Limited Smith-Petersen approach for Pipkin fractures of types Ⅰ and Ⅱ / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of limited Smith-Petersen approach in the treatment of posterior dislocation of hip with femoral head fracture (Pipkin fracture of types Ⅰ and Ⅱ).Methods From February 2008 to July 2013,21 patients with Pipkin fracture of types Ⅰ and Ⅱ were treated at our department.They were 16 men and 5 women,with an average age of 39.2 years (range,from 19 to 56 years).The left hip joint was affected in 8 cases and the right in the other 13.The interval between injury and surgery varied from 2 to 7 days (mean,4 days).According to the Pipkin classification,there were 11 cases in type Ⅰ and 10 in type Ⅱ.All the fractures were fixated via the limited Smith-Petersen approach.Results The patients were followed up for 11 to 29 months (mean,17.4 months).All the fractures healed after an average of 15 weeks (from 12 to 19 weeks).According to their Thompson-Epstein scores of clinical and radiological outcomes at the final follow-ups,7 cases were excellent,9 good and 5 fair,giving a rate of excellent to good of 76.2％.Avascular necrosis of the femoral head occurred in 3 cases and osteoarthritis in 2.No infection or limb deep vein thrombosis was observed.Conclusion For Pipkin fractures of types Ⅰ and Ⅱof,limited Smith-Petersen approach can provide satisfactory exposure which leads to reduced soft tissue injury,better reduction and fixation,and fewer complications as well.