The Stoppa combined with iliac fossa approach for the treatment of both-column acetabular fractures

Developing a core outcome set for acetabular fractures: a systematic review (part I)

BACKGROUND

There are indications that clinical studies investigating the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures assess different outcomes. This heterogeneity reduces the comparability of study results and, thus, limits the knowledge generated from research. Core outcome sets (COS) contain a minimum set of outcomes that should be measured in studies investigating a specific disease or injury. A COS for surgically treated acetabular fractures does not yet exist. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the reported outcomes in studies investigating the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures.

METHODS

Studies including skeletally mature individuals (≥ 16 years) with isolated acetabular fractures treated surgically were included. Studies with polytrauma patients, pathological fractures, additional pelvic fractures, exclusively non-surgical treatment, or juvenile individuals were excluded. Three databases and two clinical trial registries were searched on 15 November 2022. The identified outcomes were grouped and subsequently categorized according to the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 193 studies were included, which reported a cumulative total of 2581 outcomes. After grouping, 266 unique outcomes were identified. No outcome was examined in all studies. Pain, ability to walk independently, range of motion, quality of reduction, and heterotopic ossification were the most reported unique outcomes and assessed in at least 60% of included studies. A total of 105 outcomes were only assessed in one of the included studies. Outcomes of all five core areas and 25 outcome domains of the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials taxonomy were examined. Furthermore, outcomes were named and defined differently, measured at different time points, and assessed using a variety of measurement instruments.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this systematic review shows that a wide range of outcomes are measured in studies examining surgical treatment of acetabular fractures. The results of this systematic review will be used in a subsequent study to develop the COS for surgically treated acetabular fractures by using the Delphi method.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42022357644; COMET: 2123.

Comparative evaluation and ranking of anterior surgical approaches for acetabular fractures: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To compare the outcome of pararectus, ilioinguinal, and intrapelvic approaches in patients with acetabular fracture and to rank the best, second best, and third best surgical approach.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Epistemonikos, and Embase up to 30 November 2024. A network meta-analyses was conducted to assess the outcomes of pararectus, ilioinguinal, and intrapelvic surgical approaches. Random-effects models with mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for continuous and binary variables, respectively, all with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 30 primary studies (2,348 patients) were included. There was no statistically significant difference between the pararectus and intrapelvic approach in overall complications (OR 0.86, 95 % CI 0.47 to 1.58). The pararectus approach had 0.51 lower odds for overall complications compared with the ilioinguinal approach (OR 0.51, 95 % CI 0.28 to 0.94). The intrapelvic approach had 0.59 lower odds for overall complications compared with the ilioinguinal approach (OR 0.59, 95 % CI 0.37 to 0.94). There was no statistically significant difference between the pararectus and intrapelvic approach in reduction quality (OR 1.32, 95 % CI 0.89 to 1.95). The pararectus approach had 2.02 higher odds for reduction quality compared with the ilioinguinal approach (OR 2.02, 95 % CI 1.30 to 3.15). The intrapelvic approach had 1.53 higher odds for reduction quality compared with the ilioinguinal approach (OR 1.53, 95 % CI 1.12 to 2.10). There was no statistically significant difference between the pararectus and intrapelvic approach in intraoperative blood loss (MD -31.38, 95 % CI -105.62 to 42.85). The pararectus approach had a 207.35 mL lower intraoperative blood loss compared with the ilioinguinal approach (MD -207.35, 95 % CI -288.52 to -126.18). The intrapelvic approach had a 175.97 mL lower intraoperative blood loss compared with the ilioinguinal approach (MD -175.97, 95 % CI -233.51 to -118.42).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to rank the three anterior surgical approaches for acetabular fractures. The findings establish that while the pararectus and intrapelvic approaches are comparable, the ilioinguinal approach ranks third. The superior outcomes of the pararectus and intrapelvic approaches in complications, operative efficiency, and reduction quality highlight their importance in surgical practice.

