Modified ilioinguinal approach in combined surgical exposures for displaced acetabular fractures involving two columns

The purpose of this study is to assess the advantages of modified ilioinguinal approach in combined surgical exposures for displaced acetabular fractures involving two columns management. 73 patients with displaced acetabular fractures involving two columns underwent open reduction and internal fixation through combined surgical approaches between 2006 and 2014 in our hospital. The modified ilioinguinal approach combined with Kocher–Langenbeck approach group (group A) included 46 patients. The standard ilioinguinal approach combined with Kocher–Langenbeck approach group (group B) included 27 patients. Outcome was assessed in operative time, blood loss, function outcomes and complications. In group A, the average operative time was 123.2 min, and the average blood loss was 586.2 ml. Anatomic reduction was achieved in 39 patients (84.8 %). The functional recovery was good in 37 patients (80.4 %). Complications related to the approach were observed in 10 patients (21.7 %). In group B, the average operative time was 161.5 min, and the average blood loss was 830 ml. Anatomic reduction was achieved in 24 patients (88.9 %). The functional recovery was good in 22 patients (81.5 %). Complications related to the approach were observed in 9 patients (33.3 %). This study demonstrates that both combined approaches permits good postoperative function results for treatment of acetabular fractures involving two columns. However, the modified ilioinguinal approach combined with Kocher–Langenbeck approach provides less operative time, blood loss and complications.