Internal Fracture Fixation using the Anterior Retroperitoneal Lower Laparotomy Approach in Pelvic Ring and Acetabular Fractures: the First Experience and Outcomes

Introduction. The ilioinguinal approach is well established for the treatment of pelvic fractures. As an alternative, the anterior retroperitoneal lower laparatomy (modified Stoppa) approach can be used to expose pelvic and acetabular fractures. We describe our experience with this approach in polytrauma patients with pelvic ring and acetabular fractures. Aim of the Study. The aim of study was to evaluate possibilities and impossibilities of internal fixation of pelvic ring and acetabular fractures using the anterior retroperitoneal lower laparatomy approach. Materials and methods. This retrospective study describes a series of 20 consecutive patients where a modified Stoppa approach was used for pelvic or acetabular fracture fixation. Results. 10 patients with acetabular fractures, six patients with a pelvic ring injury not involving the acetabular joint and 4 patients with a combined fracture were operated through a modified Stoppa approach. Anatomic or satisfactory reduction was achieved in 92% of the acetabular fractures. Pelvic ring fractures had an anatomic (displacement <1 cm) postoperative result in 100%. Conclusions. using this approach may have good the postoperative radiological un surgical results. This is a method of choice for patients with combined trauma with internal organ damage and patients with both side pelvic bone fracture.