Modification of the ilioinguinal approach.

The classic ilioinguinal approach has become well established in the treatment of acetabular fractures. However, in certain cases with extensive low anterior column or anterior wall fractures less than optimal exposure may be obtained. The authors present a modification of the ilioinguinal approach by combining it with a Smith-Petersen approach with a modified skin incision. This provides improved visualization and access, especially in comminuted low anterior column and anterior wall fractures, may facilitate reduction maneuvers to the quadrilateral surface, and allows the option of intraarticular inspection. In addition, the risk of iatrogenic lateral femoral cutaneous nerve damage is diminished. In this article the technique of this modification is described and illustrated.