OBJECTIVETo compare anatomical differences between subinguinal and ilioinguinal approaches for the treatment of acetabular fracture and investigate clinical therapeutic effect of subinguinal approach.

METHODSSeven fresh human bodies were chosen, comparative study were performed on the right and left side on the same specimen. Ilioinguinal approaches were adopted on the left and subinguinal were adopted on the right. Inner part of incision started to sun wild above pubic symphysis at 2 cm, and lateral incision ranged from iliac to anterior superior spine about 5 cm. Length and transverse diameter of the first window exposed and lliopsoas freeness were tested and compared. Fifteen acetabular fracture patients treated through subinguinal approach were compared from May 2010 to August 2012. Among all patients, including 12 males and 3 females aged from 20 to 65 years old with an average of 40.6 years old. Matta criteria were used to evaluate clinical outcomes.

RESULTSLength and transverse diameter of the first window exposed and lliopsoas freeness through subinguinal approach were better than through ilioinguinal approach (P<0.01). In 15 patients with acetabular fracture, 10 patients obtained anatomical reduction and 10 patients got satisfied reduction in accordance with Matta criteria. X-ray results of all patients were excellent.

CONCLUSIONCompared with ilioinguinal approach, subinguinal approach could enlarge visualization of the first window and simplify surgical procedure. It is an ideal approach to expose anterior and anterior-medialis wall of acetabulum and anterior hip capsule.