Letournel's technical case series describes the ilioinguinal approach — developed in 1965 — applied to 195 acetabular fractures, defining its indications, three-window surgical anatomy, reduction sequence, fixation strategy, and outcomes by fracture pattern. The central question: which acetabular fracture types can be adequately addressed through this anterior exposure, and what reduction rates can be expected?
The ilioinguinal approach remains the workhorse anterior exposure for acetabular fractures involving the anterior column, particularly both-column and anterior column posterior hemitransverse patterns. Understanding this approach and its capabilities is fundamental to acetabular fracture management.
Letournel's technical case series describes the ilioinguinal approach — developed in 1965 — applied to 195 acetabular fractures, defining its indications, three-window surgical anatomy, reduction sequence, fixation strategy, and outcomes by fracture pattern. The central question: which acetabular fracture types can be adequately addressed through this anterior exposure, and what reduction rates can be expected?
The ilioinguinal approach remains the workhorse anterior exposure for acetabular fractures involving the anterior column, particularly both-column and anterior column posterior hemitransverse patterns. Understanding this approach and its capabilities is fundamental to acetabular fracture management.