Removing hardware from anterior approaches following acetabular fractures: a challenging yet indicated procedure

To describe the indications, outcomes, and incidence of complications after hardware removal from anterior approaches following acetabular fractures.

Over ten years, 13 patients were included, complaining of pain due to late infection in nine (69.2%) and secondary osteoarthritis in four (30.8%). Fractures classification were T-type fracture (46.2%), both columns (38.5%), one transverse (7.7%), and one (7.7%) T-type with a posterior wall. The approaches utilized for hardware removal were modified Stoppa in 11 (84.6%) patients, ilioinguinal lateral (iliac) window in nine (69.2%), Pararectus in one (7.7%), ilioinguinal in one (7.7%), and Kocher-Langenbeck approach in one (7.7%)).

The patients' mean age was 37.1 ± 14.9 (21 to 65) years, and nine (69.2%) were males. Hardware removal was performed after the index surgery by a mean of 35.6 ± 20 months. The mean operative time was 143.8 ± 36 min, and the mean blood loss was 1573 ± 842 CC. The mean hospital stay was 3.2 ± 2.3 days, and all patients required blood transfusion. Four (30.8%) intraoperative complications, two (15.4%) vascular injuries, One (7.7%) urinary bladder injury, and in two (15.4%) broken screws could not be retrieved. Postoperative complications in five (38.5%): three (23.1%) had superficial wound infection, one (7.7%) had DVT, and one (7.7%) had L5 nerve root injury. After a mean follow up of 11.3 ± 4.4 (6 to 20) months, the VAS score decreased from a preoperative median of 6 (2 to 8) to a median score of 1 (0 to 6) at the last follow up. 11 (84.6%) patients described the pain as none or occasional, and eight (61.5%) were very satisfied with the results.

Hardware removal from the anterior approaches after acetabular fractures is demanding and carries a high complication risk. The surgeries should be performed when highly indicated, and the surgical team must be familiar with the anterior approaches.