OUR EXPERIENCE IN THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ACETABU-LAR FRACTURES USING “SPRING PLATE” TECHNIQUE

Fractures of the posterior wall, with comminution, are often hard to reduce and stabilize due to the small fragments that are involved, so the “spring plate” technique was developed. Aim: To show the advantages and the results we obtained in treating the posterior wall fractures using “spring plate” technique. Materials and methods: Included in our study was a number of 21 patients with an average age of 42 years, which had fracture of the acetabular posterior wall or acetabular fracture associated with posterior wall fracture. They were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with one or two spring plates and one or two reconstruction plates overlapping them. Results: Postoperative X-rays revealed that anatomic reduction was obtained in 15 cases (72%), was acceptable in 3 cases (14%) and imperfect in 3 cases (14%). Clinical outcomes were very good in 16 cases (76%), acceptable in 4 cases (19%) and poor in one case (5%). Conclusions: Using spring plate technique in comminuted posterior wall fracture proves to offer a good stability for small fragments, eliminates the risk of articular penetration of the screws and offers the possibility of early recovery.