Comparative analysis of surgical approaches in acetabular fractures: Blood loss and procedural efficiency

Background

Acetabulum fractures pose significant challenges in orthopedic trauma due to anatomical complexity and the potential for iatrogenic injury to surrounding structures. The study aims to compare the outcomes of two surgical approaches, the ilioinguinal approach (IA) and the modified Stoppa approach (MSA), in managing acetabular fractures.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 50 patients with anterior acetabular fractures. Demographic characteristics and perioperative data were collected, and the patients were categorized based on the applied surgical approach, either IA or MSA. Statistical tests were used for data analysis.

Results

The MSA group showed significantly lower intraoperative blood loss compared to IA (MSA: 404.36 ± 151.94 ml, IA: 650.92 ± 136.33 ml, Δ = 246.56 ml, P < 0.001). The mean procedure duration for MSA was 141.88 ± 27.12 min, compared to 172.24 ± 32.69 min for IA (P = 0.37). The incidence of soft tissue infection (MSA: 8 %, IA: 8 %) and sciatic nerve injury (both 0 %) exhibited no significant differences (P > 0.99). Postoperative assessments, Harris Hip Scores (MSA: 90.08 ± 6.26, IA: 89.29 ± 6.64, P = 0.66) and Modified Merle d'Aubigné Scores (MSA: 14.86 ± 1.37, IA: 15.23 ± 1.16, P = 0.40), showed no substantial variance between groups.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the MSA approach demonstrated superiority, particularly due to significantly less intraoperative blood loss. Further comprehensive studies are recommended to validate and generalize these findings.

The intrapelvic approach to the acetabulum

The today well accepted intrapelvic approach for acetabular and pelvic ring injury fixation was first described by Hirvensalo and Lindahl in 1993 followed by a more detailed description by Cole and Bolhofner in 1994. Compared to the well-known ilioinguinal approach, described by Letournel, this approach allows an intrapelvic view to the medial acetabulum, while using the ilioinguinal approach a more superior, extrapelvic view, is dissected to the area of the acetabulum. Several names have been used to describe the new intrapelvic approach with increasing usage, mainly ilio-anterior approach, extended Pfannenstiel approach, Stoppa-approach, Rives-Stoppa approach, modified Stoppa approach and recently anterior intrapelvic approach. Especially names including "Stoppa", based on the French surgeon Rene Stoppa, an inguinal hernia surgeon, have been discussed. In contrast to the presently used intrapelvic approach, the original the Rives-Stoppa approach refers to a sublay-retromuscular technique, which places a mesh posterior to the rectus muscle and anterior to the posterior rectus sheath without dissecting along the upper pubic ramus. Thus, intrapelvic approach is not a Rives-Stoppa approach. The Cheatle-Henry approach, another inguinal hernia approach, refers best to the presently used intrapelvic approach. Discussing the anatomy and the different dissections, this approach allows anteromedial access to the anterior column and a direct view from inside the true pelvis to the quadrilateral plate and medial side of the posterior column. Thus, we favor to use the term "Intrapelvic Approach".

Progress of fracture mapping technology based on CT three-dimensional reconstruction

Fracture Mapping is a new technology developed in recent years. This technology visually representing the morphology of fractures by overlaying fracture lines from multiple fracture models onto a standard model through three-dimensional reconstruction. Fracture mapping has been widely used in acetabular fracture, proximal humerus fractures, Pilon fracture, tibial plateau fractures, and so on. This technology provides a new research method for the diagnosis, classification, treatment selection, internal fixation design, and statistical analysis of common fracture sites. In addition, the fracture map can also provide a theoretical basis for the establishment of a biomechanical standardized fracture model. Herein, we reviewed various methods and the most advanced techniques for fracture mapping, and to discuss the issues existing in fracture mapping techniques, which will help in designing future studies that are closer to the ideal. Moreover, we outlined the fracture morphology features of fractures in various parts of the body, and discuss the implications of these fracture mapping studies for fracture treatment, thereby providing reference for research and clinical decision-making on bone and joint injuries to improve patient prognosis.

