3 distal femoral fracture models with medial cortical defects of the distal femur were created using synthetic femoral Sawbones. BCFS and LCP + LRP were used for bilateral fixation, with six in each group. Axial compression and torsion tests were performed on the two groups of fracture models to determine their stiffness during axial compression and the Torsional stiffness during torsion tests. Axial compression failure tests were performed to collect the vertical loads of the ultimate failure tests. Results: In the test conducted on the fixed type A3 distal femoral fracture models, the axial stiffness in the BCFS group (group A) (1,072.61 ± 113.5 N/mm) was not significantly different from that in the LCP + LRP group (group B) (1,184.13 ± 110.24 N/mm) (t = 1.726, P = 0.115), the Torsional stiffness in group A (3.73 ± 0.12 N.m/deg) was higher than that in group B (3.37 ± 0.04 N.m/deg) (t = 6.825, P < 0.001),and the ultimate failure test of type A3 fracture model showed that the vertical load to destroy group A fixation (5,290.45 ± 109.63 N) was higher than that for group B (3,978.43 ± 17.1 N) (t = 23.28, P < 0.05). Notably, intertrochanteric fractures occurred in groups A and B. Conclusions: In the fixation of type A3 distal femoral fractures, the anti-axial compression of the BCFS group was similar to that of the LCP + LRP group, but the anti-torsion was better.

Biomechanical feasibility of non-locking system in patient-specific mandibular reconstruction using fibular free flaps.

Mandibular reconstruction with free fibular flaps is frequently used to restore segmental defects. The osteosythesis, including locking and non-locking plate/screw systems, is essential to the mandibular reconstruction. Compared with the non-locking system that requires good adaption between plate and bone, the locking system appears to present a better performance by locking the plate to fixation screws. However, it also brings about limitations on screw options, a higher risk of screw failure, and difficulties in screw placement. Furthermore, its superiority is undermined by the advancing of patient-specific implant design and additive manufacturing. A customized plate can be designed and fabricated to accurately match the mandibular contour for patient-specific mandibular reconstruction. Consequently, the non-locking system seems more practicable with such personalized plates, and its biomechanical feasibility ought to be estimated. Finite element analyses of mandibular reconstruction assemblies were conducted for four most common segmental mandibular reconstructions regarding locking and non-locking systems under incisal biting and right molars clenching, during which the influencing factor of muscles' capacity was introduced to simulate the practical loadings after mandibular resection and reconstruction surgeries. Much higher, somewhat lower, and similar maximum von Mises stresses are separately manifested by the patient-specific mandibular reconstruction plate (PSMRP), fixation screws, and reconstructed mandible with the non-locking system than those with the locking system. Equivalent maximum displacements are identified between PSMRPs, fixation screws, and reconstructed mandibles with the non-locking and locking system in all four reconstruction types during two masticatory tasks. Parallel maximum and minimum principal strain distributions are shared by the reconstructed mandibles with the non-locking and locking system in four mandibular reconstructions during both occlusions. Conclusively, it is feasible to use the non-locking system in case of patient-specific mandibular reconstruction with fibular free flaps based on the adequate safety, comparable stability, and analogous mechanobiology it presents compared with the locking system in a more manufacturable and economical way.

