Research progress in pararectus approach for treatment of acetabular fractures

Surgical treatment of acetabular fractures is very difficult, and the choice of surgical approach is of crucial importance. The ilioinguinal approach is a classic anterior approach for acetabular fracture surgery, but it has disadvantages such as complicated procedure, much operative wound, postoperative complications and steep learning curve. Therefore, it drives many researchers to seek new approaches. The modified Stoppa approach simplifies the operation approach of acetabular fractures, but the approach through medioventral line is far away from the acetabulum and very difficult to expose fractures in the involved quadrilateral area. Based on the modified Stoppa approach, the pararectus approach moves incision closer to the affected acetabulum, which provides direct vision for surgeons to perform anatomical reduction and rigid fixation in the quadrilateral and surrounding area, so as to reduce adjacent vascular and nerve. The progress of treatment of acetabular fractures through pararectus approach is reviewed in this paper, providing guidance and assistance to clinical practices. Key words: Acetabulum; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation; Pararectus approach