Open reduction and internal fixation via modified Stoppa approach for pelvic fractures of Tile type C combined with acetabular both-column fractures

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the modified Stoppa approach in the surgical treatment of pelvic fractures of Tile type C combined with acetabular both-column fractures. Methods Between April 2014 and April 2017, a total of 14 patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through the modified Stoppa approach at Department of Orthopaedics, Foshan Gaoming Hospital for pelvic fractures of Tile type C combined with acetabular both-column fractures. They were 10 men and 4 women, with an average age of 36.4 years (from 23 to 57 years). The modified Stoppa approach was used exclusively in 4 cases, in combination with the iliac fossa approach in 3 ones, in combination with the Kocher-Langenbeck approach in 4 ones and in combination with the Kocher-Langenbeck and iliac fossa approaches in 3 ones. In all the patients, the pelvic reconstructive plate and screws and lag screws were used. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative fracture reduction, fracture union time, efficacy and complications were recorded. Results The operation time averaged 170 min (from 110 to 330 min) and the intraoperative bleeding 420 mL (from 240 to 1 100 mL). There were no operative complications. By the Matta evaluation, the postoperative reduction was rated as excellent in the 14 pelvic fractures and 9 acetabular both-column fractures and as good in 5 acetabular both-column fractures. Of this series, 13 patients were followed up for an average of 19 months (from 12 to 29 months) and one was lost to the follow-up. The fractures got united after an average time of 3.4 months (from 2.7 to 4.6 months). Screw loosening was observed in one case and mild limitation to hip flexion in one. Follow-ups found no lateral ventral syndrome or femoral head necrosis. Their Harris hip scores at the last follow-up ranged from 70 to 94 points, averaging 84 points. The function of the affected hip was excellent in 6 cases, good in 5 and fair in 2. Conclusion The modified Stoppa approach may be used exclusively or in combination with other approaches to treat effectively the pelvic fractures of Tile type C combined with acetabular both-column fractures, leading to good short-term clinical outcomes. Key words: Pelvis; Acetabulum; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation, internal; Surgical approach