Anatomic basis of a superior approach to the acetabulum with osteotomy of the ala of the ilium

This study demonstrates the importance of a superior approach to acetabulum with intrapelvic osteotomy of the iliac ala in certain fractures of the acetabulum. This study is based on the dissection of 15 formolized and 5 frozen subjects, the surgical treatment of 17 acetabular fractures, and the performances of 2 Chiari-type osteotomies and 2 Salter-type osteotomies. We investigated the gluteus medius muscle and its pedicle in relation to the iliac ala. Landmarks for the osteotomy lines and the gluteal pedicles are defined in terms of the requirements of different surgical approaches. The superior approach for acetabular fractures was made using a skin incision of Smith-Petersen type. The underlying principle is the performance of an intrapelvic osteotomy of the iliac ala, the anterosuperior part of the ala being tilted outward and backward and pedicled on the gluteal muscles. This provides intra- and extrapelvic exposure of the acetabular walls. The advantages and drawbacks of this route of approach in surgery of the pelvic girdle are discussed in terms of the types of fracture treated and tumoral locations. The anatomic findings are illustrated from traumatology and tumoralpathology. This approach seems particularly suitable for acetabular fractures interrupting the pelvic ring.