Early fixation of the vertically unstable pelvis: the role of iliosacral screw fixation of the posterior lesion

Combined 3D Printed Template to Guide Iliosacral Screw Insertion for Sacral Fracture and Dislocation: A Retrospective Analysis

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy and safety of a combined 3D printed guide template (combined template) to assist iliosacral (IS) screw placement for sacral fracture and dislocation.

Methods

A total of 37 patients, 24 men and 13 women, age from 22 to 68 years old, diagnosed with a sacral fracture and dislocation were involved in this study for retrospective analysis from January 2016 to February 2018. There were 19 patients in the template group (42 screws) and 18 patients in the conventional group (31 screws). In the combined template group, IS screw placement was assisted by a combined 3D printed template; in the conventional group, the IS screws were placed freehand under fluoroscopy. The accuracy of the IS screw placement was evaluated by comparing the screw angle and the location of the screw entry point between the actual and the simulated screw in the combined template group. The safety of the IS screw placement was evaluated by comparing the quality of the reduction, the grading of the screws, the operation time, and radiation exposure times between groups.

Results

A total of 73 pedicle screws were placed in 37 patients: 42 screws (30 S1, 12 S2) in the combined template group and 31 screws (23 S1, 8 S2) in the conventional group. In the conventional group, 1 patient developed symptoms of L5 nerve stimulation. In the combined template group, the average operative time of each screw was 25.01 ± 2.90 min, with average radiation exposure times of 12.05 ± 4.00. In the conventional group, the average operative time of each screw was 46.24 ± 9.59 min, with an average radiation exposure time of 56.10 ± 6.75. There were significant differences in operation and radiation exposure times between groups. The rate of screw perforation was lower in the combined template group (2 of 42 screws, 0 at grade III and 2 at grade II) than in the conventional group (5 of 38 screws, 2 at grade III and 3 at grade III). In the combined template group, the mean distance between the entry points of the actual and simulated screws was 1.4 ± 0.9 mm, with a mean angle of deviation of 2.1° ± 1.6°. All patients were followed up once every 3 months and were followed for 3 to 12 months.

Conclusion

Using the combined template to assist with the insertion of IS screws delivered good accuracy, less fluoroscopy and shorter operation time, and avoided neurovascular injury as a result of screw malposition.

WITHDRAWN: Vertical shear pelvic ring injuries: Management algorithm

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Radiological measurement of pelvic fractures using a pelvic deformity measurement software program

BACKGROUND

It is difficult for the surgeon to measure pelvic displacement in the closed reduction operation for unstable pelvic fracture. We therefore developed a pelvic deformity measurement software program based on standardized radiographs. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the inter-observer reliability of the program for measuring specific fracture types on preoperative pelvic films and to assess the validity of the measurement software program by comparing it with a gold standard.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients diagnosed with AO/OTA type B or C pelvic fractures with the unilateral pelvis fractured and dislocated were included in this study. Four separate observers repeatedly determined the translational and rotational patterns and outcomes using the software program and hand measurement, and calculated the displacement using computed tomography (CT) coupled with a three-dimensional (3D) CT model. The validity of the measurement software was calculated by assessing the consistency between the software measurements and the gold standard. Additionally, inter-observer reliability was assessed for the software. The software was also applied in preliminary clinical practice for closed reduction procedures.

RESULTS

The overall inter-observer reliabilities of the software program, CT coupled with 3D reconstruction, and hand measurements were high, with kappa values of 0.956, 0.958, and 0.853, respectively. The software showed validity similar to that of CT coupled with 3D reconstruction (0.939 vs. 0.969), and better than that of hand measurement (0.939 vs. 0.858). A preliminary clinical application demonstrated that the software is effective for guiding closed reduction of pelvic fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

Our newly established pelvic deformity measurement program is a reliable and accurate tool for analyzing pelvic displacement patterns and can be used for guidance of closed reduction and planning of the reduction pathway.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Traumatic Sacral Fractures: Navigation Technique in Instrumented Stabilization

BACKGROUND

Sacral fractures are a challenge regarding treatment and classification. Surgical techniques using spinal navigation systems can improve treatment, especially if used in collaboration among different specialists.

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2017, we treated 25 consecutive cases of sacral fracture. Twelve patients (48%) underwent mechanical ventilation due to hypovolemic shock for severe thoracoabdominal trauma; bleeding was blocked with pelvic packing in 9 cases (36%) and transcatheter embolization in 2 cases (8%). External fixation was used in 7 cases (28%). In 20 cases (80%) spinal fractures were associated. All patients were operated on using spinal navigation by a team of neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons.

RESULTS

The mean time from first observation to surgery was 18 days (range 8-31). Surgical treatment consisted of iliosacral fixation in 19 cases (76%) and spinopelvic fixation in 6 cases (24%). The mean number of screws for spinopelvic fixation was 9.67 (range 6-17) with a mean operation time of 323.67 minutes (range 247-471); in iliosacral osteosynthesis the mean screw number was 1.37 (range 1-3) and mean surgical time was 78.93 minutes (range 61-130). Postoperative computed tomography showed the correct screw placement. Wound infection occurred in 2 cases (8%), managed with vacuum-assisted closure therapy; in 1 case (4%) a sacral screw was removed for decubitus.

CONCLUSIONS

Navigation systems in instrumented spinopelvic and sacropelvic reconstruction provide greater safety, reducing learning times and malpositioning. Multidisciplinary management allows us to achieve optimal results, especially when the sacral fracture is combined with spinal and pelvic lesions. The use of navigation systems could represent an important advancement.

Percutaneous removal of sacroiliac screw following iatrogenic neurologic injury in posterior pelvic ring injury: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous sacroiliac fixation is an effective minimally invasive method for posterior pelvic ring stabilization. Screw misplacement, and subsequent neurologic injury are two well described complications. Managing those complications however is under-reported.

CASE

A young female, sustained an unstable pelvic ring injury as a victim of motor vehicle collision. Following percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation, she complained of L5 nerve root radiculopathy, and muscle weakness. Percutaneous removal of the screw after a wait period for fracture union resulted in immediate symptoms relief.

DISCUSSION

Safe sacroiliac screw placement is technically demanding requiring good understanding of sacral complex morphology and its anatomic variants. Risk of screw misplacement, and potential neurologic injury increases in dysmorphic sacra, or with inaccurate fracture reduction. Advances in intraoperative imaging modalities have been introduced in an attempt to improve accurate screw insertion. Literature is scarce with reports discussing removal of sacroiliac screw. Technique of screw retrieval is also controversial.

CONCLUSION

This case addresses management of an iatrogenic neurologic complication following percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation. Our experience showed that, percutaneous retrieval of an intact misplaced sacroiliac screw is achievable, resulting in complete resolution of neurologic symptoms.

[Anterior subcutaneous internal fixation combined with posterior percutaneous iliosacral screw for treatment of unstable pelvic fractures]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of anterior subcutaneous internal fixation (INFIX) combined with posterior percutaneous iliosacral screw for the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures.

METHODS

Between August 2016 and November 2017, 19 cases of unstable pelvic fractures were treated with anterior subcutaneous INFIX combined with posterior percutaneous iliosacral screw. There were 14 males and 5 females, with an average age of 40.6 years (range, 17-69 years). Causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 11 cases, falling from height in 5 cases, bruise injury by heavy object in 3 cases. According to Tile classification, there were 2 cases of type B1, 6 cases of type B2, and 11 cases of type C. Anterior ring injuries included bilateral pubic ischial ramus fractures in 12 cases, unilateral pubic ischial ramus fractures in 5 cases, and symphysis pubis separation in 2 cases. Posterior ring injuries included sacroiliac ligament injuries in 2 cases, unilateral iliac bone fractures in 3 cases, unilateral sacral fractures in 11 cases, unilateral sacroiliac joint dislocation in 2 cases, and bilateral sacral fracture in 1 case. The intraoperative blood loss and operation time were recorded, and the fracture healing and postoperative complications were observed. Matta score was used to evaluate the reduction of fracture, and Majeed score was used to evaluate the postoperative function of patients.

RESULTS

The operation time was 47-123 minutes (mean, 61.4 minutes) and the intraoperative blood loss was 50-115 mL (mean, 61.1 mL). One case had superficial infection at the site of screw implantation, and 1 case had unilateral cutaneous nerve stimulation, which were cured after corresponding treatment. There was no damage of urinary system, reproductive system, and intestine. All cases were followed up 12-25 months (mean, 18.1 months). All the fractures healed after operation, the average healing time was 9.5 weeks (range, 8-13 weeks); no nonunion, delayed healing, internal fixation loosening, fracture, and other situations occurred. Of the 2 patients with lumbosacral plexus injury before operation, 1 recovered completely and 1 had residual mild claudication. At last follow-up, the reduction of fracture was evaluated by Matta scoring standard, the results were excellent in 13 cases and good in 6 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%; the function was evaluated by Majeed scoring standard, the results were excellent in 15 cases and good in 4 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%.

