The Advantages of Stoppa Approach-ilioinguinal Modification, for Surgical Treatment of the Acetabulum Fractures with the Traditional Plate and the New Anatomical Suprapectineal Plate System

INTRODUCTION: Two similar pelvic fracture cases were both treated with the new anterior intrapelvic (AIP) approach (modified Stoppa approach)-the ilioinguinal modification. The traditional reconstruction plate is used in case 1 and the new special designed anatomical quadrilateral plate (the suprapectineal edition) is used in case 2. The two cases are discussed in terms of surgical difficulty, surgical time, blood loss, patient recovery, stability of the osteosynthesis. CASE REPORT: Two similar cases according to the classification of Judet-Letournel acetabulum fractures were chosen. Case 1 is a male 55 years old, injured in a motor vehicle accident who had a pelvic fracture, especially a quadrilateral surface fracture in conjunction with high anterior column fracture. Case 2 is also a male 58 years old, who fall from height, had almost the same fracture type according to Judet-Letournel classification. The traditional reconstruction plate was used in case1 and the new anatomical suprapectineal plate system was used for internal fixation in case 2. CONCLUSION: The application of the new suprapectineal plate system (anatomical plate) as seen in case 2 is not possible through the ilioinguinal approach only. The use of AIP is imperative for the fixation of the quadrilateral surface fracture using these anatomical plates. The combination of the AIP with the lateral window or the first two windows of ilioinguinal approach gives excellent access to the true pelvis and the ilium in the high anterior column fractures.