Percutaneous Fixation for Traumatic Symphysis Pubis Disruption-Are the Results Superior Compared to Open Techniques? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Biomechanical Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Open reduction and reconstruction plate and screws fixation (RPSF) is considered the gold standard for the treatment of traumatic symphysis pubis diastasis (SPD). Percutaneous cannulated screw fixation (PCSF) has recently gained popularity as it may reduce operative time and morbidity. The current systematic review aims to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of PCSF and RPSF in traumatic SPD and analyze the biomechanical effectiveness of PCSF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched until February 2023. The primary outcomes were the incidence of implant failure and revision surgery and the amount of displacement of symphysis pubis. Secondary outcomes were the intraoperative blood loss, the scar length, the operative time, the wound infection, and the patients' functional improvement. RESULTS: Six clinical trial studies with a total of 184 patients and nine biomechanical studies were included. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the incidence of implant failure, the prevalence of revision surgery, and the amount of postoperative loss of reduction (p > 0.05 for all outcomes). The intraoperative blood loss (14.9 ± 4.2 mL for PCSF versus 162.7 ± 47.6 mL for PCSF, p < 0.001) and the incision length (1.7 ± 0.9 mL for PCSF versus 8 ± 1.4 mL for PCSF, p < 0.001) were significantly lower after PCSF. The mean operative time was 37 ± 19.1 min for PCSF and 68.9 ± 13.6 min for RPSF (p < 0.001). The infection rate was less frequent in the PCSF group (3% for PCSF versus 14.3% for RPSF, p = 0.01). One clinical trial reported better functional recovery after PCSF. In all biomechanical studies, the threshold for implant failure was beyond the applied forces corresponding to daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: PCSF for traumatic SPD is associated with less operative time, less blood loss, and a lower infection rate when compared to conventional plate techniques without increasing the incidence of postoperative fixation failure and revision surgery. Moreover, PCSF has been proven to be biomechanically sufficient for stabilization. Therefore, it should be considered an efficient and viable alternative for the reconstruction of SPD when closed reduction can be adequately achieved.

Biomechanical evaluation of two internal fixation systems for the treatment of mandibular symphyseal fracture.

Due to the disadvantage of maxillomandibular fixation, the semi-rigid and rigid internal fixations have been employed to provide early mouth motion. To find the proper fixation and adequate stability, the biomechanical performance of these systems was assessed using Finite Element (FE) method. The 3D mandible model with a symphyseal fracture, teeth, periodontal ligament, and fixation devices were created for the FE analyzes. The bone structure was determined as a transverse isotropic whereas the fixation devices were titanium. The load includes Masseter, Medial Pterygoid, and Temporalis muscular forces as well as the occlusal forces acting on first molars, canines, and incisors. The maximum stress occurs at the center of fixation devices at symphyseal fracture. The maximum stress values were 877.4 MPa for the reconstruction plate and 646.8 MPa for the mini-plates. The plates maintained the fracture width at mid-region better than superior and inferior. The maximum fracture gap were 1.10 and 0.78 mm for reconstruction plate and mini-plates, respectively. The fracture site's elastic strain stabilized with the reconstruction plate was 1089.0 microstrains and with the mini-plates was 399.6 microstrains. The treatment of a mandibular symphyseal fracture using a mini-plates provides more adequate fracture stability for new bone formation and mechanically safer than locking reconstruction plate. Mini-plates fixation was able to control the fracture gap better than the reconstruction plate. Mini-plates technique was considered as the first choice of internal fixation, however, a reconstruction plate can also be used in case of unavailability and complication related to mini-plating.

Finite element analysis of a novel anatomical locking plate for scapular neck fracture.

OBJECTIVES: Reconstruction plates (RPs) are commonly used in scapular neck fractures (SNFs): however, RPs have many defects. In this study, we evaluated a newly designed scapular neck anatomical locking compression plate (SNALCP). METHODS: An SNF finite element model (Miller-type IIB) was constructed. Plates were subsequently implanted into the scapula and fixed with screws that were grouped according to the plate used: SNALCP (A) and RP (B). Finally, loads were applied to record and analyze performance. RESULTS: Under lateral, anteroposterior, and vertical compression loads, the maximum von Mises stresses on the scapula and implants of group A were smaller than those of group B. There were some differences in stress distribution between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: SNALCP can effectively reduce the stress of the scapula and implant, making stress distribution more uniform and continuous, and has mechanical conduction advantages. Compared to RP, it provides improved stability and more reliable fixation.

Comparative Study of Miniplate vs Reconstruction Plate in the Management of Bilateral Parasymphysis Mandible Fracture: FEM Analysis.

