Modified stoppa approach combined with iliac fossa approach for treating compound acetabular fractures by using an anterior ilioischial plate

Most compound acetabular fractures involving both anterior and posterior columns are caused by high-energy injuries. Patients with compound acetabular fractures often have poor conditions and hardly tolerate major surgery. This study aims to investigate effectiveness of an ilioischial plate in treatment of compound acetabular fractures.A consecutive series of 40 patient with complex acetabular fractures, treated operatively were retrospectively reviewed. A modified Stoppa approach combined with an iliac fossa approach was used. Anterior column was stabilized with reconstruction plates for iliac wing and along iliopectineal line to pubis in all cases. Psterior column was fixed with newly developed ilioischial plate running from ilium to ischial ramus or conventional posterior column screws or quadrilateral plate fixation. Patients were divided into experimental group(ilioischial plate for posterior column fixation)and control group(standard fixation techniques).In both groups, 90% of all reductions were good to excellent. According to modified Merle Aubigne and Postel scoring system, percentage of good to excellent was 85% in experimental group as compared to 80% in control group. Compared with control group, physical function (PF), role physical (RP) and social function (SF) were significantly better in experimental group (P<0.05). Fracture healing was achieved in all patients.