Ilioinguinal versus modified Stoppa approach for open reduction and internal fixation of displaced acetabular fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 717 patients across ten studies

Background Acetabulum fracture is one of the most challenging fractures to manage and operate for orthopaedic surgeons; anatomical reduction of fractures and reconstruction of the joint is of utmost importance. These factors in turn are dependent on the appropriate surgical approach used to improve the clinical outcomes and reduce associated complications. Hence, this meta-analysis aims to compare the outcomes of ilioinguinal versus modified Stoppa approach for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced acetabular fractures. Methods Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from their inception to 10th of June 2021 for both randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and or non-randomized studies comparing the outcomes of ilioinguinal approach and modified Stoppa approach for the ORIF of acetabular fractures. The estimates of treatment effects were described by mean difference (MD) for continuous variables and odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous variables with corresponding 95% confidence (95% CI) intervals. The risk of bias was assessed by MINORS tool for the non-randomized, and the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool for RCTs. Result A total of ten studies (717 patients), three RCTs and seven retrospective studies, were included. Modified Stoppa approach showed shorter mean duration of surgery (MD 47.13, 95% CI: 27.30–66.96), lesser number of overall complications (OR 2.14, 95% CI: 1.46–3.13), less intraoperative blood loss (MD 259.65, 95% CI: 152.66–366.64), and lower rates of infection (OR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.14–4.15). However, ilioinguinal approach showed a better quality of fracture reduction (OR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.42–0.82). Results were equivocal in terms of vascular injuries (OR 1.88 (95% CI: 0.86–4.09), nerve injuries (OR 1.77, 95% CI: 0.99–3.17), heterotopic ossification (OR1.74, 95% CI: 0.63–4.82), and clinical outcome (OR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.45–1.47) between the two groups. Conclusion Modified Stoppa approach carries a lesser duration of surgery, lesser intraoperative blood loss, fewer overall complications, and lesser postoperative infection rates compared to ilioinguinal approach. Although a better anatomical reduction is achieved by ilioinguinal approach, however, this does not translate into better clinic functional outcomes which remain comparable between the two approaches. So overall, modified Stoppa approach seems a better alternative for managing these fractures.