J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2001 Jun;36(3):287-292.

Combined Anterior and Posterior Approach in Operating on Complex Acetabular Fractures

• Kim WY
• Sung JH
• Han CH
• Cheon JS
• Whang HJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
To report the results of a combined anterior and posterior approach to complex acetabular fractures and establish the guidelines for the operative treatment of complex acetabular fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirteen fractures (8 both column, 5 T-shaped fractures) of thirteen patients (8 men, 5 women) were treated with this combined anterior and posterior approach from August 1995 to December 1999. We reviewed the clinical and radiological results for an average of 33months (range, 12-60) follow-up.
RESULTS
This approach resulted in an anatomical reduction in ten (78%) patients and, two imperfect and one poor reduction. The average Harris hip score was 69.2 (range, 58-87) and the clinical results were good in eleven, very good in one and poor in one patient using the D'Aubigne/Postel clinical grading. A poor reduction occurred in one patient who had a both column fracture that extended to the ipsilateral sacroiliac joint combined with a joint subluxation.
CONCLUSION
Overall clinical results for most complex acetabular fractures treated by a combined anterior and posterior approach were preferable to other approaches, but we must consider an extensile or extended ilioinguinal approach to be an alternative surgical approach in this complicated fracture that involves the sacroiliac joint.

Keyword

Acetabulum; Complex fracture; Combined anterior and posterior approach

MeSH Terms

Acetabulum*
Follow-Up Studies
Hip
Humans
Joints
Male
Sacroiliac Joint