Anterior extrapelvic approaches to the acetabulum

Anterior approaches to the acetabulum can be distinguished into extrapelvic, intrapelvic and combined extrapelvic and intrapelvic approaches. Historically, the extrapelvic ilioinguinal approach was introduced in the French, English and German literature during the late 60s and became gradually the Gold-standard in treating anterior acetabular fractures. In the meantime, the intrapelvic approach, introduced by the Helsinki group, is favored by many surgeons with ongoing interest allowing direct antero-medial access to the true pelvis below the linea terminalis, to the quadrilateral plate and medial side of the posterior column. More recently, more supero-medial approaches, allowing access to the large and true pelvis have been developed, e.g. the Pararectus approach. The historical development, the value and approach-related results of the ilioinguinal approach are analyzed and discussed.

A comparison between ilioinguinal and modified Stoppa approach in anterior column acetabular fractures

INTRODUCTION

Pelvis fractures are among the most difficult fractures to manage and treat for Orthopedic surgeons. Anatomic reduction is the main goal to reach in the acetabular fractures' treatment. The following study compares clinical outcomes and complications of Ilioinguinal versus modified Stoppa approach in Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of anterior column acetabulum fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comparative analysis on 90 patients undergoing ORIF on acetabular fracture has been performed. Patients have been divided into two groups. The first group was treated by Ilioinguinal approach (n = 48), the second group by modified Stoppa approach (n = 42). The following parameters have been compareted: quality of fragment reduction; operative time; peri‑ and post-operative blood loss; complications; clinical and radiographic outcomes.

RESULTS

The modified Stoppa approach has shown a shorter mean operative time (146 min vs 175 min), fewer complications (14/48 vs 6/42), less blood loss both in the perio-operative phase (0.8 Hb pt vs 1.3 Hb pt) than in postoperative one (1.1 Hb pt vs 1.5 Hb pt), a lower rate of nerve, infections and critical complications. On the other hand, the ilioinguinal approach has showed better results in terms of quality of fracture reduction (43/48 patiens with anatomical or near anatomical reduction vs. 37/42). No significant differences concerning vascular lesions, clinical and functional outcomes have been found between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The modified Stoppa approach results in shorter operative time, less intra-operative blood loss and fewer complications than the ilioinguinal one. Greater anatomic reduction is achieved by Ilioinguinal approach; however, this does not necessarily translate into better clinical and functional outcomes which, overall, are comparable in the two analysed approaches. In conclusion, the modified Stoppa approach is deemed to be a better alternative in treating these fractures.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Patients With Anterior Acetabulum Fractures Treated by the Modified Stoppa Approach

Introduction Acetabular fractures are intra-articular fractures involving the lower extremity's weight-bearing dome. These fractures require an anatomical reduction of the fracture fragments. This aim can be accomplished by the selection of an appropriate surgical approach. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with fractures in the anterior part of the acetabulum who were treated by the modified Stoppa approach. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted from April 2022 to September 2023. The inclusion criteria were: (i) age between 18 and 70 years, (ii) displaced acetabular fracture (displacement > 3 mm), (iii) within three weeks of trauma (iv) acetabular fractures with involvement of anterior column. Exclusion criteria included: (i) patients with visceral injuries requiring colostomy, (ii) pathological fracture, (iii) open fractures of the acetabulum, and (iv) neglected fracture (more than three weeks). Intraoperative data regarding surgical time, amount of blood loss, and incidence of intraoperative complications were recorded. In the postoperative period, anteroposterior X-ray and Judet views of the pelvis X-ray were obtained. Matta criteria were used to judge the quality of Fracture reduction and fixation. All the patients to be included in this study had undergone a minimum follow-up duration of six months. At the last follow-up, an assessment of the functional outcome of the affected hip by Merle d'Aubigné Hip Score and Harris Hip Score was done. Results Twenty-four patients were included in the study. The mean patient age was 36.08±11.65 years. Eighteen patients were male (75%) and six patients were female in this study. All acetabular fractures were due to high-energy trauma: road traffic accidents in 22 cases (91%) and fall from height in two cases (9%). According to Judet & Letournel's classification, there were 13 T-type fractures, five transverse fractures, and six associated both column fractures. The mean duration of surgery was 152.08 ±29.19 minutes, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 277.08±85.95 ml. Intraoperatively one unit of blood transfusion was done in most cases. There were intraoperative complications of rent in the external iliac vein in two patients. Postoperative X-rays showed anatomical reduction in 17 cases, imperfect reduction in five cases, and poor reduction in two cases. Functional outcome of the hip by Merle d'Aubigné Hip Score was very good in 15, good in four, fair in three, and poor in two patients. Similar functional outcomes were obtained with the Harris Hip Score. Conclusion The results of the current study demonstrated that the modified Stoppa approach allows good visualization of the pelvic brim, quadrilateral surface, and posterior column. Lesser experienced orthopedic surgeons should utilize this approach to get good radiological and functional outcomes.

