EXTENSILE TRIRADIATE APPROACH IN THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF COMPLEX ACETABULAR FRACTURES

Abstract

We investigated the results of complex acetabular fractures that were treated through the extended triradiate approach between January 1996 and September 2002 in our clinic. Sixty acetabular fractures were treated surgically during this period in total. Twenty-nine complex fractures that were treated through the triradiate approach with a minimum 2 years follow-up included in the study. The mean patient age was 43 years. There were 10 both column, 9 T shaped, 2 anterior column – posterior hemitransverse, 4 transverse with comminuted roof area, 5 posterior wall with comminuted roof area and 1 posterior column posterior wall fractures. Associated injuries were 2 full-thickness chondral injury of the head, one Pipkin type II fracture, 5 posterior and one central dislocation of the ipsilateral femoral head; and in 4 hips acetabular marginal impaction. The average follow-up was 63.2 months. The postoperative reduction was graded as excellent in 72.4 % and imperfect in 6.9 % of the patients. The hips were evaluated functionally according to the modified Postel D’Aubigne score and rated as excellent in 10 patients (34.5 %), good in 14 patients (48.2 %), fair in 3 patients (10.3 %) and poor in 2 patients (6.9 %). There were 2 deep infections (6.9 %), 2 avascular necrosis of the head (6.9 %), and 4 (13.8 %) non-disabling heterotopic ossification. We beleive that triradiate approach provides good visualization for anatomical reduction of the complex acetabular fractures, but the surgeon should be aware of its possible complications.