Transformation of transverse fractures of the acetabulum in T-shaped fractures and sequential approaches.

Transverse acetabular fractures are difficult to reduce and generally associated with poorer clinical outcomes than other types of acetabular fractures. For these fractures affecting both columns, the surgical strategy is subject to controversy and there is currently no optimal method of management. The transformation of these transverse fractures in to a T-shaped fracture makes it possible to make the anterior and posterior components of the fracture independent and to reduce them sequentially. This technique has made it possible to obtain a satisfactory reduction of the fracture in certain cases and gives hope for good long-term functional results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Modified Stoppa Approach: Beyond Acetabular Fractures: A Report of 2 Cases.

CASES: We used the modified Stoppa approach in a 17-year-old man with a retained bullet in his acetabular fossa. The acetabular hole was used to irrigate the hip joint. We also used this approach in a 29-year-old woman with right hip pain and limping to remove an isolated tenosynovial giant cell tumor ("localized pigmented villonodular synovitis") in the acetabular fossa expanding through the acetabulum. DISCUSSION: We believe that this approach should become more familiar because it offers a simple alternative for treating acetabular pathologies mainly involving the acetabular fossa, sparing patients the hazards of capsulotomy, trochanteric osteotomy, dislocation, and traction and fluid pressure in hip arthroscopy.