We utilized a dry-bone model of the pelvis and proximal femur, set upon transparent Lucite plates with four mounting screws and adjustable struts, allowing measurable and reproducible pelvic tilt and rotation. Our protocol for osteotome placement at each of the osteotomy sites strictly followed the technique described by Ganz. A 30°, 15 mm bifid osteotome was used for imaging at the initial ischial osteotomy at the infracotyloid groove. A 30°, 2 cm straightedge osteotome was placed 4 cm below the pelvic brim to image the retroacetabular osteotomy on the quadrilateral plate. Various osteotome placements were imaged with the C-arm image intensifier to better define the risks of inferior and posterosuperior intraarticular osteotomies at each of these sites, respectively. A 600 osteotome oriented at 500 to the quadrilateral plate was also utilized. In addition, violation of the inferior quadrant of the joint as well as posterolateral slipping of the osteotome blade along the posterior column, were appreciated on all images of pelvic flexion and rotation. The false-profile view always confirmed the perpendicular orientation of the osteotome blade. The false-profile view allowed for accurate evaluation of the positioning of the 30°, 2-cm straightedge osteotome along the retro-acetabular osteotomy site. In the views obtained, the blade could be seen aligned parallel to the posterior surface of the acetabulum, while respecting the posterosuperior joint space with optimal step-off from the posterior column. False-profile and posterior judet views provided optimal visualization of the 60° osteotome on the quadrilateral plate. In addition, pelvic flexion and rotation did not impact the ability to visualize the inferior margin of the acetabulum in evaluating the potential for creating an inferior intraarticular osteotomy. The results of our study indicate that awareness of the appearance of ideal osteotome placements at each osteotomy site on AP and false profile C-arm image intensification will decrease the incidence of iatrogenic osseous and therefore neurovascular complications reported in the literature and reduce post-operative patient morbidity

Operative approaches to the acetabulum are generally classified into anterior, posterior, extensile or combined approaches. The choice of approach depends upon the fracture pattern and the amount of relative displacement affecting the anterior and posterior bony structures. Occasionally, extensile or combined surgical approaches are indicated for the treatment of complex fracture patterns with extensive involvement of both the anterior and posterior acetabular anatomy. However, it is believed that these approaches may be associated with higher complication rates than more limited surgical approaches. The ilioinguinal approach described by Letournel is routinely employed in the treatment of anterior column, anterior wall, anterior column/posterior hemi- transverse and certain associated both-columns, transverse and T-type fractures. The utility of this approach is sometimes limited by difficulty in visualising, reducing and applying instrumentation to the quadrilateral plate and posterior column components of these fractures. A surgical approach described by Stoppa in 1989—and later extended to acetabular indications by Cole and Bolhofner—can be used, often in combination with the lateral window of the standard ilioinguinal approach, to effectively treat the same range of fractures as an ilioinguinal approach. Access to the quadrilateral plate and certain displaced posterior column fracture lines is enhanced by this approach—possibly eliminating the need for combined or extensile approaches in certain cases. A retrospective study undertaken at our institution demonstrated that anatomic articular reduction was achieved in 14 of 17 complex acetabular fractures treated via a Stoppa approach. All fractures in the study had at least 5 mm of posterior column displacement preoperatively

Purpose: The age of patients presenting with acetabular fracture has increased over the last ten years. Older patients tend to have patterns involving the anterior column with comminution of the quadrilateral plate. Our goal was to investigate the appropriateness of open reduction and internal fixation using the modified Stoppa approach for geriatric acetabular fractures. Method: A retrospective review of patients over the age of 60 having presented to an academic level I trauma center over the course of four years. Twenty patients were identified and treated using the modified Stoppa approach with plating of the quadrilateral surface. Patients were evaluated clinically using both SF-36 and Harris Hip Score. Records and radiographs (using criteria described by Matta) were reviewed retrospectively. Results: All patients were followed for a minimum of two years with no lost at follow-up. Mean age for patients at time of intervention was 68 years. Average blood lost was 800cc and surgical time was 130 minutes (range, 55–210). There was one traumatic injury to the obturator nerve and two patients were noted to have temporary weakness of the hip adductors postoperatively. Average Harris Hip Score and the SF-36 were improved significantly (p< 0.05). Significant lost of reduction was seen in two patients and was correlated to superior dome impaction (p < 0.0001). Three patients required re-intervention with a Total Hip Arthroplasty. Conclusion: Internal fixation using the modified Stoppa approach to buttress the quadrilateral plate should be considered a viable alternative to total hip arthroplasty for the initial treatment of acetabular fractures of the anterior column in the elderly

