Pelvic osteotomies: anatomic pitfalls at the pubic bone. A cadaver study.

Pelvic osteotomies for acetabular dysplasia include an osteotomy of the pubic bone. The anatomical consequences of two different approaches to the pubic bone were assessed by performing a triple osteotomy on a series of 12 fresh cadaver hemipelvises. The medial approach through a separate incision over the pubic symphysis was compared with the lateral approach through the incision used for the innominate osteotomy. Although the medial approach appears technically easy, there are several anatomical structures at risk, such as the femoral vein and the corona mortis. The lateral approach is safer, and it is easier to make the osteotomy close to the hip joint. The closer the osteotomy is to the hip joint, the smaller the chance of developing a non-union.