Treating Both-column Fractures of Acetabulum via Ilioinguinal Approach

Objective To analysis the results of treating the both-column fractures of acetabulum via ilioinguinal approach.Methods 10 patients with both-column fracthre of acetabulum treated surgically via the single ilioinguinal approach from January 1999 to January 2003 were reviewed.According to AO classification,type C1 5 cases,type C2 4 cases and type C3 1 case.After reduction and fixation of the fracture fragments of anterior column,the posterior fracture fragments of column were reduced using the quadrilateral surface and were fixed with two retrograde lag screws.Results The patients were followed up for an average of 18.4 months(range 11～36 months).Fracture reduction were graded as anatomic(0～1 mm displacement)in 7 cases,imperfect(2～3 mm displacement) in 3 cases,as determined by plain radiography.According to the modified Merled′AubignePostel hip score system,clinical outcome was graded as excellent in 7 patients,good in 2 and fair in one.Conclusion Treating the both-column fractures of acetabulum via ilioinguinal can obtain satisfactory clinical results.The key techniques are fixation of posterior column with retrograde interfragmentary lag screws.