Extensile triradiate approach in the management of combined acetabular fractures

We investigated the results of combined acetabular fractures that were treated through the extensile triradiate approach in this study.

Between January 1996 and January 2001, a total of 48 acetabular fractures were treated surgically (mainly combined fractures). Twenty-five of the combined acetabular fractures that were surgically treated through the triradiate approach with a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up were included in the study. The mean patient age was 42 years. There were 8 both-column, 6 T-shaped, 2 anterior column/posterior hemitransverse, 4 transverse with comminuted roof area, 4 posterior wall with comminuted roof area, and 1 posterior column/posterior wall fracture. Associated injuries included two full-thickness chondral injuries of the head, one Pipkin type II fracture, five posterior and one central dislocation of the ipsilateral femoral head, and acetabular marginal impaction in four hips. The average follow-up was 44 months.

The postoperative reduction was graded as excellent in 68% and imperfect in 8% of the patients. The hips were evaluated functionally according to the modified Postel-D’Aubigne score and rated as excellent in 7 patients (28%), good in 13 patients (52%), fair in 3 patients (12%) and poor in 2 patients (8%). There were 2 deep infections (8%), 2 avascular necroses of the head (8%), and 4 (16%) non-disabling heterotopic ossifications.

Our results support the idea that open reduction with the triradiate approach provides good visualization and direct reduction of combined acetabular fractures. Its learning curve for combined fractures is shorter than that for single approaches and provides at least the same rate of anatomical reduction. It should be in the armamentarium of a surgeon dealing with such fractures.