title: Internal fracture fixation using the Stoppa approach in pelvic ring and acetabular fractures: technical aspects and operative results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ilioinguinal approach is well established for the treatment of pelvic fractures. As an alternative, the modified Stoppa approach can be used to expose pelvic and acetabular fractures. We describe our experience with this approach in patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures with respect to fracture reduction, technical aspects, and the incidence of intra- and postoperative complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective study describes a series of 25 consecutive patients where a modified Stoppa approach was used for pelvic or acetabular fracture fixation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen patients with acetabular fractures, six patients with a pelvic ring injury not involving the acetabular joint and four patients with a combined fracture were operated through a Stoppa approach. Nine patients had a total of 13 complications, none of which required reoperation. Anatomic or satisfactory reduction was achieved in 95% of the acetabular fractures. Pelvic ring fractures had an anatomic (displacement <1 cm) postoperative result in all 10 cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The modified Stoppa approach allows an adequate exposure and good postoperative results for treatment of pelvic ring fractures and acetabular fractures that are eligible for an anterior approach.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Unit, Department of Surgery, Academical Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. k.j.ponsen@amc.uva.nl
authors.forename: Kees-Jan
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Ponsen
authors.forename: Pieter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Joosse
authors.forename: Arvid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schigt
authors.forename: J Carel
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Goslings
authors.forename: Carel J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Goslings
authors.forename: Jan S K
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Luitse
mesh_terms: D000077:Acetabulum / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome