Anterior Combined Endopelvic (ACE) approach for the treatment of acetabular and pelvic ring fractures: A new proposal.

Purpose: We present our experience of using the Anterior Combined Endopelvic (ACE) approach, which consists of a combination of a newly modified Stoppa approach with the lateral approach to the iliac crest. This approach is discussed in terms of fracture reduction and fixation, technical aspects, and the incidence of complications, and as an alternative to the ilioinguinal approach for the treatment of acetabular fractures.

Methods: A consecutive group of 34 adult patients with acetabular fractures treated surgically with the ACE approach was compared with a group of 42 adult patients treated with the ilioinguinal approach between 2010 and 2013. Both approaches were performed by a single surgeon to fix the acetabular fractures with main anterior displacement and the anterior and lateral parts of the pelvis. All the patients were analysed with typical X-ray projections for acetabular fractures and CT-scan. Charts and radiographs were reviewed for fracture pattern. Operative time, blood loss, quality of reduction, functional outcomes and perioperative complications were compared between the two groups of patients.

Results: The mean follow-up of patients was 26 months (range 6-49 months), with a median of 24.5 months. The types of acetabular fraction in the study were as follows: 32 anterior and posterior columns, 18 anterior columns, 10 anterior columns with posterior hemitransverse, 10 transverse associated with posterior walls, two transverse; two T-Type transverse and two anterior walls. Average blood loss was 1090 mL in the ACE group and 1200 mL in the ilioinguinal group. Anatomic or satisfactory reduction was achieved in 94% of the acetabular fractures. Two patients (one in each group) had mild symptoms of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and improved within 4-6 months; one patient in the ilioinguinal group developed ossification Brooks grade III.

Conclusion: The ACE approach for the treatment of acetabular fractures is highly recommended when the fracture involves the quadrilateral surface and anterior column. This approach provides a direct good-to-excellent visualisation and access to the entire fracture, which makes reduction and fixation easier. The clinical outcomes were slightly better with ACE compared with the ilioinguinal approach. Complication rate was similar in the two groups. The ACE technique is a viable alternative to the ilioinguinal approach when exposure of the anterior acetabulum is required.