Pararectus versus ilioinguinal approach for the management of acetabular fractures: A Protocol for Systemic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAcetabular fractures result from high-energy trauma, and their complex anatomy poses a challenge to surgeons for open reduction and internal fixation of these fractures. The goal of fixation is an anatomical reduction of articular surfaces and stable fixation with minimal damage to vital structures around. The long-term clinical outcomes of these fractures are significantly impacted by selecting an appropriate surgical approach with minimal complications to achieve an anatomical reduction with congruent articular surfaces. The purpose of this review is to compare the outcomes of the pararectus (PR) versus the ilioinguinal (IL) approach for the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced acetabular fractures by looking at the evidence in the existing literature.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis will be performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A primary search will be done through the electronic databases of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library using a pre-defined search strategy. A comparative study, either randomized control trials (RCTs) or non-randomized trials, which have compared at least one outcome of the internal fixation of acetabular fractures using the PR versus IL approach will be included in the current review.Single-armed non-comparative studies, conference posters, abstracts, case reports, review articles, cadaveric studies, book chapters, technical tips, and biomechanical studies will be excluded. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis will be performed. Appropriate tables and diagrams will be used to demonstrate the qualitative data presentation, and wherever feasible, a quantitative analysis will be done with the appropriate software. The risk-of-bias assessment for non-randomized comparative studies will be done using the MINORS tool, and the Cochrane Collaborations risk-of-bias tool will be used for RCTs.