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive pelvic stabilization by using anterior subcutaneous INFIX and posterior percutaneous iliosacral screw for treatment of unstable pelvic fractures, can achieve good fracture reduction and definitive stabilization with minimum complications and obtain excellent functional outcomes.

Robotic assisted fixation of sacral fractures: A pilot study

Objectives:

Sacral fractures that require fixation are a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Due to anatomical consideration, implant insertion is not risk free, and requires a steep learning curve. A robotic system has been successfully used in pedicle screws insertion and can be also used for iliosacral screws. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the use of the robot in the treatment of unstable sacral fractures.

Design:

Retrospective case series.

Setting:

An academic level I trauma center.

Patients:

Fourteen patients with sacral fractures were eligible for robotic assisted treatment. These included 9 high-energy fractures, 4 osteoporotic fractures, and 1 pathological fracture.

Intervention:

Fixation constructs included iliosacral screws, transiliac screws, lumbopelvic fixation, sacroplasty, or a combination of the above techniques. A Renaissance robot was mounted on a multidirectional bridge that was attached to the patients spine and implant trajectories were planned either on preoperative or intraoperative 3D scans. Guide wires were inserted percutaneously and screws were placed subsequently.

Main outcome measurements:

Accuracy of implant placement, operating room and fluoroscopy time.

Results:

Mean patient age was 36 (17–84), and number of screws, including iliosacral and pedicular ranged 1–14 per patient (average 4.25). Mean operative time was 150 minutes (range 90–300). Average fluoroscopic time was 18 seconds (7–42) for 2D and 40 seconds (12–72) for 3D imaging. All fractures healed, no hardware failure was observed. All hardware was always within bony confines, and no procedure-related neurological deficits were observed.

Conclusion:

Robotic assisted fixation of sacral fracture is a safe and reproduceable method, allowing precise and accurate implant placement.

Surgery for Unilateral Sacral Fractures: Are the Indications Clear?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate unilateral sacral fractures and compare those treated operatively versus nonoperatively to determine indications for surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter, observational study.

SETTING

Sixteen trauma centers.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Skeletally mature patients with pelvic ring injury and unilateral zone 1 or 2 sacral fractures and without anteroposterior compression injuries.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Injury plain anteroposterior, inlet, and outlet radiographs and computed tomography scans of the pelvis were evaluated for fracture displacement.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty-three patients with unilateral sacral fractures and a mean age of 41 years with a mean Injury Severity Score of 15 were included. Ninety-two percent sustained lateral compression injuries, and 63% of all fractures were in zone 1. Thirty-three percent of patients were treated operatively, including all without lateral compression patterns. Operative patients were more likely to have zone 2 fractures (54%) and to have posterior cortical displacement (29% vs. 6.2%), both with P < 0.001. Over 60% of all patients had no posterior displacement. Mean rotational displacements comparing the injured side versus the intact side were no different for patients treated operatively compared with those treated nonoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Most unilateral sacral fractures are minimally or nondisplaced. Many patients with radiographically similar fractures were treated operatively and nonoperatively by different surgeons. This suggests an opportunity to develop consistent indications for treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Computational analysis on the feasibility of transverse iliosacral screw fixation for different sacral segments

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility of transverse iliosacral (TIS) screw placement in different segments of the sacrum and measure the parameters of the unilateral iliosacral (IS) screw in the case that cannot be inserted the TIS screw.

METHODS

This study used 100 pelvic continuous computed tomography images. Mimics (Materialise Interactive Medical Image Control System) was used to reconstruct the three-dimensional pelvis model. All sacrums were divided into the normal group and dysmorphic group. Any difference in osseous fixation pathway (OFP) diameter in the first two segments between both groups was investigated. In dysmorphic sacrums, the optimal inserting angle and length of the unilateral S1 screw were measured. The number of foramen in every sacrum was recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty-two sacrums had sacral dysmorphism. The OFP diameter for the S2 TIS screw in the dysmorphic group was larger than that in the normal group (p = 0.02). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated the cutoff values as 20.55 mm and 15.18° for the S1 front edge height and S1S2 angle, respectively. In the dysmorphic case, the unilateral S1 IS screw should be inserted with a cephalad incline angle of 36.14 ± 5.97° and a ventrally incline angle of 37.33 ± 4.64°. S3 TIS screw placement rate was 53.1% in the dysmorphic group.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common cause of sacral dysmorphism is the fusion of the L5 to the true S1. In dysmorphic sacrums, the unilateral IS screw should be placed obliquely in the S1 segment, and the S2 segment usually has a sufficient OFP for the TIS screw. Using S3 TIS screw and two TIS screws in the first segment technique is not recommended because of a high risk.

An Extensible Orthopaedic Wire Navigation Simulation Platform

The demand for simulation-based skills training in orthopaedics is steadily growing. Wire navigation, or the ability to use 2D images to place an implant through a specified path in bone, is an area of training that has been difficult to simulate given its reliance on radiation based fluoroscopy. Our group previously presented on the development of a wire navigation simulator for a hip fracture module. In this paper, we present a new methodology for extending the simulator to other surgical applications of wire navigation. As an example, this paper focuses on the development of an iliosacral wire navigation simulator. We define three criteria that must be met to adapt the underlying technology to new areas of wire navigation; surgical working volume, system precision, and tactile feedback. The hypothesis being that techniques which fall within the surgical working volume of the simulator, demand a precision less than or equal to what the simulator can provide, and that require the tactile feedback offered through simulated bone can be adopted into the wire navigation module and accepted as a valid simulator for the surgeons using it. Using these design parameters, the simulator was successfully configured to simulate the task of drilling a wire for an iliosacral screw. Residents at the University of Iowa successfully used this new module with minimal technical errors during use.

Symptomatic Iliosacral Screw Removal After Pelvic Trauma-Incidence and Clinical Impact

OBJECTIVE

To calculate the incidence of symptomatic iliosacral (SI) screw removal following pelvic trauma and to determine the clinical impact of the secondary intervention.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Level 1 and Level 2 trauma centers.

PATIENTS

Four hundred seventy-one consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous posterior pelvic fixation over 10 years, with 7 excluded for spinopelvic fixation,and 7 excluded due to age <16 year old.

INTERVENTION

Implant removal.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

Secondary intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 25/457 patients underwent screw removal (5.4%). Two patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 23 for analysis. There were 13 male patients and 10 female patients. There were 13 SI and 10 trans-sacral screws removed. Four screws were loose before removal (17%). Average time to screw removal was 10.7 months (4-26 minutes). Fifteen (83.3%) patients had subjective improvement, and 3 (16.7%) had no notable improvement.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of symptomatic SI screws necessitating removal is low (5.4%). When removed, there is a high likelihood (83%) that the secondary intervention will result in subjective symptomatic improvement. Routine screw removal is unnecessary because most patients tolerate the implants without symptoms necessitating subsequent surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A novel computer navigation method for accurate percutaneous sacroiliac screw implantation: A technical note and literature review

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of percutaneous sacroiliac screw (PSS) placement assisted by screw view model of navigation system for treatment of sacroiliac fractures.Data pertaining to 18 consecutive patients with posterior pelvic ring fracture who received sacroiliac screw fixation between January 2015 and July 2018 at the Second Hospital of Jilin University were retrospectively analyzed. Kirschner wires were placed under the guidance of navigation's screw view mode. The position of the screws was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scan postoperatively. Fracture dislocation of sacroiliac joint was measured in axial, sagittal, and coronal views of 3 dimensional (3D) CT images preoperatively, postoperatively and at the last follow-up visit. The duration of trajectory planning, guide wire implantation time, screw placement time, intraoperative blood loss, and incidence of screw loosening and clinical complications were also assessed.A total of 27 screws were placed unilaterally or bilaterally into segments S1 or S2. Screw placement was rated as excellent for 88.9% of screws (n = 24), good for 7.4% (n = 2), and poor for 3.7% (n = 1). Preoperatively, the average fracture dislocation of sacroiliac joint on axial, sagittal, and coronal views was 14.3 mm, 9.6 mm, and 7.4 mm, respectively, and the corresponding postoperative figures were 5.6 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.1 mm, respectively. The corresponding correction rates were 60.8%, 66.7%, and 44.6%, respectively. The mean duration of trajectory planning was 6.5 min (2.7-8.9 min). Mean screw implantation time was 32 min (range, 20-53 min), and the mean guide wire implantation time was 3.7 min (range, 2.1-5.3 min). No clinical complications such as neurovascular injury, infection or screw loosening were observed on follow-up.The PSS placement under guidance of screw view model of navigation is a convenient, safe and reliable method.

Posterior pelvic ring fractures: Intraoperative 3D-CT guided navigation for accurate positioning of sacro-iliac screws

INTRODUCTION

Posterior pelvic ring fractures frequently pose a problem of stability with an elevated risk of complications. The traditional method of percutaneous sacroiliac (SI) stabilization with the use of fluoroscopic image amplifiers demands a high degree of experience and has an elevated risk of screws' malpositioning.