Treatment of Anterior Dislocation of the Sacroiliac Joint via the Lateral-rectus Approach: Surgical Techniques and Preliminary Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Anterior dislocation of the sacroiliac joint (ADSIJ) is caused by strong violence, and because of its low morbidity, there are no standardized diagnostic and therapeutical guidelines at this moment. This study aims to explore the surgical techniques and preliminary outcomes of the lateral-rectus approach (LRA) for treating ADSIJ.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of 15 patients with ADSIJ from January 2016 to January 2021. The patients' age ranged from 1.8 years old to 57 years old (37 ± 18 years old). All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through the LRA. Eight patients were combined with lumbosacral plexus injury and underwent neurolysis during operation. Patients' fracture type, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume were accessed by reviewing medical history. Quality of fracture reduction was evaluated with the Matta score. At 1-year follow-up, the functional rehabilitation was evaluated by the Majeed rehabilitation criteria. For those with lumbosacral plexus injury, the neuromotor function was evaluated using muscle strength grading proposed by the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) and recovery was recorded.

RESULTS

All 15 patients underwent the operation successfully. The surgical time ranged from 70 to 220 min (126 ± 42 min), and the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 180 to 2000 mL (816 ± 560 mL). Eighty percent of the cohort (12/15) were rated as excellent and good in the Matta score for fracture reduction quality after operation without surgical incision-related complications. At 1-year follow-up, the overall excellent and good rate was 73.3% (11/15) according to the Majeed criteria, the neuromotor function recovered completely in six cases and partially in two cases according to the BMRC muscle strength grading, and the recovery of sensory function was evaluated as excellent in six cases, good in one case and poor in one case, with an overall excellent and good rate of 87.5%.

CONCLUSION

The LRA can well expose the surrounding structures of the sacroiliac joint from the front, which helps surgeons reduce and fix the anterior dislocation of the sacroiliac joint under direct vision and effectively decompress the entrapment of the lumbosacral plexus to achieve better clinical efficacy.

Ilioinguinal versus modified Stoppa approach for open reduction and internal fixation of displaced acetabular fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 717 patients across ten studies

BACKGROUND

Acetabulum fracture is one of the most challenging fractures to manage and operate for orthopaedic surgeons; anatomical reduction of fractures and reconstruction of the joint is of utmost importance. These factors in turn are dependent on the appropriate surgical approach used to improve the clinical outcomes and reduce associated complications. Hence, this meta-analysis aims to compare the outcomes of ilioinguinal versus modified Stoppa approach for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced acetabular fractures.

METHODS

Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from their inception to 10th of June 2021 for both randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and or non-randomized studies comparing the outcomes of ilioinguinal approach and modified Stoppa approach for the ORIF of acetabular fractures. The estimates of treatment effects were described by mean difference (MD) for continuous variables and odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous variables with corresponding 95% confidence (95% CI) intervals. The risk of bias was assessed by MINORS tool for the non-randomized, and the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool for RCTs.

