OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF ACETABULAR FRACTURES THROUGH THE ILIOINGUINAL APPROACH - A 10-YEAR PERSPECTIVE

The ilioinguinal surgical approach was found to be effective for treat ment of 119 (about 33% of the 373 acetabular fractures treated operati vely by the author over a 10-year period. It is indicated for anterior wall, anterior column, associated anterior and posterior hemitransver se fractures, as well as certain both column and transverse fractures. The approach offers the advantages of a cosmetic incision, rapid reco very of muscle function, and minimal ectopic bone formation. Complicat ions included 3% surgical wound infection, 2% iatrogenic nerve palsy, 1% significant ectopic bone, and 1% death from pulmonary embolus. Clin ical results at a minimum of 1-year, and an average of 3-years' follow up, were excellent in 37%, good in 47%, fair in 14%, and poor in 2%. T wo patients later required total hip arthroplasty for posttraumatic ar thritis.