Aim and Objective: The present study compared the stability of fracture fragments in the management of bilateral parasymphysis mandible fracture with Miniplate fixation and Reconstruction plate fixation using finite element analysis. Material and Method: 3D FE Mandible model was created using CT scanner. Two bilateral parasymphysis mandible fracture models were created. Model 1 was fixed with Miniplates, and Model 2 was fixed with Reconstruction plate. Loading forces of 120 N at molar region and 62.5 N at incisor region were applied. These two models were imported to ANSY'S Workbench Software. Result: Miniplate fixation model showed comparatively reduced gap between fragments than Reconstruction plate. But the gap values of both the models were within the physiologic limit of healing under this specific loading. Analytically Miniplates were superior to Reconstruction plate in the management of bilateral parasymphysis fracture. Conclusion: Analytically Miniplates are superior to Reconstruction plate in the management of bilateral parasymphysis fracture. As the masticatory forces were reduced during fracture healing period, both fixations provide satisfactory healing. So both Miniplate and Reconstruction plate can be considered as fixation method for bilateral parasymphysis mandible fracture.

Finite element analysis of different internal fixation methods for the treatment of atrophic mandible fractures.

The aim of this study is to evaluate different plate systems and contribute to revealing the most appropriate treatment option for severe atrophic edentulous mandible fractures. A total of 8 different types of rigid internal fixation methods, which were a 4-hole miniplate on the crest, a 4-hole miniplate on the basis, a 6-hole miniplate on the crest, a 6-hole miniplate on the basis, two 4-hole mini plates on both the crest and basis, two 6-hole mini plates on both crest and basis, a 6-hole reconstruction plate on the crest and a 6-hole reconstruction plate on the basis, were simulated. Stress analysis on plates and screws and the displacement between fragments were evaluated using finite element analysis. The lowest von Mises stress was observed on the basis plate in Group 6. The highest von Mises stresses were measured on the screws closes to the fracture line. Values exceeding the boundary conditions were observed only in Groups 3 and 4 under molar loading. The highest compressive stresses were measured in Group 1, and the lowest compressive stresses were measured in Group 6. Under molar loading, the highest displacement was observed in Group 3, and the lowest displacement was observed in Group 6. When all groups are evaluated in terms of stress distributions and stability, a 1.5 mm thick six-hole reconstruction plate can be a reliable method in the treatment of severe atrophic edentulous mandible fractures.

Towards mechanobiologically optimized mandible reconstruction: CAD/CAM miniplates vs. reconstruction plates for fibula free flap fixation: A finite element study.

Due to their advantages in applicability, patient-specific (CAD/CAM) reconstruction plates are increasingly used in fibula free flap mandible reconstruction. In addition, recently, CAD/CAM miniplates, with further advantages in postoperative management, have been introduced. However, biomechanical conditions induced by CAD/CAM systems remain partially unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the primary fixation stability of CAD/CAM fixators. For a patient-specific scenario, the biomechanical conditions induced in a one segmental fibula free flap stabilized using either a CAD/CAM reconstruction plate or CAD/CAM miniplates were determined using finite element analysis. The main output parameters were the strains between intersegmental bone surfaces and stresses in the fixation systems due to different biting scenarios. CAD/CAM miniplates resulted in higher mechanical strains in the mesial interosseous gap, whereas CAD/CAM reconstruction plate fixation resulted in higher strains in the distal interosseous gap. For all investigated fixation systems, stresses in the fixation systems were below the material yield stress and thus material failure would not be expected. While the use of CAD/CAM miniplates resulted in strain values considered adequate to promote bone healing in the mesial interosseous gap, in the distal interosseous gap CAD/CAM reconstruction plate fixation might result in more beneficial tissue straining. A mechanical failure of the fixation systems would not be expected.

Evaluation of Functional and Esthetic Outcome of Patients After Reconstruction with Mandibular Reconstruction Plates Preceded by Resection of Benign Odontogenic Neoplasms of Mandible: A Cohort Study.