HYPOTHESIS

Intraoperative 3D-CT scan coupled with a navigation system (O-Arm^©) can allow screw fixation accuracy while limiting the risk of complications for the treatment of posterior pelvic ring fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with posterior pelvic ring fractures stabilized with percutaneous SI screws through O-Arm^© navigation from August 2008 to December 2017 were analyzed. A modified Gras classification was used to determine screws' positioning under CT visualization, and intraoperative and early postoperative complications were documented.

RESULTS

Among the 21 patients evaluated, 14 men and 7 women with a mean age of 57.8 years (range 25-91), receiving 39 screws, the rate of misplacement was low: 82% grade I, 15.4% grade II, and only 2.6% grade III. Only one patient underwent revision surgery, not because of misplacement but rather for a secondary implant loosening. No complications occurred in this series.

DISCUSSION

This study documented a large series of patients treated for pelvic ring fractures using the intraoperative 3D-CT O-Arm^© guided navigation. This surgical approach provided a precise and safe SI screw positioning with no complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, Retrospective study.

Biomechanical Study of Posterior Pelvic Fixations in Vertically Unstable Sacral Fractures: An Alternative to Triangular Osteosynthesis

Study Design

Biomechanical study.

Purpose

To investigate the relative stiffness of a new posterior pelvic fixation for unstable vertical fractures of the sacrum.

Overview of Literature

The reported operative fixation techniques for vertical sacral fractures include iliosacral screw, sacral bar fixations, transiliac plating, and local plate osteosynthesis. Clinical as well as biomechanical studies have demonstrated that these conventional techniques are insufficient to stabilize the vertically unstable sacral fractures.

Methods

To simulate a vertically unstable fractured sacrum, 12 synthetic pelvic models were prepared. In each model, a 5-mm gap was created through the left transforaminal zone (Denis zone II). The pubic symphysis was completely separated and then stabilized using a 3.5-mm reconstruction plate. Four each of the unstable pelvic models were then fixed with two iliosacral screws, a tension band plate, or a transiliac fixation plus one iliosacral screw. The left hemipelvis of these specimens was docked to a rigid base plate and loaded on an S1 endplate by using the Zwick Roell z010 material testing machine. Then, the vertical displacement and coronal tilt of the right hemipelves and the applied force were measured.

Results

The transiliac fixation plus one iliosacral screw constructions could withstand a force at 5 mm of vertical displacement greater than the two iliosacral screw constructions (p=0.012) and the tension band plate constructions (p=0.003). The tension band plate constructions could withstand a force at 5° of coronal tilt less than the two iliosacral screw constructions (p=0.027) and the transiliac fixation plus one iliosacral screw constructions (p=0.049).

Conclusions

This study proposes the use of transiliac fixation in addition to an iliosacral screw to stabilize vertically unstable sacral fractures. Our biomechanical data demonstrated the superiority of adding transiliac fixation to withstand vertical displacement forces.

Iliac screw for reconstructing posterior pelvic ring in Tile type C1 pelvic fractures

BACKGROUND

It is often difficult to achieve stable fixation in Tile type C1 pelvic fractures and there is no standard fixation technique for these types of injuries.

HYPOTHESIS

Iliac screw fixation can be used for treating Type C1 pelvic fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on 47 patients who underwent iliac screw fixation in posterior column of ilium (PCI) for Tile type C1 pelvic fractures from July 2007 to December 2014. All patients were treated with fracture reduction, sacral nerve root decompression (if needed), internal fixation by iliac screw and connecting rod. The data on surgical time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative neurologic functions and postoperative complications were analyzed. Patients were follow-up for at least 12months.

RESULTS

The mean surgical time was 148minutes, and the mean intraoperative bleeding volume was 763ml. Patients were encouraged in-bed activities immediately after surgery. The postoperative Majeed functional score was 48-100 points (mean 80.2), corresponding to an excellent and good recovery of 91.5%. Postoperative X-radiographs and CT scans indicated satisfactory fracture reduction.

DISCUSSION

Iliac screw fixation combined with sacral nerve canal decompression could effectively restore pelvic alignment and improve neurological functions for complex pelvic trauma.

Fixation Strategy Using Sequential Intraoperative Examination Under Anesthesia for Unstable Lateral Compression Pelvic Ring Injuries Reliably Predicts Union with Minimal Displacement

BACKGROUND

Examination under anesthesia (EUA) has been used to identify pelvic instability. Surgeons may utilize percutaneous methods for posterior and anterior pelvic ring stabilization. We developed an intraoperative strategy whereby posterior fixation is performed, with reassessment using sequential EUA to determine the need for anterior fixation. Our aim in the current study was to evaluate whether this strategy reliably results in union with minimal displacement.

METHODS

This was a multicenter retrospective study involving adult patients with closed lateral compression (LC) pelvic ring injuries treated during the period of 2013 to 2016. Included were patients who underwent percutaneous pelvic fixation based on sequential EUA. Data points included patient demographics, injury and fixation details, and displacement as observed on follow-up radiographs.

RESULTS

Complete documentation was available for 74 patients (mean age, 41 years). The mean duration of follow was 11 months. Fifty-three of the patients had LC-1 injuries, 19 had LC-2 injuries, and 2 had LC-3 injuries. Twenty-five (47.2%) of the 53 patients with LC-1 and 11 (57.9%) of the 19 patients with LC-2 injuries did not undergo anterior fixation on the basis of the algorithm. The 36 LC-1 or LC-2 patients who underwent combined anterior and posterior fixation had no measurable displacement at union. Of the 36 LC-1 or LC-2 patients with no anterior fixation, 27 with unilateral rami fractures had no measurable displacement at union. The remaining 9 LC-1 or LC-2 cases with no anterior fixation had bilateral superior and inferior rami fractures; each of these patients demonstrated displacement (mean, 7.5 mm; range, 5 to 12 mm) within 6 weeks of fixation that remained until union. All patients had protected weight-bearing for 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

A fixation strategy based on sequential intraoperative EUA reliably results in union with minimal displacement for unstable LC pelvic ring injuries. Injuries requiring combined anterior and posterior fixation healed with no displacement. Those without anterior fixation and a unilateral ramus fracture healed with no displacement. In the presence of bilateral rami fractures, even with a negative finding on sequential EUA, the pelvis healed with 7.5 mm average displacement. Surgeons may consider anterior fixation to prevent this displacement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Accuracy of sacroiliac screw placement with and without intraoperative navigation and clinical application of the sacral dysmorphism score

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneously-placed sacroiliac (SI) screws are currently the gold-standard fixation technique for fixation of the posterior pelvic ring. The relatively high prevalence of sacral dysmorphism in the general population introduces a high risk of cortical breach with resultant neurovascular damage. This study was performed to compare the accuracy of SI screw placement with and without the use of intraoperative navigation, as well as to externally validate the sacral dysmorphism score in a trauma patient cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All trauma patients who underwent sacroiliac screw fixation for pelvic fractures at a level 1 trauma centre over a 6 year period were identified. True axial and coronal sacral reconstructions were obtained from their pre-operative CT scans and assessed qualitatively and quantitatively for sacral dysmorphism - a sacral dysmorphism score was calculated by two independent assessors. Post-operative CT scans were then analysed for breaches and correlated with the hospital medical records to check for any clinical sequelae.

RESULTS

68 screws were inserted in 36 patients, most sustaining injuries from road traffic accidents (50%) or falls from height (36.1%). There was a male preponderance (83.3%) with the majority of the screws inserted percutaneously (86.1%). Intraoperative navigation was used in 47.2% of the patient cohort. 30.6% of the cohort were found to have dysmorphic sacra. The mean sacral dysmorphism scores were not significantly different between navigated and non-navigated groups. Three cortical breaches occurred, two in patients with sacral dysmorphism scores >70 and occurring despite the use of intraoperative navigation. There was no significant difference in the rates of breach between navigated and non-navigated groups. None of the breaches resulted in any clinically observable neurovascular deficit.

CONCLUSION

The sacral dysmorphism score can be clinically applied to a cohort of trauma patients with pelvic fractures. In patients with highly dysmorphic sacra, reflected by high sacral dysmorphism scores, intraoperative navigation is not in itself sufficient to prevent cortical breaches. In such patients it would be prudent to consider instrumentation of the lower sacral corridors instead.

Useful Intraoperative Technique for Percutaneous Stabilization of Bilateral Posterior Pelvic Ring Injuries

Treating patients with bilateral posterior pelvic ring injuries can be challenging. Placement of transiliac-transsacral style screws in available S1 or S2 osseous fixation pathways is becoming an increasingly common fixation method for these unstable injuries. We propose a percutaneous technique that sequences reduction and stabilization of 1 hemipelvis with at least 1 transiliac-transsacral screw and then uses the existing transiliac-transsacral screw and accompanying guide wires to assist in temporary stabilization and definitive fixation of the second hemipelvis.

Safe Zone Quantification of the Third Sacral Segment in Normal and Dysmorphic Sacra

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the osseous anatomy of the dysmorphic third sacral segment and assess its ability to accommodate internal fixation.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of a trauma database.

SETTING

University Level 1 Trauma Center.

PATIENTS

Fifty-nine patients over the age of 18 with computed tomography scans of the pelvis separated into 2 groups: a group with normal pelvic anatomy and a group with sacral dysmorphism.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The sacral osseous area was measured on computed tomography scans in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes in normal and dysmorphic pelves. These measurements were used to determine the possibility of accommodating a transiliac transsacral screw in the third sacral segment.

RESULTS

In the normal group, the S3 coronal transverse width averaged 7.71 mm and the S3 axial transverse width averaged 7.12 mm. The mean S3 cross-sectional area of the normal group was 55.8 mm. The dysmorphic group was found to have a mean S3 coronal transverse width of 9.49 mm, an average S3 axial transverse width of 9.14 mm, and an S3 cross-sectional area of 77.9 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

The third sacral segment of dysmorphic sacra has a larger osseous pathway available to safely accommodate a transiliac transsacral screw when compared with normal sacra. The S3 segment of dysmorphic sacra can serve as an additional site for screw placement when treating unstable posterior pelvic ring fractures.

Vertical shear pelvic injury: evaluation, management, and fixation strategies

Vertical shear pelvic ring fractures are rare and account for less than 1% of all fractures. Unlike severely displaced antero-posterior compression and lateral compression pelvic fractures, patients' mortality is lower. Nevertheless, patients must be managed acutely using well-defined ATLS protocols and institution-specific protocols for haemodynamically unstable pelvic ring fractures. The definitive treatment of vertical shear pelvic fractures is however more controversial with a paucity of literature to recommend the ideal reduction and fixation strategy. While the majority of injuries can be reduced and fixed in a closed manner, orthopaedic traumatologists should be familiar with the contraindications to those techniques as well as options such as tension band plating and lumbo pelvic fixation. Our paper reviews the acute management, associated injuries and definitive reduction and fixation strategies of vertical shear pelvic fractures. In addition, we propose a treatment algorithm for the selection of the most appropriate fixation technique.

Percutaneous sacroiliac screw versus anterior plating for sacroiliac joint disruption: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Sacroiliac joint disruption (SJD) is a common cause of pelvic ring instability. Clinically, percutaneous unilateral S1 sacroiliac screw and anterior plating are always applied to manage SJD. The objective of this study is to elaborate their respective therapeutic traits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with SJD fixed with unilateral S1 sacroiliac screw or anterior plating from June 2011 to June 2015 were recruited into this study and were divided into two groups: group A (unilateral sacroiliac screw) and group B (anterior plating). Surgical time, blood loss, frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy and complications were reviewed. Postoperative radiograph and CT were conducted to assess the reduction quality. Fracture healing was evaluated by radiograph performed at each follow-up. Majeed score was recorded at the final follow-up to assess the functional outcome.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were included in group A and thirty-two patients in group B in this study. There was no significant difference in the demographic data of the two groups. A significant difference existed in the results for average operation time (P = .022) and blood loss (P = .000) between group A and group B. The mean frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy was 15.82 in group A and 3.94 in group B (P = .000). All the fractures healed in this study. The rates of satisfactory reduction quality and functional outcome showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > .05). The complication rate was 15.79% (6/38) in group A and 9.38% (3/32) in group B (P = .660).

CONCLUSION

Compared with anterior plating, percutaneous unilateral S1 sacroiliac screw usage is less invasive; however, more intraoperative X-ray exposure and permanent neurologic damage may accompany this procedure.

Is S3 a Viable Osseous Fixation Pathway?

OBJECTIVES

To report the incidence of patients with a third sacral segment (S3) osseous fixation pathway (OFP) that could accommodate a transiliac-transsacral screw.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Regional Level 1 Trauma Center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

A total of 250 patients without pelvic trauma from January 2017 to February 2017 were included.

INTERVENTION

The axial and sagittal reconstruction images of each patient's computed abdomen and pelvis tomography (CT) scans were reviewed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Each CT was evaluated for the presence of sacral dysmorphism and whether an S3 OFP that could accommodate an intraosseous transiliac-transsacral screw exists.

RESULTS

There were 130 of the 250 patients (52%) with sacral dysmorphism. Overall, 38 of the 250 patients (15.2%) had an S3 OFP that could accommodate a 7.0-mm transiliac-transsacral style screw. When narrowed to patients who had an S3 OFP, 38 of 153 patients (24.8%) could accommodate a 7.0-mm transiliac-transsacral screw. Specific to the 38 patients with an adequate S3 OFP, 34 of 38 patients (89.5%) were noted to have sacral dysmorphism.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that 15.2% of patients have an S3 OFP large enough to accommodate an intraosseous implant. Patients who have sacral dysmorphism are more likely to have an adequate S3 OFP. Additional studies are needed to quantify the S3 OFP, understand the bone quality of the S3 segment and accompanying biomechanical implications, and investigate the anatomical concerns associated with S3 screw placement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Use of the S3 Corridor for Iliosacral Fixation in a Dysmorphic Sacrum: A Case Report

CASE

The S1 and S2 corridors are the typical osseous pathways for iliosacral screw fixation of posterior pelvic ring fractures. In dysmorphic sacra, the S1 screw trajectory is often different from that in normal sacra. We present a case of iliosacral screw placement in the third sacral segment for fixation of a complex lateral compression type-3 pelvic fracture in a patient with a dysmorphic sacrum.

CONCLUSION

In patients with dysmorphic sacra and unstable posterior pelvic ring fractures or dislocations, the S3 corridor may be a feasible osseous fixation pathway that can be used in a manner equivalent to the S2 corridor in a normal sacrum.

Percutaneous posterior fixation for unstable pelvic ring fractures

Several posterior fixation techniques for unstable pelvic ring fractures have been described. Here, we present a minimally invasive, percutaneous technique to fix the two posterior iliac crests using spinal instrumentation. Between September 2008 and March 2012, 11 patients with a mean age of 36.4 years were operated because of a vertically unstable Tile C pelvic ring fracture. Posterior fixation was performed using two polyaxial screws in each iliac crest with two subfascial connector rods. At the final follow-up, all patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The mean surgery time was 45 minutes; there were no intraoperative complications. At a mean follow-up of four years, the functional Majeed score was excellent in eight patients and good in three patients. The radiological results were excellent in eight patients and good in three patients. Percutaneous posterior fixation of vertically unstable pelvic fractures leads to good functional and radiological outcomes.

TYPE OF STUDY

Technical note, retrospective.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Comparisons of front plate, percutaneous sacroiliac screws, and sacroiliac anterior papilionaceous plate in fixation of unstable pelvic fractures

BACKGROUND

This observational study was aimed at comparing the clinical efficacy of sacroiliac anterior plate fixation (SAPF), sacroiliac anterior papilionaceous plate (SAPP), and percutaneous sacroiliac screw internal fixation (PSCIF) introduced for patients with unstable pelvic fracture.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients with unstable pelvic fracture (Tile type B or C) were recruited. Twenty-six patients underwent SAPF, 26 underwent SAPP, and 26 underwent PSCIF. Matta scores were calculated to evaluate the reduction of pelvic fractures, and Majeed scores were applied for the assessment of functional recoveries after surgery. Other perioperative clinical indicators were also recorded, including operation time, bleeding status, length of incision, ambulation time, fracture healing time, and incision infection.

RESULTS

Total operation time of PSCIF was remarkably shorter than that of SAPF and SAPP (P < .05), and the bleeding volume of SAPF and SAPP group was almost 26∼29 times as high as that of PSCIF group (P < .05). Besides, SAPP resulted in significant blood loss compared with SAPF (P < .05), while SAPF resulted in significantly larger operative incision length than SAPP and PSCIF (P < .05). Moreover, patients' stay time was prolonged in both SAPF and SAPP groups than in the PSCIF group (P < .05). Patients who received PSCIF exhibited significantly higher Matta and Majeed scores than those who received SAPF (all P < .05). Finally, SAPP was associated with fewer complications than SAPF, and complications were barely observed in the PSCIF group.

CONCLUSION

PSCIF may be more appropriate for patients with unstable pelvic fractures in comparison with SAPP and SAPF. Besides, SAPP is likely to be more efficacious than SAPF especially for Tile C patients.

Outcomes of lumbopelvic fixation in the treatment of complex sacral fractures using minimally invasive surgical techniques

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Complex sacral fractures with vertical and anterior pelvic ring instability treated with traditional fixation methods are associated with high rates of failure and poor clinical outcomes. Supplemental lumbopelvic fixation (LPF) has been applied for additional stability to help with fracture union.

PURPOSE

The study aimed to determine whether minimally invasive LPF provides reliable fracture stability and acceptable complication rates in cases of complex sacral fractures.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This is a retrospective cohort study at a single level I trauma center.

PATIENT SAMPLE

The sample includes 24 patients who underwent minimally invasive LPF for complex sacral fracture with or without associated pelvic ring injury.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Reoperation for all causes, loss of fixation, surgical time, transfusion requirements, length of hospital stay, postoperative day at mobilization, and mortality were evaluated.

METHODS

Patient charts from 2008 to 2014 were reviewed. Of the 32 patients who underwent minimally invasive LPF for complex sacral fractures, 24 (12 male, 12 female) met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Outcome measures were assessed with a retrospective chart review and radiographic review. The authors did not receive external funding for this study.