Background: Surgical approaches to the acetabular fracture present a challenge for most surgeons. The ilioinguinal approach by Letournel has fundamentally contributed to the successful treatment of such fractures. The current tendency is to minimize the approach while maintaining a proper visual field that allows inspection of fracture fragments and the ability to reduce them. The Stoppa approach is a less invasive anterior intra-pelvic approach that could be combined with a lateral window of the ilioinguinal approach, especially helpful in facilitating the approach to the quadrilateral plate. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Stoppa approach for the treatment of different types of acetabular fractures. Patients: Between the years 2004 and 2006, 45 patients with acetabular fractures were operated on using the Stoppa approach. Their age ranged between 14 and 73 (average 42). There were 33 males and 12 females whose fractures were classified as anterior column fractures (21) associated both columns (11) transverse (6), T-shape and other various types. They were consecutively operated in two level 1 trauma centers; in 13 the Stoppa approach was used solely and in the others a combination of the Stoppa approach with an iliac window was employed. Patients were followed for an average of 11.4 months (range 2–36 months), and assessed using the Merle d’Aubigné score. Results: Visualization of the fracture, reduction and fixation were all feasible through the Stoppa approach. The average length of surgery was 4 hours and an average of intraoperative bleeding was 1086 cc. We were able to achieve excellent reduction in 37 patients and a good reduction in the rest of the cases. Clinical outcomes were good to excellent in 90% of the patients. 3 patients underwent hip arthroplasty due to post traumatic osteoarthritis. Conclusions: The Stoppa approach in combination with an iliac window offers superb visualization of the quadrilateral plate, anterior column and in some cases the posterior column as well and enables excellent reduction. It is a reasonable replacement for the iliuinguinal approach offering less tissue dissection

The October 2014 Trauma Roundup. 360 . looks at: proximal humeral fractures in children; quadrilateral surface plates in transverse acetabular fractures; sleep deprivation and poor outcomes in trauma; bipolar hemiarthroplasty; skeletal traction; forefoot fractures; telemedicine in trauma; ketamine infusion for orthopaedic injuries; and improved functional outcomes seen with trauma networks

Stoppa approach has recently been adapted for pelvic surgery as it allows direct intra-pelvic reduction and fixation of the quadrilateral plate and anterior column. We report our early experience, indications and complications with this exposure introduced in 2010 in our tertiary unit. A Retrospective review of all Stoppa approaches in pelvic-acetabular fixations was performed from a prospectively maintained database. Of the 25 patients, mean age 40 years (range 15–76), who underwent pelvic-acetabular fixation using Stoppa approach, 21 patients had mean follow up of 7.3 months (1–48 months). All except 24% of patients had one or more additional systemic injury some requiring additional surgery. There were 6 acetabular fractures, 13 pelvic ring injuries and 6 combined fractures. Mean injury-surgery interval was 9 days (range 3–20). 8 patients had an isolated Stoppa approach whilst the remaining others also had an additional approach. Mean surgical time was 239 minutes. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 96% (24/25) cases. There was 1 minor intra-operative vascular injury, repaired immediately successfully, and no late wound infections, or other visceral complications. One patient reported new onset sensory numbness which resolved after the first review. Two patients reported erectile dysfunction thought to be caused by the initial injury. One patient had asymptomatic plate loosening. None required revision surgery. Despite the obvious learning curve, we found this approach safe and it did not compromise accuracy of reduction in well selected patients, but early surgery within 10–14 days is recommended to aid optimal reduction

