Internal fixation for fractures of the acetabular anterior column or pubic rami through minimally invasive ilioinguinal approach

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical effect of internal fixation for fractures of the acetabular anterior column or pubic rami through minimally invasive ilioinguinal approach.Methods From June 2008 to June 2011,26 patients were surgically fixed with reconstructive plates through minimally invasive ilioinguinal approach.Sixteen cases were diagnosed as fractures of the acetabular anterior column,and ten as fractures of the pubic rami.The patient was positioned supine or lateral floating.The incision included two parts.The lateral part along the anterior one-third of the iliac crest about 3-5 cm.The insertion of the abdominal muscles and the origin of the iliacus were sharply incised from the crest.By subperiosteal dissection,the iliacus was elevated from the internal iliac fossa as far medially as to expose the anterior inferior iliac spine,iliopubic eminence and acetabular anterior column.The medial part of the incision was from the pubic tubercle transverse lateral extend 2-3 cm.Subperiosteal dissection to expose the superior pubic ramus.Two windows were dissected subperiosteal to connect through a tunnel along the anterior column of the acetabulum and pubic ramus.Fractures were reduced,and reconstruction plates were contoured and placed through the tunnel.Two or three screws were used at each window to fix the fractures.Results According to Matta evaluation system,anatomic reductions of the hip were in 13 cases,good in 11 and fair in 2 cases.Twenty-three patients were followed up from 6 to 30 months (mean,15.6 months).Hip functions were excellent in 13 patients,good in 6,and fair in 4 patients according to the D'Aubigne scores system.Pelvic functional results showed 12 were excellent,9 were good and 2 were fair according to Majeed scores system.No complications such as infection or deep venous thrombosis occurred.Conclusion This modified ilioinguinal approach,with less operation time and low rate of complications,is simple and minimally invasive.It is easy for surgeons to perform plate moulding and could provide firm fixation. Key words: Pelvis; Acetabulum; Fracture fixation, internal; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive