The Pararectus Approach to the Acetabulum

Abstract

The appearance of acetabular fractures involving predominantly the anterior column has changed following an increase in elderly trauma. In elderly, a greater prevalence of quadrilateral plate fractures and acetabular dome impaction due to medial protrusion of the femoral head is noticed. The Pararectus approach provides distinct and safe surgical, intrapelvic, extraperitoneal access from anterior directly above the hip joint. The Pararectus approach combines the advantages of the ilio-inguinal approach and Stoppa approach with access through the second window, however, without the need to dissect the inguinal canal (ilioinguinal approach) and without losing any direct access to the hip joint (Stoppa approach).