RESULTS

Acute reoperation was 12%, and elective reoperation was 29%. Two (8%) patients returned to the operating room for infection, one (4.2%) required revision for instrumentation malposition, and seven (29%) underwent elective removal of instrumentation. No patient experienced failure of instrumentation or loss of correction. Average surgical time was 3.6 hours, blood loss was 180 mL, transfusion requirement was 2.1 units of packed red blood cells, and postoperative mobilization was on postoperative day 5. No mortalities occurred as a result of the minimally invasive LPF procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with historic reports of open LPF, our results demonstrate reliable maintenance of reduction and acceptable complication rates with minimally invasive LPF for complexsacral fractures. The benefits of minimally invasive LPF may be offset with increased elective reoperations for removal of instrumentation.

Percutaneous Placement of Iliosacral Screws Under the Guidance of Axial View Projection of the S1 Pedicle: a Case Series

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous placement of iliosacral screws under the guidance of axial view projection of the S1 pedicle clinically. This case series includes 58 consecutive unstable pelvic injury patients, which were treated with iliosacral screws between July 2011 and July 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: normal sacrum (n = 31) and dysmorphic sacrum (n = 27). A single orthopedic surgeon operated on all patients, with percutaneous placement of iliosacral screws under the guidance of axial view projection of the S1 pedicle. The time needed for screw insertion and the radiation exposure time were recorded. Chi-squared test and Student t-test were used to analyze the differences between the two groups. Sacral dysmorphism was present in 47% of patients. The median time for screw insertion and radiation exposure time in these two groups showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05). No clinical complications or malpositioned screws occurred in any case. Preoperative pelvic CT is necessary to determine the sacral osseous anatomy. In patients with either a normal or dysmorphic sacrum, iliosacral screws can be placed by this method with less radiation exposure and complications than in the conventional method.

Surgical technique of percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation in S3 level in unstable pelvic fracture with closed degloving injury and morrell lavallee lesion: Two case reports

This paper is very special because:

•

This is the first paper describing the technique of percutaneous Iliosacral screw insertion at the level of S3.

•

This is very severe and life threatening cases with with polytrauma who rarely survived in good outcome.

•

This technique of surgery provide good to excellent functional outcome for both patient.

Introduction

Percutaneous screw fixation is considered the best option in unstable pelvic fracture with severe soft tissue injury. However, fixation technique at the level of S3 has not been well established. This paper showed the feasible surgical technique of S3 screw insertion in unstable pelvic fracture with severe soft tissue injury.

Methods

We reported 2 cases of unstable pelvic injury of an 11 years old boy with Marvin-Tile (MT) C1 pelvic fracture with sacroiliac (SI) joint disruption, skin avulsion and Morel-Lavallée lesion. Second case was 30 years old male with open pelvic fracture MTB2 and vertical sacral fracture Denis zone I with Morel-Lavallée lesion, intraperitoneal bladder rupture, infected laparotomy wound dehiscence. We performed percutaneous screws insertion on both pubic rami and IS screw on S1 and S3 to both cases. Functional outcome was evaluated using Majeed and Hannover pelvic score.

Results

All patients survived and had good reduction with no residual displacement on SI joint. The former case at 21-month follow up presented with excellent outcome (100/100) by Majeed score and very good outcome (4/4) by Hannover score; while the latter case, at 18-month, present with good outcome (85/100) Majeed score and fair outcome (2/4) Hannover score.

Conclusions

Percutaneous screw fixation at the level of S3 is feasible and can be inserted in S3 level by sacroiliac type and sacral type with minimal soft tissue intervention and good functional outcome.

Early Postoperative Displacement of Combined Pelvic Ring Injury With Acetabular Fracture

Combined pelvic ring and acetabular injuries present a management challenge. The literature on this topic is scarce, with few outcomes studies available. This retrospective study assessed whether the incidence of postoperative displacement and loss of reduction is higher with combined injuries compared with isolated pelvic ring injuries and isolated acetabular fractures. The charts and radiographs of 33 patients with combined pelvic ring and acetabular fractures treated operatively during a 7-year period at a single institution were reviewed. Pelvic ring and acetabular displacements were measured during the early postoperative period and compared with final follow-up measurements (minimum 5 months after surgery). Measurements also were compared with those from isolated pelvic ring fractures (n=33) and isolated acetabular fractures (n=33). Groups were matched for injury pattern and were propensity-matched by age and Injury Severity Score. Patients with combined injuries and patients with isolated pelvic ring injuries had similar initial pelvic ring reductions on anteroposterior and outlet view radiographs. By final follow-up, the combined injury group had experienced significant additional pelvic ring displacement. The presence of combined injury was an independent risk factor for postoperative pelvic ring displacement. Initial postoperative acetabular displacement was higher in the combined injury group compared with the isolated acetabular fracture group (2.6±1.8 vs 1.1±1.1 mm). By final followup, apparent displacement decreased significantly for both groups. Patients with combined pelvic ring and acetabular fractures were more likely to have poorer acetabular reduction and additional displacement of the pelvic ring component during the postoperative period compared with patients with isolated injuries. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):163-168.].

Fractures of the pelvic ring

Traumatic disruptions of the pelvic ring are high energy life threatening injuries. Management represents a significant challenge, particularly in the acute setting in the presence of severe haemorrhage. Initial management is focused on preserving life by controlling haemorrhage and associated injuries. Advances in prehospital care, surgery, interventional radiology and the introduction of treatment algorithms to streamline decision making have improved patient survival. As more patients with unstable pelvic injuries survive, the poor results associated with nonoperative management and increasing patient expectations of outcome are making surgical management of these fractures increasingly common. The aim of operative fracture fixation is to correct deformity and restore function. The advent of percutaneous fixation techniques has reduced the morbidity previously associated with large operative exposures and internal fixation.

Does Lumbopelvic Fixation Add Stability? A Cadaveric Biomechanical Analysis of an Unstable Pelvic Fracture Model

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the role of lumbopelvic fixation (LPF) in the treatment of zone II sacral fractures with varying levels of sacral comminution combined with anterior pelvic ring (PR) instability. We also sought to determine the proximal extent of LPF necessary for adequate stabilization and the role of LPF in complex sacral fractures when only 1 transiliac-transsacral (TI-TS) screw is feasible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen L4 to pelvis fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were tested intact in flexion-extension (FE) and axial rotation (AR) in a bilateral stance gliding hip model. Two comminution severities were simulated through the sacral foramen using an oscillating saw, with either a single vertical fracture (small gap, 1 mm) or 2 vertical fractures 10 mm apart with the intermediary bone removed (large gap). We assessed sacral fracture zone (SZ), PR, and total lumbopelvic (TL) stability during FE and AR. The following variables were tested: (1) presence of transverse cross-connector, (2) presence of anterior plate, (3) extent of LPF (L4 vs. L5), (4) fracture gap size (small vs. large), (5) number of TI-TS screws (1 vs. 2).

RESULTS

The transverse cross-connector and anterior plate significantly increased PR stability during AR (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively). Increased sacral comminution significantly affected SZ stability during FE (P = 0.01). Two versus 1 TI-TS screw in a large-gap model significantly affected TL stability (P = 0.04) and trended toward increased SZ stabilization during FE (P = 0.08). Addition of LPF (L4 and L5) significantly improved SZ and TL stability during AR and FE (P < 0.05). LPF in combination with TI-TS screws resulted in the least amount of motion across all 3 zones (SZ, PR, and TL) compared with all other constructs in both small-gap and large-gap models.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of LPF in the treatment of complex sacral fractures is supported, especially in the setting of sacral comminution. LPF with proximal fixation at L4 in a hybrid approach might be needed in highly comminuted cases and when only 1 TI-TS screw is feasible to obtain maximum biomechanical support across the fracture zone.

Midterm radiologic and functional outcomes of minimally-invasive fixation of unstable pelvic fractures using anterior internal fixator(INFIX) and percutaneous iliosacral screws

BACKGROUND

Anterior pelvic external fixation is associated with pin site infections, aseptic loosening with loss of reduction, frame bulkiness hindering patient mobilization and consequent difficulties in inpatient nursing. We performed a single-center prospective series to evaluate the feasibility, safety, limitations and midterm radiologic and functional outcomes of an alternative minimally invasive pelvic internal fixation technique using an anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixator (INFIX) and percutaneous iliosacral screws in unstable pelvic ring fractures.

METHODS

Fifteen consecutive patients with vertically and/or rotationally unstable pelvic fractures, presenting to a Level-1 trauma center were treated with closed reduction, appropriate posterior stabilization with percutaneous iliosacral screws and anterior INFIX application. Outcomes were analyzed with respect to the quality of fracture reduction (Matta's radiologic criteria), ease of inpatient nursing, patient mobility and comfort, functional outcomes at final follow-up (Majeed score, SF-12 score), social reintegration and complications.

