Application of computerized virtual preoperative planning procedures in comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures surgery

Abstract

Abstract Background The treatment of comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures remains challenging due to the difficulty in understanding of fracture patterns and lack of appropriate preoperative planning process. Virtual preoperative planning procedures are now being commonly used in orthopedic surgery to aid in management of such complex problems. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical value of a new method by applying computerized virtual preoperative planning procedures in the treatment of comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures. Methods A total of 45 patients with comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures from June 2014 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the usage of computerized virtual preoperative planning procedures, they were assigned to group A and group B. In group A (24 patients), the new method was applied before surgery. In group B (21 patients), the conventional surgery was performed without assistance of computerized virtual preoperative planning procedures. The two groups were assessed in terms of blood loss, surgical time, reduction quality, fracture healing time, postoperative complications, and hip function. Results There were no significant differences in demographic data between the two groups. Patients in group A had significantly less intraoperative blood loss (429.58 vs 570.24 ml, P 0.05). The general postoperative complication rate in group A and group B was 12.5% and 28.6%, respectively, but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion The application of computerized virtual preoperative planning procedures is feasible in comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures. It helps orthopedic surgeons better understand the fracture characteristics, enables simulation of the reduction process and preoperative planning of internal fixation methods. This new preoperative planning method using a 3D virtual model is a more effective method than conventional method in surgical treatment of comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures. Trial registration retrospectively registered.

Keywords

• Preoperative planning
• Computer-assisted
• Acetabular fracture
• Posterior wall
• Comminuted