A CT-Based 3D Morphometric Study of the Acetabular Roof for Safe Placement of the Quadrilateral Surface Plate in Malay Patients
Abstract
Introduction: Management of quadrilateral plate (QLP) fractures is challenging. Current QLP implants are suboptimal in terms of plate positioning and risk of intra-articular screw penetration, which requires detailed anatomical knowledge. There are limited morphometric data on the acetabulum among Malaysian patients. This study aimed to determine the safe zones for implant placement in QLP fractures among a Malaysian Malay cohort.
Materials and methods: In this retrospective CT-based study, 3D pelvic models were reconstructed using MIMICS v21.0, and measurements of acetabular roof length from pubic tubercle (point A) and safe angles (beyond X-Y angle), area without the risk of intra-articular screw penetration, were recorded. Means ± SD were reported, and sex comparisons were analysed by using independent t tests (α = 0.05).
Results: Out of 56 patients, 82.1% were male. The mean age was 37 years old. All measurements were longer in males. Mean acetabular length or danger zone (B–C) was 58.38mm (SD 4.04) in males and 53.22 (SD 4.55) in females. Statistically significant sex differences were observed for two measurements, A-C and B-C, with p=0.018 and 0.001, respectively. No other measurements showed significant sex differences.
Conclusion: These morphometric data provide population-specific parameters that may inform safer implant placement and screw trajectory planning for QLP fractures in Malay patients. Further multiethnic studies are needed before generalising these findings to the wider Malaysian population.
Abstract | Reference
