Matta’s criteria may be useful for evaluating and predicting the reduction quality of simultaneous acetabular and ipsilateral pelvic ring fractures

BACKGROUND: Although the incidence, types, and radiological outcomes of simultaneous ipsilateral pelvic ring and acetabular fractures have been reported, there have been no reports on factors that may affect the quality of acetabular fracture reduction. Here, we evaluate the radiological outcomes of patients treated for simultaneous ipsilateral pelvic and acetabular fractures and analyze the factors that affect the quality of acetabular fracture reduction. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients treated for simultaneous ipsilateral pelvic ring and acetabular fractures between 2016 and 2020. Factors that may predict inadequate reduction of the acetabular fracture were analyzed. RESULTS: Data from 27 hips of 26 patients were collected. AO B2.2 and anterior columnar fractures were the most common types of pelvic ring and acetabular fractures, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that Matta’s criteria for pelvic ring fracture may be useful for predicting fair to poor quality of acetabular fracture reduction on X-rays. Furthermore, associated fractures identified by Letournel’s classification system on computed tomography may be predictive of greater step-offs. CONCLUSIONS: Associated fractures identified via Letournel’s classification may contribute to inadequate reduction of acetabular fractures. Matta’s criteria for pelvic ring fractures may also be useful for predicting the risk of inadequate reduction of the acetabulum on X-ray scans. These findings may be assessed intraoperatively by fluoroscopy before beginning osteosynthesis for acetabular fractures.