Prospective Evaluation of Outcome of Acetabular Fractures Managed by Anterior Intrapelvic Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior Intrapelvic (AIP) approach has emerged, in the last two decades, as a promising approach for fixation of anterior acetabular fractures. This prospective study was conducted to analyze our results with this approach and suggest the indications for its rationale usages in a developing country.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with acetabular fractures, which required anterior fixation, were operated by AIP approach and prospectively evaluated between October 2013 and January 2018. Mechanism of injury, fracture type, operative time, blood loss, complications, radiographic, and functional outcomes were analyzed in all patients. Modified Merle D'Aubigne system was used for clinical grading, while Matta's grading was utilized for radiographic outcome.
RESULTS: Fifty eight [90.62%] patients out of the total 64 patients had good to excellent outcome on functional and radiographic results. About 93.75% patients were able to resume pre-injury activities including socially demanding tasks like ability to sit cross legged and squat. Patients operated early had better articular reductions as compared to those operated late.
CONCLUSIONS: This approach can be considered as a safe, effective and feasible alternative to traditional ilioinguinal approach for acetabulum fractures which require anterior approach. Cases which present late may have difficulty through this approach as scarring or granulation tissue may lead to inadequate visualization. © Indian Orthopaedics Association 2020.