RESULTS

Most common injury pattern was AO/OTA type 61-C pelvic fracture in thirteen patients. Mean procedure time and intra-operative blood loss were, 57.1+/-4.9 min (range,51-68 min) and 115.3+/-26.7 ml (range,80-170 ml) respectively. Mean follow-up was 34.9+/-4.1 months (range,31-42 months). Fracture reduction was excellent in twelve and good in three patients (Matta's criteria). Functional outcomes were excellent in eight and good in seven patients (Majeed score). Mean SF-12 scores for physical and mental health were 48.58+/-5.61 and 50.89+/-3.97 respectively. Thirteen patients returned to their pre-injury jobs. All fifteen patients reintegrated into society without any restrictions. INFIX was removed at a mean post-operative period of 7.3+/-1.5 months (range,5.5-11 months). Complications included, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation(n = 1), superficial wound infection(n = 1) and loss of reduction(n = 2).

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive pelvic stabilization using INFIX and percutaneous iliosacral screws is easy to learn and apply, achieves good fracture reduction and definitive stabilization with minimum complications and offers excellent functional outcomes at a minimum follow-up of 31 months.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Recovery and Return to Work After a Pelvic Fracture

Background

Pelvic ring fractures (PRFs) may influence the daily activities and quality of life of the injured. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore the functional outcomes and factors related to return to work (RTW) after PRF.

Methods

During the years 2003–2012, 282 injured individuals aged 20–55 years on the date of the accident, were hospitalized and treated for PRFs in a large tertiary hospital in Athens, Greece. One hundred and three patients were traced and contacted; 77 who were on paid employment prior to the accident gave their informed consent to participate in the survey, which was conducted in early 2015 through telephone interviews. The questionnaire included variables related to injury, treatment and activities, and the Majeed pelvic score. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used for statistical assessment.

Results

Almost half of the injured (46.7%) fully RTW, and earning losses were reported to be 35% after PRF. The univariate analysis confirmed that RTW was significantly related to accident site (labor or not), the magnitude of the accident's force, concomitant injuries, duration of hospitalization, time to RTW, engagement to the same sport, Majeed score, and complications such as limp and pain as well as urologic and sexual complaints (p < 0.05 for all). On multiple logistic regression analysis, the accident sustained out of work (odds ratio: 6.472, 95% confidence interval: 1.626–25.769) and Majeed score (odds ratio: 3.749, 95% confidence interval: 2.092–6.720) were identified as independent predictive factors of full RTW.

Conclusion

PRFs have severe socioeconomic consequences. Possible predictors of RTW should be taken into account for health management and policies.

Treatment of massive acetabular bone loss and pelvic discontinuity with a custom triflange component and ilio-sacral fixation based on preoperative CT templating. A report of 2 cases

Revision rates for total hip arthroplasty are increasing and pelvic discontinuity is estimated to be present in 1% to 5% (Berry). Discontinuity is defined as a separation of the cephalad portion of the pelvis from the caudad portion (AAOS Type IV defects). This results from bone loss secondary to osteolysis, infection, fracture, or mechanical loosening. The goals of revision surgery in this setting are to obtain secure fixation of the acetabular component with or without union of the discontinuity. Many methods exist for treating this problem. Results with allograft and cage fixation have generally been poor (Berry, Hansen). More favourable outcomes have been reported using either a cup cage technique or custom triflange (Gross, Christie). The custom Triflange component is designed based on preoperative imaging with CT scan to manufacture a custom titanium implant to address the patient's specific bone loss pattern and obtain secure fixation in the ilium, pubis, and ischium. However, we have encountered cases of acetabular discontinuity with massive pelvic bone loss in which bone stock in the ilium was insufficient to provide support for proximal fixation of a conventional custom triflange component. Currently in the trauma patient population posterior pelvic ring disruptions are being treated with ilio-sacral screw fixation. The sacrum provides a source of secure bony fixation for these injuries. We report on 2 patients with pelvic discontinuity and massive bone loss using a technique to obtain proximal fixation of a custom triflange component into the sacrum.

Gun barrel view of the anterior pelvic ring for percutaneous anterior column or superior pubic ramus screw placement

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, operative fixation of pelvic and acetabular injuries involves complex approaches and significant complications. Accelerated rehabilitation, decreased soft tissue stripping and decreased wound complications are several benefits driving a recent interest in percutaneous fixation. We describe a new fluoroscopic view to guide the placement of screws within the anterior pelvic ring.

METHODS

Twenty retrograde anterior pelvic ring screws were percutaneously placed in ten cadaveric specimens. Arranging a standard C-arm in a position similar to obtaining a lateral hip image, with angles of 54° ± 2° beam to body, 75° ± 5° of reverse cantilever and 14° ± 6° of outlet, a gun barrel view of the anterior pelvic ring is identified. Fluoroscopic images were taken, and the hemipelvi were harvested to examine the dimensions of the anterior pelvic ring and inspected for any cortical or articular perforation.

RESULTS

The minimum cranial-to-caudal distance in the anterior pelvic ring was 9 mm (range 6.5-12 mm), and the minimum anterior-to-posterior dimension was 9 mm (range 5-15 mm). All but 2 screws were completely confined within the osseous corridors. Identifiable on final fluoroscopic evaluation, one screw perforated the psoas groove and a second perforated the acetabular dome. Overall, 90 % of our screws were accurately and safely placed, upon the first attempt, within the anterior pelvic ring using the described gun barrel view.

CONCLUSION

Employing either open reduction, or following a closed or percutaneous reduction, the anterior pelvic ring gun barrel view can reproducibly guide safe placement of anterior pelvic ring screw fixation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Internal versus external fixation of the anterior component in unstable fractures of the pelvic ring: pooled results from a systematic review

PURPOSE

Improving reduction of the pelvic ring improves long-term functional outcomes for patients. It has been demonstrated that posterior internal fixation is necessary to adequately control fractures to the posterior ring and there is evidence that supplementing this with fixation of the anterior ring improves stability. It is accepted that internal fixation provides greater stability than external fixation of the anterior ring but long-term differences in radiographic and functional outcomes have not yet been quantified.

METHODS

A search of electronic databases, reference lists and review articles from 1989 to 2015 yielded 18 studies (n = 884) that met our inclusion criteria. We included studies that discussed pelvic ring injuries in adults, reported functional or radiological outcomes or complications by anterior ring intervention and exceeded 14 patients. We excluded biomechanical and cadaver studies.

RESULTS

Internal fixation of the anterior pelvic ring had better functional and radiographic outcomes. Residual displacement of >10 mm was less common with internal fixation (ER 0.12, 95 % CI 0.06-0.24) than external fixation (ER 0.31, 95 % CI 0.11-0.62). Unsatisfactory outcomes also occurred at a lower rate (ER 0.09, 95 % CI 0.03-0.22) compared to external fixation (ER 0.32, 95 % CI 0.18-0.50). Losses of reduction (ER 0.02, 95 % CI 0.01-0.04 versus ER 0.07, 95 % CI 0.02-0.21), malunions (ER 0.03, 95 % CI 0.01-0.08 versus ER 0.07, 95 % CI 0.02-0.21) and delayed/non-unions (ER 0.02, 95 % CI 0.01-0.05 versus ER 0.04, 95 % CI 0.02-0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Internal fixation of the anterior pelvic ring as supplementary fixation for unstable injuries to the pelvic ring appears to result in better radiographic and functional outcomes as well as fewer complications. However, data that separated outcomes and complications in relation to interventions of the anterior pelvic ring were limited. More studies looking specifically at outcomes in relation to the type of anterior ring intervention are needed.

The Effect of Transiliac-Transsacral Screw Fixation for Pelvic Ring Injuries on the Uninjured Sacroiliac Joint

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the functional outcomes and pain in patients with unilateral posterior pelvic ring injuries treated with transiliac-transsacral screw fixation compared with unilateral iliosacral screw fixation.

DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

SETTING

Three academic level 1 trauma centers.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

From a group of 866 patients with pelvic ring injuries treated surgically, 86 patients with unilateral pelvic ring injuries treated with transiliac-transsacral screws and 97 patients treated with unilateral iliosacral screws were identified. Thirty-six patients treated with transiliac-transsacral fixation and 26 patients treated with unilateral iliosacral screws met the inclusion criteria and participated.

INTERVENTION

Patients were treated surgically for unstable pelvic ring injuries with either unilateral iliosacral screws or transiliac-transsacral screws at the discretion of the treating surgeon.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

Majeed Pelvic Score.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in Majeed Pelvic Scores between patients treated with transiliac-transsacral screws and those treated with unilateral iliosacral screws (72.8 ± 23.7 vs. 70.4 ± 19.0, P = 0.66). There was no difference in side-specific Numeric Rating Scale pain scores between patients treated with transiliac-transsacral screws and those treated with unilateral iliosacral screws on the injured side (2.5 ± 3.1 vs. 2.0 ± 2.4, P = 0.46) or the uninjured side (1.7 ± 2.8 vs. 0.8 ± 1.7, P = 0.12). Mean follow-up was greater than 3 years with no difference between the groups (mean 1270 vs. 1242 days, P = 0.84).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of unilateral pelvic ring injuries with transiliac-transsacral screws does not adversely affect or improve patient outcomes or subjective pain scores when compared with those treated with unilateral iliosacral screws.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Bowel preparation prior to percutaneous ilio-sacral screw insertion: is it necessary?

