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Based on a literature review, we have developed a new implant system to treat
unstable, displaced acetabulum fractures in the elderly.
Prior to clinical use, the system was subjected to FEM analyses. The simulation tests
have shown a clear advantage of our system over the previously used purely bone fixation
procedures.
Since 2018, we operated on 14 patients with this system. Eleven of the patients had an
acute fracture, and three patients underwent surgery for chronic causes (one case due to
acetabulum non-union, and two cases due to acetabular loosening and bone loss after
THR). One patient died during the follow-up period, and one patient did not show up for
follow-up. All of our patients were able to walk, with a minority using a cane. CT scans
proved the plasma cup and bone surface integration, and no acetabular loosening
occurred.
Although the initially designed system provided sufficient stability, further
modifications can improve the primary stability based on FEM analysis, surgical
experience, and CT scan analysis.
The weakness of our study was the low number of patients, but we will continue our
prospective data collection, and we will modify our treatment strategy consequently.
Based on the theoretical design, FEM analysis, and clinical results, the procedure we
have developed can be a possible technique to treat unstable, displaced acetabulum
fracture in the elderly, even based on CE (Conformité Européenne) criteria.
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