Fixation of Pelvic-Acetabular Fractures Using a Midline-Modified Stoppa Approach: Clinical and Operative Outcomes

• Main Authors: Kenneth Kin-yan Chan, King-him Chui, Ka-chun Ip, Kin-bong Lee, Wilson Li
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2018-06-01
• Series: Journal of Orthopaedics, Trauma and Rehabilitation
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jotr.2017.01.001

Background/Purpose This served as the first report from our locality to evaluate the modified Stoppa approach, via a low-midline wound, for treating pelvic–acetabular fractures. Methods A total of 17 polytrauma patients with pelvic and/or acetabular fractures were consecutively treated using the modified Stoppa approach. They were followed up for at least 1 year postoperatively for radiographic and clinical assessments, which included the Modified Merle d'Aubigne Score, Harris Hip Score, and pain visual analogue scale. Results Among the 17 patients, 11 had pelvic ring fractures, two had isolated acetabular fractures, and four had a combination of both. Excellent and anatomical reduction was achieved in 73.3% of pelvic fractures and 71.4% of acetabular fractures. Functional outcomes simulated a bimodal distribution. Age of patient and Injury Severity Score were significant predictors for functional results, whereas fracture characteristics and quality of reduction were not correlated with clinical outcomes in this series. We experienced a low complication rate. Conclusion Excellent exposure for fracture reduction and fixation with low complication rate was achieved with the modified Stoppa approach. We were encouraged by the results of this preliminary series for treating pelvic–acetabular fractures in polytrauma patients.