Single pararectus approach combined with three-dimensional guidance for the treatment of acetabular fracture

BACKGROUND: Surgery for acetabular fractures involving both columns is difficult and traumatic, making it necessary to explore a minimally invasive and accurate surgical method. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study analyzed the clinical data of 34 patients and divided them into two groups: a control group (9 males and 8 females) and a research group (11 males and 6 females) with acetabular fractures involving the anterior and posterior columns. All patients were placed in the supine position via the pararectus approach. A three-dimensional (3D) guide was placed at the position where the posterior column screw was inserted in the second window, and a posterior column screw was placed percutaneously on the medial side of the iliac spine in the research group. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and fracture union time of the two groups were recorded. Pelvic radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans were routinely performed before and after surgery to evaluate reduction and fixation. Residual gap and step displacement were measured using a standardized CT-based method after the surgery. Hip mobility was assessed according to the modified Merle, d’Aubigné, and Postel criteria. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 6–30 (16.941±6.571) months. The operation times of the two groups were 126 [interquartile range (IQR), 95–133] min (control group) and 110 (IQR, 85–124) min (research group), the intraoperative blood losses were 430 (IQR, 290–550) mL (control group) and 380 (IQR, 260–500) mL (research group). All patients achieved bone healing, with a union time of 15 (IQR, 12–17) weeks (control group) and 13 (IQR, 11.5–15) weeks (research group). According to the standardized CT-based method, the reduction after surgery was acceptable in 13 (control group) and 14 (research group) of these patients (defined as a gap <5 mm or a step-off <1 mm), and the anatomical reduction rates were 76.47% and 82.35%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a single pararectus approach combined with 3D guide-assisted percutaneous anterograde posterior column screws can shorten the operation time and place effective posterior column screws precisely with minimal invasiveness. At the same time, the acetabular reduction and functional recovery are satisfactory, and there are fewer postoperative complications, which makes this procedure an ideal surgical option.