Biomechanical study of transverse acetabular fracture fixations

Objective To evaluate the stability of three kinds of internal fixations requiring anterior or posterior surgical approach for the transverse acetabular fracture. Methods Twelve hemipelves were made to be transverse acetabular fractures by a saw and then divided into three groups randomly Internal fixation methods consisted of a single anterior column plate, a single posterior column plate and double posterior column plates. The loads were applied through through the femoral head in a continuous fashion until the internal fixation failed. Results The maximal loads for the anterior plate, posterior plate and double posterior plates were as fo1lows: (489 ± 71 ) N, (252 + 92 ) N and (l040±l43 ) N. Conclusions The single anterior column plate provided more stability than the single posterior column plate. The double posterior column plates provided a degree of stability indistingishable from that of other two methods.