Compare of Anterior Approaches in Acetabular Fractures Treated by the Standard Ilioinguinal Versus the Stoppa/Iliac Approaches

Background. In acetabular fractures, the correct choice of the surgical approach is mandatory to achieve accurate reduction and to avoid complications. Anterior approaches include the ilioinguinal, the Stoppa, the iliofemoral and the pararectal exposures. The ilioinguinal and the Stoppa approaches are the most ones nowadays. The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of modified Stoppa and ilioinguinal approach in the management of acetabular fractures in terms of quality of reduction achieved, complication rates, functional outcomes, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, view angle of the surgical wound, the applicability of the forceps. Materials and Methods. The study enrolled 53 adult patients. We evaluated 53 cases of treatment of patients underwent acetabular fractures osteosynthesis. The patients were divided into two groups. We used the Letournel approach in group 1 (n = 27), the Stoppa/iliac approach — in group 2 (n = 26). The group 2 was split into two subgroups: in subgroup 2A, osteotomy of the anterior superior spine was performed (n = 13), in subgroup 2B, we did not perform it (n = 13). The following parameters were compared: the quality of reposition of fragments, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, damage to neural structures, viewing angle, and ease of use of pelvic instruments for reduction. The functional outcome was assessed by the Majeed scale. Results. Comparison of the two approaches showed that the indices of reduction of fragments, total blood loss and operation time did not differ significantly and were not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, there were more neurological complications in group 1, but they did not affect the treatment outcome. The angle of the sector of view during the operation with osteotomy of the anterior superior spine of the pelvic wing is about 90°, which contributes to a more efficient use of repositioning instruments. The functional results of treatment were the same in both groups in 12 months after surgery. Conclusion. The Letournel and the Stoppa/iliac approach are equivalent in terms of the degree of reduction, operation time and blood loss during the operation. Application the Stoppa/iliac approach helps to avoid iatrogenic meralgia paresthetica unlike Letournel approach. The Stoppa/iliac approach and osteotomy of the anterior superior spine provides better visualization and provides a greater degree of freedom for the surgeon during manipulation tools for reposition.

acetabular fractures, Stoppa approach, ilioinguinal Letournel approach