Injuries to the lower urinary tract are well recognized following fractures to the pelvic ring. The overall incidence of pelvic fractures is similar in men and women. However associated urological injuries occur less frequently in women. There are very few reported cases of combined bladder and urethral injury or combined intra- and extraperitoneal bladder rupture in women. Only two cases have been reported describing communication of the hip joint and an extra peritoneal bladder rupture. To our knowledge we are the first to describe a pelvic ring injury complicated by combined intra and extra-peritoneal bladder rupture, urethral injury and direct intraperitoneal communication of the ruptured bladder with a central dislocation of the hip joint. The mechanism of bladder laceration was gross displacement of the quadrilateral plate and pubic rami following acetabular fracture. This bone was found at laparotomy to be lying within the bladder cavity

Aims

Posterior column plating through the single anterior approach reduces the morbidity in acetabular fractures that require stabilization of both the columns. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of posterior column plating through the anterior intrapelvic approach (AIP) in the management of acetabular fractures.

Aims

Large acetabular bone defects encountered in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) are challenging to restore. Metal constructs for structural support are combined with bone graft materials for restoration. Autograft is restricted due to limited volume, and allogenic grafts have downsides including cost, availability, and operative processing. Bone graft substitutes (BGS) are an attractive alternative if they can demonstrate positive remodelling. One potential product is a biphasic injectable mixture (Cerament) that combines a fast-resorbing material (calcium sulphate) with the highly osteoconductive material hydroxyapatite. This study reviews the application of this biomaterial in large acetabular defects.

Aims

To describe the epidemiology of acetabular fractures including patient characteristics, injury mechanisms, fracture patterns, treatment, and mortality.

