Retrospective Analysis of Traumatic Triradiate Cartilage Injury in Children

Abstract Background: To summarize and analyze the epidemiological characteristics, treatment and corresponding curative effect of triradiate cartilage injury(TCI) in children after trauma, to provide a theoretical basis for early diagnosis and improvement of treatment. Methods: The TCI was classified according to our modified Bucholz classification (type IV and VI were added), and the final curative effect was evaluated with Harris Hip Score and imaging examination during follow-up. Finally, a comprehensive analysis was made by reviewing the cases in the literature combined with the patients in our hospital. Results: A total of 15 cases (18 hips) of triradiate cartilage injuries were collected in our hospital. There was one hip with type I injury, nine hips with type II injury, two hips with type IV injury, one hip with type V injury and five hips with type VI injury. Among the 12 cases with complete follow-up, the bone bridge was found in or around the triradiate cartilage in 8 cases，early fusion of triradiate cartilage occurred in 5 patients, 3 cases had hip dysplasia, 4 cases had a subluxation of the femoral head, and HHS was excellent in 8 cases and good in 4 cases.Conclusion: The early diagnosis of TCI is still a quite challenging issue. Conservative treatment is often the first choice. The overall prognosis of acetabular fractures involving triradiate cartilage is poor. The formation of the bone bridge in triradiate cartilage usually indicates the possibility of premature closure, which may lead to acetabular dysplasia. Level of evidence IV: Retrospective case series