Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients with both column acetabular fractures involvement posterior wall using lag screw through single ilioinguinal approach. Methods Between August 2008 to August 2014, 35 consecutive patients with both columns acetabular fractures and fracture also involved posterior wall and fixed by lag screws were retrospectively analyzed. There were 25 males and 10 females. The average age was 44.4±12.5 years (range, 18-72 years). According to Letournel classifications, the acetabular fracture involved both columns and posterior wall in all cases, and 2 cases with additional seagull sign. The surgeon reduced posterior wall by pressing the fragment through a small tunnel in the soft tissue leaning against the external cortex of iliac bone and fixed the fragment using lag screws from the anterior side. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using the modified Merle d’Aubigne scoring system. Radiographic results were evaluated based on Matta scoring system. Results The patients were follow for an average of 44.7±18.9 months (range, 24-96 months). The average operative time was 257.7±60.4 min (range, 160-490 min). The average blood loss during the operating was 742.9±614.5 ml (range, 300-4 000 ml). Loss of reduction of the posterior wall was not found in any case. At the latest follow-up, radiographic results were excellent in 11, good in 19, and poor in 5. The average modified Merle d’Aubigne score was 16.4 (range, 13-18). There were 8 cases of excellent, 23 cases of good, and 4 cases of fair. Four patients developed deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities after 3-4 days of operation. Warfarin was used for anticoagulation therapy and thrombi disappeared 6 months postoperatively. One case had superficial wound infection and was treat with vacuum sealed drainage (VSD) and anti-infection therapy. The incision healed without infection after one month. One case with poor quality of reduction and remaining seagull sign was treated with total hip arthroplasty after 35 months because of severe traumatic arthritis. The total reoperation rate was 5.7% (2/35). Iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury as well as heterotopic ossification was not found in any case. Conclusion Satisfactory quality of reduction and good clinical outcomes can be achieved in patients with acetabular fractures involved both columns and posterior wall by single ilioinguinal approach and lag screw fixation for posterior wall. Iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury as well as heterotopic ossification was not found in any case. Key words: Acetabulum; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation; Internal fixators