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of ilio-sacral (IS) screw fixation with and without the use of bowel preparation, in terms of obtaining adequate visualisation, malpositioning of screw requiring revision surgery and neurovascular injury.

METHODS

A retrospective case control study was performed. We reviewed 74 consecutive cases of IS screw fixation performed at our institution within the last 5 years. We included all patients who had undergone percutaneous IS screw fixation. Two groups, one consisting of patients who underwent bowel preparation prior to surgery (Group 1) and one consisting of patients who had no bowel preparation (Group 2), were compared in terms of the above outcomes. There were 37 patients in each group. The mean age in Group 1 was 41 years (17-63) and in Group 2 was 47 years (12-89).

RESULTS

In Group 1 there were two procedures abandoned due to poor visualisation. In Group 2 there were no cases abandoned for poor visualisation. There were two nerve injuries in Group 1 and no nerve injuries in Group 2. Revision surgery was performed in four patients in Group 1-for malposition, persistent buttock pain, sciatic nerve palsy and inadequate fixation while one revision performed in Group 2 for persistent buttock pain.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, we conclude that bowel preparation is not necessary to obtain adequate visualisation for safe and accurate percutaneous IS screw insertion. In fact, in Group 1 two procedures were abandoned and there was higher incidence of complications. Therefore, it would appear that this treatment arm should be abandoned all together. Further studies to prove it conclusively and explain the reasons are required.

Zone 2 sacral fractures managed with partially-threaded screws result in low risk of neurologic injury

BACKGROUND

Zone 2 sacral fractures account for 34% of sacral fractures with reported neurological deficit in 21-28% of patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the risk factors for neurological injury in zone 2 sacral fractures. The authors hypothesized that partially thread iliosacral screws did not increase incidence of neurologic injury.

METHODS

A retrospective review of consecutive patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center with zone 2 sacral fractures requiring surgery from September 2010 to September 2014 was performed. Patients were excluded if no neurologic exam was available after surgery. Fractures were classified according to Denis and presence/absence of comminution through the neural foramen was noted. Fixation schema was recorded (sacral screws or open reduction and internal fixation with posterior tension plate). Any change in post-operative neurological exam was documented as well as exam at last clinic encounter.

RESULTS

90 patients met inclusion criteria, with zone 2 fractures and post-operative neurological exam. No patient with an intact pre-operative neurologic exam had a neurological deficit after surgery. 86 patients (95.6%) were neurologically intact at their last follow-up examination. Four patients (4.4%) had a neurological deficit at final follow-up, all of them had neurological deficit prior to surgery. 81 patients were treated with partially threaded screws of which 1 (1.2%) had neurological deficit at final follow-up. Fifty-seven fractures (63.3%) were simple fractures and 33 fractures (36.7%) were comminuted. All four patients with neurological deficit had comminuted fractures. The association between neurologic deficit in zone 2 sacral fracture and fracture comminution was found to be statistically significant (p-value=0.016). No nonunion was observed in this cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of partially threaded screws for zone 2 sacral fractures is associated with low risk for neurologic injury, suggesting that compression through the fracture does not cause iatrogenic nerve damage. The low rate of sacral nonunion can be attributed to compression induced by the use of partially threaded compression screws. There is a strong association between zone 2 comminution and neurologic injury.

Long-term functional outcome after traumatic lumbosacral dissociation. A retrospective case series of 13 patients

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic lumbosacral dissociation (TLSD) is a rare subgroup of sacral fractures caused by high-energy trauma in healthy adults. There are no accepted treatment algorithms for these injuries. Neurologic deficits and pain are commonly associated with these injuries, however, little is known about the long-term functional outcome in patients with TLSD. The objective of this study was to assess long-term functional outcome in patients with traumatic lumbosacral dissociation (TLSD) injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen patients with TLSD were retrospectively identified and followed with clinical and radiological examination mean 7.7 (3-12) years after the injury. Five were treated operatively, and eight non-operatively. Sensorimotor impairments in the lower extremities were classified according to ASIA. Urinary function was assessed with uroflowmetry, and bowel- and sexual functions were assessed using a structured interview. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and patient-reported health with SF-36. CT images were scrutinized for non-union and kyphotic angulation across the fracture.

RESULTS

Eleven patients had neurologic deficits corresponding to L5 and sacral roots. Urinary dysfunction was observed in nine, and bowel dysfunction in three patients. Eight patients reported problems associated with sexual activities, with pain during intercourse and erectile dysfunction being the most common problems. Twelve patients reported pain in the lumbosacral area, in combination with radiating pain in the majority. The overall patient-reported health (SF-36) was significantly lower than the normal population. All sacral fractures were united as seen on CT. Sacral kyphotic angulation was present in 11, which had increased in three patients comparing with the initial radiographs.

CONCLUSION

In this long-term follow-up, functional impairments, pain, and poor patient-reported health were common findings among patients with TLSD. High rates of neurologic, urinary and sexual dysfunctions were reported. Extended follow-up several years after the injury with a special focus on urogenital dysfunctions and pain management may be beneficial to these patients.

Do Transsacral-transiliac Screws Across Uninjured Sacroiliac Joints Affect Pain and Functional Outcomes in Trauma Patients?

BACKGROUND

Patients with pelvic ring displacement and instability can benefit from surgical reduction and instrumentation to stabilize the pelvis and improve functional outcomes. Current treatments include iliosacral screw or transsacral-transiliac screw, which provides greater biomechanical stability. However, controversy exists regarding the effects of placement of a screw across an uninjured sacroiliac joint for pelvis stabilization after trauma.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Does transsacral-transiliac screw fixation of an uninjured sacroiliac joint increase pain and worsen functional outcomes at minimum 1-year followup compared with patients undergoing standard iliosacral screw fixation across the injured sacroiliac joint in patients who have sustained pelvic trauma?

METHODS

All patients between ages 18 and 84 years who sustained injuries to the pelvic ring (AO/OTA 61 A, B, C) who were surgically treated between 2011 and 2013 at an academic Level I trauma center were identified for selection. We included patients with unilateral sacroiliac disruption or sacral fractures treated with standard iliosacral screws across an injured hemipelvis and/or transsacral-transiliac screws placed in the posterior ring. Transsacral-transiliac screws were generally more likely to be used in patients with vertically unstable sacral injuries of the posterior ring as a result of previous reports of failures or in osteopenic patients. We excluded patients with bilateral posterior pelvic ring injuries, fixation with a device other than a screw, previous pelvic or acetabular fractures, associated acetabular fractures, and ankylosing spondylitis. Of the 110 patients who met study criteria, 53 (44%) were available for followup at least 12 months postinjury. Sixty patients were unable to be contacted by phone or mail and seven declined to participate in the study. Outcomes were obtained by members of the research team using the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score for both posterior sacroiliac joints, Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA), and Majeed scores. Patients completed the forms by themselves when able to return to the clinic. A phone interview was performed for others after they received the outcome forms by mail or email.

RESULTS

There were no differences between iliosacral and transsacral-transiliac in terms of VAS injured (2.9 ± 2.9 versus 3.0 ± 2.8, mean difference = 0.1 [95% confidence interval, -1.6 to 1.7], p = 0.91), VAS uninjured (1.8 ± 2.4 versus 2.0 ± 2.6, mean difference = 0.2 [-1.3 to 1.6], p = 0.82), Majeed (80.3 ± 19.9, 79.3 ± 17.5, mean difference = 1.0 [-11.6 to 9.6], p = 0.92), SMFA Function (22.8 ± 22.2, 21.0 ± 17.6, mean difference = 1.8 [-13.2 to 9.6], p = 0.29, and SMFA Bother (24.3 ± 23.8, 29.7 ± 23.4, mean difference = 5.4 [-7.8 to 18.6], p = 0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of fixation across a contralateral, uninjured sacroiliac joint resulted in no differences in pain and function when compared with standard iliosacral screw placement across an injured hemipelvis at least 1 year after instrumentation. When needed for biomechanical stability, transsacral-transiliac fixation across an uninjured sacroiliac joint can be used without expectation of positive or negative effects on pain or functional outcomes at minimum 1-year followup.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Correct Positioning of Percutaneous Iliosacral Screws With Computer-Navigated Versus Fluoroscopically Guided Surgery in Traumatic Pelvic Ring Fractures

OBJECTIVES

To assess the correct positioning of iliosacral screw in patients with unstable traumatic pelvic ring injury by comparing fluoroscopically guided computer-navigated surgery (CNS) with conventional fluoroscopy (CF) through reviewing postoperative computed tomography (CT) and clinical indicators.

DESIGN

A comparative multicenter cohort study.

SETTING

Two level I Trauma Centers in the Netherlands.

PATIENTS

The computer-navigated group (n = 56) and the CF group (n = 24) were comparable regarding age (mean, 43 years), sex (58%, male), body mass index (25 kg/m), injury severity score (27), injury-to-surgery interval (7 days), and Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification (40% 61-B, 60% 61-C).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The position of the iliosacral screws was evaluated on postoperative CT. In addition, clinical morbidity and reoperation were assessed.

