OBJECTIVETo design a new 3-dimensional anatomical locking plate internal fixation on the basis of anatomic character of acetabulum for treating complex acetabular fractures except the posterior wall and posterior column fracture, and to investigate its advantages and disadvantages.

METHODSFive fresh adult cadavers and 40 biopsy specimens of pelvic cavity were collected. The length and radian of iliopectineal crest and pecten pubis,the distance from acetabular index to iliopectineal crest were measured to guide the research and development of the 3-dimensional anatomical locking plate internal fixation for complex acetabular fractures through the ilioinguinal approach or combined with Stoppa approach.

RESULTSThe average lengths of iliopectineal crest of male and female were (54.12+/-5.42) mm and (58.24+/-6.60) mm;and the radians were (64.26+/10.28)degrees and(60.32+/-12.26)degrees. The lengths of bow pubic were(122.21+/-8.02) mm and(126.52+/-7.84) mm;and the radians were (66.24+/-13.10)degrees and(63.25+/-12.10) degrees. The distance from acetabular index to iliopectineal crest of male and female were (18.6 + 2.2) mm and (18.9+/-2.5) mm. The 3-dimensional anatomical locking plate was used to treat compound acetabular fractures through ilio-inguinal groove incision or combined with Stoppa incision,including dislocated acetabular fractures at quadratic district,but not including paries posterior and columma posterior fractures.

CONCLUSIONThe self-designed 3-dimensional anatomical locking plate internal fixation has the characteristics of operational convenience, accurate fixation, mini operational trauma,short operational time and low operational risk,therefore it is especially suit for the complex acetabular fractures except the posterior wall and posterior column fracture which is difficult to be solved by contentional internal fixation.