Large benign odontogenic neoplasms of mandible are not rare in developing countries such as India. Treatment of choice depends not only on extent and size of the lesion but also the socio-economic status, resources and available armamentarium. Whenever resection of segment mandible is planned for these patients, goal of the treatment should not be to restore function of the mandible alone but also to give esthetic visual appearance of the face. The present study was performed to determine postoperative functional and esthetic outcome in such patients. A total of 18 patients (20-35 years) with benign odontogenic neoplasm of mandible were enrolled for the study. After surgical intervention i.e., resection and reconstruction of mandible with mandibular reconstruction plate, all the patients were evaluated post-operatively for functional and esthetic outcome at the end of 1st and 4th week. Functional outcome were assessed based on Quality of life questionnaire and esthetic outcome based on vancouver scar assessment scale, clinical and radiological assessment. The mean scores of all the functional outcomes was improved significantly like pain, drooling of saliva, eating solid and liquid and speech except deglutition. The mean score of scar was recorded as 4.67. Occlusion was achieved in 100% and lips competency in 89% of patients. It is advised to immediately reconstruct the mandible after segmental mandibulectomy which eventually helps to improve the quality of life post-operatively of patients being treated for benign odontogenic neoplasm of mandible.

[Short-term effectiveness of reconstruction plate internal fixation via improved Stoppa approach combined with iliac fossa approach and Kocher-Langenbeck approach for complex acetabular fractures].

Objective: To investigate the short-term effectiveness of reconstruction plate internal fixation via improved Stoppa approach combined with iliac fossa approach and Kocher-Langenbeck approach for complex acetabular fractures. Methods: Between January 2015 and January 2020, 30 patients with complex acetabular fractures were treated with reconstruction plate internal fixation via improved Stoppa approach combined with iliac fossa approach and Kocher-Langenbeck approach. There were 20 males and 10 females with an average age of 52.1 years (range, 25-71 years). The cause of injury included traffic accident in 17 cases and falling from height in 13 cases. Among them, 14 cases were left acetabular fractures and 16 cases were right acetabular fractures. According to Letournel classification, there were 16 cases of double column fractures, 2 cases of transverse fracture with posterior wall fracture, 4 cases of anterior column and posterior hemi-transverse fractures, 8 cases of T-shaped fracture. The displacement distance of fracture ranged from 6 to 30 mm (mean, 11.6 mm). The time from injury to operation was 6-14 days (mean, 8.7 days). Results: The operation time was 2.0-4.5 hours (mean, 3.0 hours). The intraoperative blood loss was 200-800 mL (mean, 450.0 mL). All patients were treated with autologous blood transfusion during operation. All incisions healed by first intention after operation, and no infection occurred. All patients were followed up 12-15 months (mean, 13.4 months). The drainage tube was removed at 2-3 days after operation. After extubation, X-ray film and three-dimensional CT were performed to recheck the fracture reduction. According to Matta score system, 20 cases were excellent, 5 were good, and 5 were poor, the excellent and good rate was 83.3%. All fractures healed with the healing time of 16-25 weeks (mean, 17.7 weeks). According to Merle d'Aubigne-Postel score system, the hip function at 1 year after operation was rated as excellent in 18 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 6 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 80.0%. Two cases suffered from sciatic nerve injury due to traction during operation, 7 cases had heterotopic ossification, 2 cases had traumatic hip arthritis, and no other complications occurred. Conclusion: For complex acetabular fractures, the reconstruction plate internal fixation via improved Stoppa approach combined with iliac fossa approach and Kocher-Langenbeck approach can obtain good short-term effectiveness with good reduction and hip joint function, and less complications.

Nota técnica: planificación virtual 3D en el tratamiento de fractura doble en mandíbula atrófica / Technical note: 3D virtual planning for atrophic mandible double fracture reduction

El uso de la planificación virtual ha demostrado en varios estudios una mayor predictibilidad de los resultados quirúrgicos, así como una reducción del tiempo quirúrgico y la posibilidad de comparar nuestros resultados con los esperados mediante una comparación con un TC postoperatorio. En esta nota técnica se describe cómo planificar de forma virtual la cirugía mediante tecnología 3D “in house” de fracturas en mandíbulas atróficas usando un software de uso libre. (AU)

The use of virtual planning has demonstrated in several studies greater predictability of surgical results, as well as a reduction in surgical time. In addition, we have the possibility to compare our results with the planning through a comparison with a postoperative CT. This technical note aims to describe how to plan surgery for fractures in atrophic mandibles using pre-surgical 3D technology and a free software. (AU)