Outcomes of Surgical Management of Acetabular Fractures Treated with Anterior Approaches

In this study we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of anterior and combined approaches for treatment of acetabular fractures.

Thirty-seven acetabular fractures in 35 patients treated with an anterior approach were evaluated retrospectively. Fractures were classified according to Judet-Letournel. Early and final radiological evaluation was based on Matta's criteria. Modified Merle d'Aubigne and Postel criteria were used for functional assessment.

Eleven (30%) fractures were simple type and 26 (70%) were mixed type. Two (18%) of the simple fractures were transverse and 9(82%) were anterior column fractures. Fourteen (54%) of the mixed type fractures were both column fractures, 5 (19%) were transverse+posterior wall, 5 (19%) were T shaped and 2 (8%) were anterior column+posterior hemitransverse fractures. Surgical approach was ilioinguinal in 15 (43%) patients, Stoppa in 9 (26%) and combined11 (31%). Our functional outcomes were perfect in 10 (27%) hips, good in 20 (54%), moderate in 4 (10%) and poor in 3 (8%). Our radiological results were perfect in 15 (40.5%) hips, good in 15 (40.5%), moderate in 4 (11%) and poor in 3 (8%).

Anterior surgical approaches provide satisfactory outcomes in appropriate fracture types. Posterior approach can be combined in certain fracture types. We think that rate of the requirement for a concomitant posterior approach for certain fractures of the acetabulum will decrease as experience increases.