Comparison of the MIPPO technique and the modified Stoppa approach in the treatment of unstable anterior pelvic ring injuries: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background Anterior pelvic ring injuries have gradually become common. Using a minimally invasive technique to treat this injury may be feasible if the reduction and stability can be effectively achieved. We describe a percutaneous technique, minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO), to fixate the anterior pelvis via establishing a subperiosteal tunnel between two limited incisions over the iliac crest(s) and pubic ramus in this research. Methods A retrospective cohort study comparing the MIPPO technique ( n = 60) versus the modified Stoppa approach ( n = 53) for anterior pelvic ring injuries with posterior ring instability was performed from September 2016 to January 2023. The relative surgery variables, follow-up function evaluation, and complications were compared in two groups. The reduction quality of fracture was assessed according to the Matta criterion, and the functional score was evaluated using the Majeed score. Results All patients completed follow-up, with an average interval of 39.90 ± 17.53 months (range 12–78). In the MIPPO technique group, the surgery interval and blood losses were lower compared to the modified Stoppa approach group ( P <0.05). The mean procedure times and intraoperative blood losses were 69.56 ± 14.04 min/side (range 50–110) and 156.23 ± 49.75 mL/side (range 90–250) for unilateral anterior ring MIPPO fixation separately. All patients got a satisfactory reduction of the fracture. In the follow-up, earlier ambulation, shorter postoperative hospital stays, and lower complication rates were observed for patients using the MIPPO technique compared to the modified Stoppa approach ( P <0.05). However, there is no statistical difference in these indicators including fracture union interval, full load time, the Majeed score, patient satisfaction level, and return to pre-injured work rate between the two groups. Conclusion This clinical experience gives support for the use of the MIPPO technique to stabilize the anterior pelvis. This minimally invasive technique was an effective and safe surgery method and could obtain satisfactory function results, particularly fitting to part of patients with resistance using the modified Stoppa approach. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-024-07989-8.