Treatment of complex acetabular fractures involving the posterior column by anterograde lag screws via the ilioinguinal approach

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the treatment of complex acetabular fractures involving the posterior column by anterograde lag screws via the ilioinguinal approach. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of the 8 patients with complex acetabular fracture involving the posterior column who had been treated at Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital to Inner Mongolia Medical University from January 2017 to June 2018. They were 5 males and 3 females, aged from 35 to 62 years (average, 43.5 years). According to the Letournel-Judet classification, 3 cases were T-shaped fractures, 4 anterior column plus posterior hemitransverse fractures and one both column fracture. The interval from injury to operation averaged 8 days (from 7 to 17 days). The anterior acetabulum was fixated by a reconstruction plate and the posterior column by antegrade lag screws, all through the ilioinguinal approach. The quality of fracture reduction, fracture union time, function of the affected hip and complications were recorded. Results By the Matta imaging criteria, the quality of fracture reduction was rated as excellent in 7 cases and as fine in one. Intraoperative major hemorrhage or injury to sciatic nerve occurred in none of the patients. This cohort obtained an average follow-up of 8 months (from 6 to 18 months). All fractures united well after an average of 10 weeks (from 8 to 12 weeks). The function of affected hip evaluated by the improved Merle d’Aubigne & Postel criteria at the last follow-up was excellent in 7 cases and fine in one. Follow-ups revealed no incidence of deep vein thrombosis or heterotopic ossification. Conclusions For patients with complex acetabular fracture involving the posterior column, internal fixation of the anterior acetabulum with a reconstruction plate through the ilioinguinal approach and fixation of the posterior column with antegrade lag screws also through the ilioinguinal approach can result in fine therapeutic effects, because complications like ectopic ossification and sciatic nerve injury related to the Kocher-Langenbeck approach can be prevented. This treatment is particularly suitable for the patients whose condition of the soft tissues at the posterior pelvis is poor. Key words: Acetabulum; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation, internal; Bone nails; Surgical approach