For a displaced posterior wall acetabular fracture requiring open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), the recommended surgical approach that provides direct visualization of the posterior acetabular wall is:

• A Ilioinguinal approach (Letournel)
• B Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) approach ✓
• C Stoppa (modified Pfannenstiel) approach
• D Extended iliofemoral approach

Explanation

The Kocher-Langenbeck approach provides posterior and inferior access to the acetabulum, giving direct exposure to the posterior column, posterior wall, and dome. It is the standard approach for posterior wall, posterior column, and transverse + posterior wall fractures. The ilioinguinal approach (A) is used for anterior column, anterior wall, and both-column fractures via anterior access. The Stoppa approach (C) accesses the inner pelvis/quadrilateral plate. Extended iliofemoral provides panoramic access but involves significant soft tissue stripping and higher complication rates.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.