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
Stoppa approach has recently been adapted for pelvic surgery as it allows direct intra-pelvic reduction and fixation of the