Intraoperative complications in acetabular fracture management using the Stoppa approach: A retrospective cohort study

Aim

The Aim of the study is to retrospectively analyse intraoperative complications in acetabular fractures treated via the Stoppa approach, identify their frequency and nature, and define potential risk factors, in addition to evaluating clinical outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included a total of 136 acetabulum fracture cases (aged 16 to 82 years) that were managed using Stoppa approach. Records related with age, sex, mode of injury, body mass index, history and type of associated injury and time gap between injury and surgery were noted. Intraoperative records for complications, viz., vascular injury, nerve injury, peritoneum, bowel and bladder injury were retrieved. Data was analysed using SPSS 24.0 software. Chi-square and Independent samples ‘t’-tests were used for comparison.

Results

Mean age of patients was 40.14±14.95 years. Majority (74.3 %) of patients were males and had road traffic accident (83.8 %) as the cause of injury. Mean BMI of patients was 22.4 ± 2.43 kg/m². ACPHT (41.2 %) and ACF (27.9 %) were the most common diagnoses. A total of 16 (11.8 %) had associated injuries. Mean time gap between injury and surgery was 6.35±4.25 days. Intraoperative complication rate was 8.8 % (3.7 % peritoneum tear, 2.9 % superior iliac vein injury and 2.2 % external iliac vein injury). Intraoperative complications had a significant association with time gap between injury and surgery (p = 0.015).

Conclusion

Stoppa technique was a safe approach for management of acetabulum fractures with a low incidence of intraoperative complications. Early intervention could help to reduce rate of complications further.