RESULT

A total of ten studies (717 patients), three RCTs and seven retrospective studies, were included. Modified Stoppa approach showed shorter mean duration of surgery (MD 47.13, 95% CI: 27.30-66.96), lesser number of overall complications (OR 2.14, 95% CI: 1.46-3.13), less intraoperative blood loss (MD 259.65, 95% CI: 152.66-366.64), and lower rates of infection (OR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.14-4.15). However, ilioinguinal approach showed a better quality of fracture reduction (OR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.42-0.82). Results were equivocal in terms of vascular injuries (OR 1.88 (95% CI: 0.86-4.09), nerve injuries (OR 1.77, 95% CI: 0.99-3.17), heterotopic ossification (OR1.74, 95% CI: 0.63-4.82), and clinical outcome (OR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.45-1.47) between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Modified Stoppa approach carries a lesser duration of surgery, lesser intraoperative blood loss, fewer overall complications, and lesser postoperative infection rates compared to ilioinguinal approach. Although a better anatomical reduction is achieved by ilioinguinal approach, however, this does not translate into better clinic functional outcomes which remain comparable between the two approaches. So overall, modified Stoppa approach seems a better alternative for managing these fractures.

Treatment of acetabular fracture involving anterior and posterior columns using a single pararectus approach: surgical experience and preliminary results

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of single pararectus approach in patients confirmed with acetabular fracture involving anterior and posterior columns.

METHODS

A total of 58 patients confirmed with acetabular fracture involving anterior and posterior columns and treated at our hospital between January 2015 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. A single pararectus approach was applied for all patients. Routine X-rays were performed at follow-up of one, three, six, 12, and 18 months, and three-dimensional CT scans were added at six and 18 months. Fracture reduction quality was assessed using the Matta score system, and functional assessment used the Modified Merle D'Aubigné and Postel score system. Post-operative complications, including fat liquefaction and deep vein thrombosis, were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The median operation time was 186 min while the intra-operative blood loss was 421 mL. The rate of good-to-excellent reduction was 94.8%, and the rate of good-to-excellent hip function score reached 93.1%. Seven patients presented with post-operative complications, including three intra-operative small vascular injuries, two peritoneal small perforations, one fat liquefaction, and one deep vein thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

Using a single pararectus approach is convenient and effective for treating acetabular fracture involving anterior and posterior columns, especially those involving the quadrilateral area.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR, ChiCTR2100054604. Registered 21 December 2022. Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=144783 .

[Biomechanical analysis of Magic screw fixation for acetabular posterior column fracture]

This study aims to analyze the biomechanical stability of Magic screw in the treatment of acetabular posterior column fractures by finite element analysis. A three-dimensional finite element model of the pelvis was established based on the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of a volunteer and its effectiveness was verified. Then, the posterior column fracture model of the acetabulum was generated. The biomechanical stability of the four internal fixation models was compared. The 500 N force was applied to the upper surface of the sacrum to simulate human gravity. The maximum implant stresses of retrograde screw fixation, single-plate fixation, double-plate fixation and Magic screw fixation model in standing and sitting position were as follows: 114.10, 113.40 MPa; 58.93, 55.72 MPa; 58.76, 47.47 MPa; and 24.36, 27.50 MPa, respectively. The maximum stresses at the fracture end were as follows: 72.71, 70.51 MPa; 48.18, 22.80 MPa; 52.38, 27.14 MPa; and 34.05, 30.78 MPa, respectively. The fracture end displacement of the retrograde tension screw fixation model was the largest in both states, and the Magic screw had the smallest displacement variation in the standing state, but it was significantly higher than the two plate fixations in the sitting state. Magic screw can satisfy the biomechanical stability of posterior column fracture. Compared with traditional fixations, Magic screw has the advantages of more uniform stress distribution and less stress, and should be recommended.