RESULTS

In the CNS group, a total of 111 screws were placed (2.0 per patient), of which 83% were placed correctly. In the CF group, 39 screws (1.6 per patient) were placed, 82% of them correctly.Inadequate fixation included neural foramina hit [12 screws (11%) in the CNS group versus 3 screws (8%) in the CF group, P = 0.76] and extraosseous dislocation [7 screws (6%) vs. 4 screws (10%), respectively, P = 0.47]. Five patients required reoperation, all in the CNS group, P = 0.32. We observed more adequate positioning with increased surgical experience, P = 0.12.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to what has been suggested by previous studies, we found no benefit from computer-navigated iliosacral screw fixation compared with fluoroscopically guided surgery regarding the correct positioning of iliosacral screw on postoperative CT and related morbidity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Primary stability of three different iliosacral screw fixation techniques in osteoporotic cadaver specimens-a biomechanical investigation

BACKGROUND

The incidence of osteoporotic and insufficiency fractures of the pelvic ring is increasing. Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with cannulated sacroiliac screws is well-established in the operative treatment of osteoporotic posterior pelvic ring fractures. However, osteoporotic bone quality might lead to the risk of screw loosening. For this reason, cement augmentation of the iliosacral screws is more frequently performed and recommended.

PURPOSE

The aim of the present biomechanical study was to evaluate the primary stability of three methods of iliosacral screw fixation in human osteoporotic sacrum specimens.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This study used methodical cadaver study.

METHODS

A total of 15 fresh frozen human cadaveric specimens with osteoporosis were used (os sacrum). After matched pair randomization regarding bone quality (T-score), three operation technique groups were generated: screw fixation (cannulated screws) without cement augmentation (Group A); screw fixation with cement augmentation before screw placement (cannulated screws) (Group B); and screw fixation with perforated screws and cement augmentation after screw placement (Group C). In all specimens both sides of the os sacrum were used for operative treatment, resulting in a group size of 10 specimens per group. One operation technique was used on each side of the sacral bone to compare biomechanical properties in the same bone quality. Pull-out tests were performed with a rate of 6 mm/min. A load versus displacement curve was generated.

RESULTS

Subgroup 1 (Group A vs. Group B): Screw fixation without cement augmentation: 594.4 N±463.7 and screw fixation with cement augmentation before screw placement: 1,020.8 N±333.3; values were significantly different (p=.025). Subgroup 2 (Group A vs. Group C): Screw fixation without cement augmentation: 641.8 N±242.0 and perforated screw fixation with cement augmentation after screw placement: 1,029.6 N±326.5; values were significantly different (p=.048). Subgroup 3 (Group B vs. Group C): Screw fixation with cement augmentation before screw placement: 804.0 N±515.3 and perforated screw fixation with cement augmentation after screw placement: 889.8 N±503.3; values were not significantly different (p=.472).

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding iliosacral screw fixation in osteoporotic bone, the primary stability of techniques involving cement augmentation is significantly higher compared with screw fixation without cement augmentation. Perforated screws with the same primary stability as that of conventional screw fixation in combination with cement augmentation might be a promising alternative in reducing complications of cement leakage. These biomechanical results have to be transferred into clinical practice and prove their clinical value.

Minimally invasive surgery under fluoro-navigation for anterior pelvic ring fractures

BACKGROUND

The incidence of pelvic fractures in trauma patients is reported to be 3-8.2%, with roughly half of these fractures being caused by high energy injuries with a potential for catastrophic hemorrhage and death. Indications for internal fixation of anterior pelvic ring are controversial. Because of fears of disturbing the pelvic hematoma and causing additional hemorrhage, open reduction and internal fixation of pelvic ring disruption is routinely delayed. In contrast to conventional surgery, percutaneous screw fixation is gaining popularity in the treatment of pelvic and acetabular fractures mainly because of minimal soft tissue damage, less operative blood loss, early surgical intervention and comfortable mobilization of the patient. Fluoro-navigation is a new surgical technique in orthopedic trauma surgery. This study is to investigate clinical results of fluoro-navigation surgery in anterior pelvic ring fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2006 to October 2011, 23 patients with anterior pelvic ring fractures were treated with percutaneous cannulated screw under fluoro-navigation. There were 14 men and 9 women, with a mean age of 40.1 years (range 25-55). According to the AO and Orthopedic Trauma Association classification, there were seven A 2.1, two A 2.2, one A 2.3, six B 1.2, one B 2.1: 1, one B 2.2, one C 1.2, two C 1.3 and two C 2.3 types of fractures. Amongst these patients, 13 had posterior pelvic ring injuries, 8 had other injuries including urethral, lumbar vertebrae fractures and femoral fractures. All patients were operated when their general condition stabilized after emergency management. The mean time from injury to percutaneous screw fixation of the anterior pelvic ring fracture was 12 days (3-15 days). All the anterior ring fractures were fixed with cannulated screws by two senior surgeons. They were familiar with the navigation system and had gained much experience in the computer-assisted percutaneous placement of screws.

RESULTS

A total of 32 screws were inserted, including 19 in the pubic ramis and 13 in the anterior acetabular columns. The average surgical time was 23.3 min/screw. The average time of X-ray exposure was 19.1 ± 2.5 s/screw. The virtual images of fluoro-navigation were compared with real-time X-rays during and after the surgery. Compared to the final position of the screw, the average deviated distance was 3.11 mm and the average trajectory difference was 2.81°. Blood loss during the operation was minimal (22.3 ml/screw). One screw (3.1%) deviated out of the fracture site during the operation. No superficial or deep infection occurred. No patient sustained recognized neurologic, vascular, or urologic injury as a result of the percutaneous screw fixation. All fractures united at the last followup.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluoro-navigation technique could become a safe, accurate, and fairly quick method for the treatment of anterior pelvic ring fractures. Standardization of the operative procedure and training are mandatory for the success of this procedure.

Percutaneous Sacroiliac Screw Fixation of the Posterior Pelvic Ring

Percutaneous sacroiliac (SI) screw fixation is indicated for unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries, sacral fractures, and SI joint dislocations. This article provides a review of indications and contraindications, preoperative planning, imaging techniques and relevant anatomy, surgical technique, complications and their management, and outcomes after SI screw insertion.

Are work return and leaves of absence predictable after an unstable pelvic ring injury?

Background

Resuming work after surgical treatment of an unstable pelvic ring injury is often impeded because of residual disability. The aim of this study was to test which factors influence return to work, ability to return to the same job function as before the injury, leaves of absence, and incapacitation after sustaining a pelvic fracture.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective study on patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures. Medical records were reviewed to document patients’ demographic data, the extent of follow-up care, diagnosis of the injury (according to the Tile system of classification), type of surgical treatment, injury severity, and the time from trauma to definitive surgery. We also recorded the classification of patients’ physical status according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and details about admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were interviewed to note the number of days before returning to work and their ability to maintain their previously held jobs.

Results

Fifty patients were included in the study, and their mean age was 46.3 ± 12.6 years. The median time to return to work was 195 days. Twelve patients (24 %) lost their jobs and 17 (34 %) resumed their previous job with a change of tasks. ICU admission and time from trauma to definitive surgery were negatively correlated with return to the previously held job. Returning to the same job tasks was not associated with any of the factors investigated. Polytrauma, ICU admission, and time from trauma to definitive surgery were associated with longer leaves of absence.

Conclusions

Work reintegration after pelvic ring injuries is a major issue for patients and health care systems: 58 % of patients were not able to return to or lost their job. Factors correlated with leaves of absence were injury severity, delayed definitive fixation, and ICU admission.

Level of evidence

IV (case series).

Treatment of pelvic fractures through a less invasive ilioinguinal approach combined with a minimally invasive posterior approach

BACKGROUND

Unstable pelvic fractures usually result from high-energy trauma. There are several treatment modalities available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of a new less invasive ilioinguinal approach combined with a minimally invasive posterior approach technique in patients with unstable pelvic fractures. We also address the feasibility, validity, and limitations of the technique.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients with unstable pelvic fractures were treated with our minimally invasive technique. The anterior pelvic ring fractures were treated with a less invasive ilioinguinal approach, and the sacral fractures were treated with a minimally invasive posterior approach. The clinical outcome was measured using the Majeed scoring system, and the quality of fracture reduction was evaluated. The patients were followed up for 13 to 60 months (mean, 24 months).

RESULTS

Anatomical or near to anatomical reduction was achieved in 26 (70.3 %) of the anterior pelvic ring fractures and a satisfactory result was obtained in another 11(29.7 %). For the posterior sacral fractures, excellent reduction was obtained in 33 (89.2 %) of the fractures, with a residual deformity in the other 4 patients. One superficial wound infection and two deep vein thromboses occurred, all of which resolved with conservative treatment. The clinical outcome at one year was "excellent" in 29 patients and "good" in 8 patients (Majeed score).

CONCLUSIONS

The satisfactory results showed that a reduction and fixation of unstable pelvic fractures is possible through a combination of a limited ilioinguinal approach and posterior pelvic ring fixation. We believe our method is a new and effective alternative in the management of pelvic fractures.