Ilioinguinal versus modified Stoppa approach for open reduction and internal fixation of displaced acetabular fractures: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background The fracture of the acetabulum is one of the most challenging fractures to manage and operate for orthopaedic surgeons. To get a good surgical outcome, anatomical reduction of fractures and reconstruction of the joint is of utmost importance. To achieve a good postoperative outcome an appropriate surgical approach is necessary to achieve an anatomical reduction of fractures and fewer complications. Objective The current review aims to compare the outcomes of the ilioinguinal versus modified Stoppa approach for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of displaced acetabular fractures by analyzing the evidence from the current literature. Methods A systematic review of the literature will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The primary searches will be conducted on the Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases, using a pre-defined search strategy. The studies of any design in the English language will be included which compared the outcomes of the ilioinguinal and modified Stoppa approach for ORIF of displaced acetabular fractures and reported at least one outcome of interest. Studies that do not compare the outcomes of the ilioinguinal and modified Stoppa approach for the treatment of displaced acetabular fractures in adults (>18 years of age), case reports, conference abstracts, posters, book chapters, review articles, biomechanical studies, technical tips, cadaveric studies, and articles not in the English language will be excluded. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses will be done. Qualitative analysis will be done using appropriate tables and diagrams. Wherever feasible, quantitative analysis to be done with the appropriate software. The risk-of-bias assessment will be done using the MINORS tool for the non-randomized comparative studies, and The Cochrane Collaboration’s risk-of-bias tool will be used for randomized control trials.