Introduction:

Complex acetabulum fractures are a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. An evaluation of the radiographic reduction and functional result of the patients with complex fracture of the acetabulum who underwent the combined Kocher-Langenbeck and Stoppa approach was carried out.

Material and methods:

Cross-sectional, descriptive, ambispective design. Patients with complex acetabulum fracture who underwent the combined Kocher-Langenbeck approach plus Stoppa between 2016 and 2020 were included. The clinical records were reviewed, and the quality of the radiographic reduction was evaluated according to Matta criteria. In addition, a functional evaluation was performed with the Merle d’Aubigne and Postel scale at least 12 months after the injury.

Results:

Of the 31 patients, the average time between the date of fractures and the surgical intervention was 13.7 days (3-38 days). In the radiographic evaluation according to Matta criteria, 21 anatomical patients (67.7%), 7 almost anatomical (22.5%), 3 imperfect (9.6%). Functional results according to the Merle d’Aubigne and Postel scale resulted in 8 (25.8%) with excellent results, 16 (51.6%) with good results, 5 (22.5%) moderate and 2 (16.1%) poor patients. There was a statistical correlation between the age of the patient and the functional result (p = 0.029), also between the body mass index and blood loss (p = 0.027).

Conclusion:

The combined Kocher-Langenbeck plus Stoppa approaches are a valid alternative in these lesions, mostly with anatomical and almost anatomical radiographic results according to the Matta radiographic scale, and with excellent and good functional results according to the Merle d’Aubigne and Postel scale.