The intrapelvic approach to the acetabulum.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Anatomy
• Surgical Approaches

Background:

• The intrapelvic approach for acetabular and pelvic ring injuries has gained acceptance since its initial descriptions in the early 1990s.
• It offers advantages over the ilioinguinal approach by providing an intrapelvic view of the medial acetabulum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the nomenclature and anatomical basis of the intrapelvic approach for acetabular and pelvic ring surgery.
• To advocate for the consistent use of the term "Intrapelvic Approach".

Main Methods:

• Review of historical descriptions and anatomical dissections of surgical approaches to the acetabulum and pelvis.
• Comparison of the intrapelvic approach with the ilioinguinal and Rives-Stoppa approaches.

Main Results:

• The intrapelvic approach allows anteromedial access to the anterior column and direct visualization of the quadrilateral plate and medial posterior column from within the true pelvis.
• The Rives-Stoppa approach is a retromuscular technique for hernia repair and is distinct from the surgical approach used for acetabular fixation.
• The Cheatle-Henry approach shares similarities with the currently used intrapelvic approach.

Conclusions:

• The term "Intrapelvic Approach" accurately describes the surgical technique for acetabular and pelvic ring fixation.
• Distinguishing the intrapelvic approach from the Rives-Stoppa approach is crucial for clarity in surgical literature and practice.