This report reviews the long-term results of treating acetabula with unusually severe problems, such as pelvic discontinuity or major column loss after failed total hip arthroplasty (THA) and reconstruction problems. Loss of acetabular bone stock results from removal of bone during the original procedure, prosthetic failure, and osteolysis. In massive structural failure, the acetabular rim, quadrilateral plate, and associated columns become deficient. At worst, this may be combined with pelvic discontinuity and disruption of the ilium and ischium. Prosthetic protrusio may result from fixation loss and be associated with scarring of the femoral vessels, femoral nerve, ureter and bowel. A variety of implants has been used to in ace-tabular reconstruction. The results are often poor because of insufficient bone stock to support the implant. In a consecutive series of 251 THA revisions done between 1988 and 1996, 17 patients were treated for major pelvic column loss, pelvic discontinuity or both. In five patients, a posterolateral approach without trochanteric osteotomy was used. The extensile triradiate approach with ilioinguinal extension was used in 12 patients in whom severe prosthetic protrusio increased the risk of intrapelvic iatrogenic injury. A long anterior column pelvic plate was applied. A posteriorly placed AO 4.5-mm pelvic reconstruction plate with 10 to 12 holes was used in nine cases of pelvic discontinuity and in five cases of posterior column bone loss. This plate extended from the most inferior extent of the ischium across the wall of the posterior column to a point high on the ilium. Anterior column fixation was done in eight of nine cases of pelvic discontinuity and all three cases of anterior column deficiency. This called for an 8 to 12-hole 3.5-mm AO pelvic reconstruction plate that extended from the pubic symphysis across the pelvic rim. This spanned the anterior column defect, ranging from 4 cm to 8 cm, to the medial wall of the ilium. Bulk allograft was used in 16 of the 17 patients. The patient in whom allograft was not used had pelvic discontinuity following pelvic irradiation. Whole pelvic acetabular transplants were used in seven with severe bone loss or following resection for chondrosarcoma and the other for pigmented or villonodular synovitis. Posterior segmental acetabular allograft was used in two cases of posterior column absence. Femoral heads were used in two posterior column defects, three pelvic discontinuities with anterior column defect, and two anterior column defects. Acetabular components were cemented in six of seven whole bulk ace-tabular transplants, six of nine pelvic discontinuities and two anterior column defects. Cemented implants were classified as loose if there was a complete radiolucent line at the bone cement interface, measurable component migration or measurable change in position. Uncemented acetabular components were considered loose if component migration had occurred or screws had broken. Pelvic plates were considered loose if there was measurable migration or change in plate position or if fixation screws had backed out or broken. Radiographic union was considered present when bridging callus or trabecular bone was visible across the discontinuity site. Junctional healing was considered probable when radiographs did not show obvious signs of failure. Grafts were considered unhealed if there was obvious displacement, bone gaps or hardware breakage. Seven of the nine patients with pelvic discontinuity had late evidence of healing of the fracture and allograft consolidation. One underwent removal of the graft at three weeks after developing acute postoperative infection: early junctional healing of a whole bulk acetabular allograft required an osteotomy to break up the interface. Another patient, who underwent removal of the graft and implant at three months for chronic infection, had consolidation of a whole bulk ace-tabular allograft. One patient underwent revision of a pressfitted acetabular component at 60 months, and the pelvic discontinuity was solidly united. In a fourth patient, explored at 124 months for loosening of a cemented cup, there was near complete dissolution of the graft posterior acetabular wall and a loose posterior pelvic plate. In a patient with pelvic discontinuity after radiation therapy for uterine carcinoma, satisfactory healing of the pelvic discontinuity was confirmed at 32 months, when excisional arthroplasty for late chronic infection followed urinary sepsis. Seven patients had major column loss with severe cavitary defects. Consolidation of the allograft was noted in all seven within the first 12 months of follow-up. Revision (47%) was required for infection in three patients, implant loosening in four, and recurrent implant dislocation in one. The four loose cups were revised to a cemented all-polyethylene component. All four implants had been placed on less than 50% host bone. None of the four has required subsequent revision. Dislocation postoperatively occurred in eight patients. In six, the extensile triradiate approach had been used. This approach led to dislocation in 50%. The main reasons for using the extensile triradiate approach were to avoid catastrophic injuries by direct exposure of vital structures and to allow stable anterior column plate fixation. In that no neurovascular injuries occurred and stable durable allograft consolidation and healing of pelvic discontinuity took place, these goals were largely met. Three patients developed late sciatic palsy. In one, plaster immobilisation had possibly caused direct pressure over the fibular head and led to chronic peroneal palsy. The other two underwent additional exploration of the sciatic nerve for late entrapment caused by migration of screws from the posterior column plate. Two patients developed bladder infections postoperatively. Another developed superficial phlebitis of the lower leg. Acetabular revision for loosening was necessary in three of seven cementless implants, while only two of 10 cemented implants failed. The acetabular component should be cemented into the allograft when more than 50% of the prosthetic interface is non-viable. Virtually all graft material, including dense cortical grafts, may ultimately fail if used for implant fixation. Patients should be told about the inevitable risks. However, techniques used led to stable healing of the pelvic discontinuity in most cases. Long pelvic plates that securely stabilise the pelvis and allografts carefully opposed to host bone may explain the relative success in this series

As our understanding of hip function and disease improves, it is evident that the acetabular fossa has received little attention, despite it comprising over half of the acetabulum’s surface area and showing the first signs of degeneration. The fossa’s function is expected to be more than augmenting static stability with the ligamentum teres and being a templating landmark in arthroplasty. Indeed, the fossa, which is almost mature at 16 weeks of intrauterine development, plays a key role in hip development, enabling its nutrition through vascularization and synovial fluid, as well as the influx of chondrogenic stem/progenitor cells that build articular cartilage. The pulvinar, a fibrofatty tissue in the fossa, has the same developmental origin as the synovium and articular cartilage and is a biologically active area. Its unique anatomy allows for homogeneous distribution of the axial loads into the joint. It is composed of intra-articular adipose tissue (IAAT), which has adipocytes, fibroblasts, leucocytes, and abundant mast cells, which participate in the inflammatory cascade after an insult to the joint. Hence, the fossa and pulvinar should be considered in decision-making and surgical outcomes in hip preservation surgery, not only for their size, shape, and extent, but also for their biological capacity as a source of cytokines, immune cells, and chondrogenic stem cells.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(12):857–869.