Trochanteric osteotomy for acetabular fractures and proximal femur fractures

Anatomic reconstruction of the articular surface is a primary goal of internal fixation of fractures of the hip joint. The quality of the reduction correlates with long-term outcomes. The traditional Kocher-Langenbeck and the ilioinguinal approaches, however, rely on extra-articular assessment of the quality of the reduction. Ganz et al described a technique of trochanteric osteotomy combined with a Kocher-Langenbeck approach that allows direct visualization of the joint without the risk for avascular necrosis of the femoral head. This article reviews the indications of this approach in the treatment of fractures around the hip joint.