Year: 2026 | Month: July | Volume: 16 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 234-242
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260724
Functional Outcome of Surgical Management of Anterior Column Acetabular Fractures Using Ilioinguinal Approach: A Prospective Study
Vaibhav Nauriyal1, Sarthak Tomar2, Manish Sharma3
1Assistant Professor, Dept of Orthopaedics, VCSG MS & RI, Srikot, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246174, India
2Senior Resident, Dept of Orthopaedics, VCSG MS & RI, Srikot, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246174, India
3Fellow in Joint Replacement Surgery, Belle Vue Clinic, Sir U N Brahmachari Sarani, Near Minto Park, Kolkata 700017, India
Corresponding Author: Vaibhav Nauriyal
ABSTRACT
Background: Acetabular fractures are high-energy injuries predominantly affecting the working-age population. Anterior column fractures constitute a technically demanding subset. The ilioinguinal approach provides superior access to the anterior column, but prospective Indian data on its outcomes remain limited.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur (IEC Approval Ref: TMH/FRM/QMS/ALL/19,). Thirty patients (22 males, 8 females) aged 18-70 years with anterior column acetabular fractures were managed by ORIF via the ilioinguinal approach with 6-month follow-up. Fractures were classified by the Letournel-Judet system. Functional outcome was assessed by Harris Hip Score (HHS).
Results: Mean age was 47.87±12.22 years. Road traffic accidents (80%) were the predominant mechanism. Good-to-excellent HHS outcomes were achieved in 60% of cases (excellent 20%, good 40%). Anatomical reduction was achieved in 66.7%. On univariate analysis, a roof arc angle >45° (Fisher p=0.0024; OR 22.0, 95% CI 2.27–212.87) and anatomical reduction quality (Fisher p=0.0041; OR 16.0, 95% CI 2.40–106.74) were significantly associated with good functional outcome.
Conclusion: ORIF via the ilioinguinal approach for anterior column acetabular fractures yields satisfactory functional outcomes in 60% of patients These associations require confirmation in larger, multivariable studies before they can be considered independently associated with outcome.
Key words: acetabular fractures; anterior column; ilioinguinal approach; Harris Hip Score; ORIF; Letournel-Judet; roof arc angle; functional outcome