Management of traumatic spinopelvic dissociations: review of the literature

[Diagnostics and treatment of insufficiency fractures of the pelvis]

Insufficiency fractures of the pelvis have increased in recent years, primarily due to the demographic change and the incidence will continue to rise. In addition to conventional X‑rays, the diagnostics always require slice imaging. Unlike high-energy trauma magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in insufficiency fractures. Once the fracture has been diagnosed, in addition to the extent of instability in the anterior and posterior pelvic rings, the pain symptoms are crucial for the decision on surgical treatment. The basic principle is to stabilize as little as possible but as much as necessary. There are currently a variety of procedures that can be applied as a minimally invasive procedure, especially for the often slightly or displaced insufficiency fractures. The decisive factor for treatment is that it enables early mobilization of the patients. All of these measures must be accompanied by thorough diagnostics of osteoporosis and the appropriate treatment.

Treatment of Anterior Dislocation of the Sacroiliac Joint via the Lateral-rectus Approach: Surgical Techniques and Preliminary Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Anterior dislocation of the sacroiliac joint (ADSIJ) is caused by strong violence, and because of its low morbidity, there are no standardized diagnostic and therapeutical guidelines at this moment. This study aims to explore the surgical techniques and preliminary outcomes of the lateral-rectus approach (LRA) for treating ADSIJ.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of 15 patients with ADSIJ from January 2016 to January 2021. The patients' age ranged from 1.8 years old to 57 years old (37 ± 18 years old). All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through the LRA. Eight patients were combined with lumbosacral plexus injury and underwent neurolysis during operation. Patients' fracture type, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume were accessed by reviewing medical history. Quality of fracture reduction was evaluated with the Matta score. At 1-year follow-up, the functional rehabilitation was evaluated by the Majeed rehabilitation criteria. For those with lumbosacral plexus injury, the neuromotor function was evaluated using muscle strength grading proposed by the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) and recovery was recorded.

RESULTS

All 15 patients underwent the operation successfully. The surgical time ranged from 70 to 220 min (126 ± 42 min), and the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 180 to 2000 mL (816 ± 560 mL). Eighty percent of the cohort (12/15) were rated as excellent and good in the Matta score for fracture reduction quality after operation without surgical incision-related complications. At 1-year follow-up, the overall excellent and good rate was 73.3% (11/15) according to the Majeed criteria, the neuromotor function recovered completely in six cases and partially in two cases according to the BMRC muscle strength grading, and the recovery of sensory function was evaluated as excellent in six cases, good in one case and poor in one case, with an overall excellent and good rate of 87.5%.

CONCLUSION

The LRA can well expose the surrounding structures of the sacroiliac joint from the front, which helps surgeons reduce and fix the anterior dislocation of the sacroiliac joint under direct vision and effectively decompress the entrapment of the lumbosacral plexus to achieve better clinical efficacy.

Spinopelvic Dissociation Case Report and Literature Review

A 32-year-old male was brought to our emergency department following trauma due to fall of heavy object (tree) on his back. After Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol implementation, the patient was noted to have a complete perianal tear and loss of power in L3-S1 measuring 1/5 complete loss of sensation below the level of L2. Imaging showed spinopelvic dissociation with cauda equina syndrome. Spinopelvic fixation and fusion with rigid fixation done. The patient regained normal function following extensive physiotherapy. This paper concludes that good and prompt surgical intervention facilitated neurological recovery following decompression.

Management of C0 Sacral Fractures Based on the AO Spine Sacral Injury Classification: A Narrative Review

The Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthese fragen Spine Sacral Injury Classification hierarchically separates fractures based on their injury severity with A-type fractures representing less severe injuries and C-type fractures representing the most severe fracture types. C0 fractures represent moderately severe injuries and have historically been referred to as nondisplaced "U-type" fractures. Injury management of these fractures can be controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to first discuss the Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthese fragen Spine Sacral Injury Classification System and describe the different fracture types and classification modifiers, with particular emphasis on C0 fracture types. The narrative review will then focus on the epidemiology and etiology of C0 fractures with subsequent discussion focused on the clinical presentation for patients with these injuries. Next, we will describe the imaging findings associated with these injuries and discuss the injury management of these injuries with particular emphasis on operative management. Finally, we will outline the outcomes and complications that can be expected during the treatment of these injuries.

Causes of Increased Use of Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation for High-Energy-Related Traumatic Sacral Fractures

BACKGROUND

Reasons for the increased use of closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) for traumatic sacral fractures (SFs) are unclear in the literature. Therefore, we aimed to report the annual changes in the number of patients, mechanisms of injury, fracture patterns, and fixation methods.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we extracted data of 271 patients (mean age, 37.5 years) from the trauma register over an 8-year period. Annual records regarding the number of patients, injury mechanisms, fracture types, and treatment options were statistically analyzed to examine the interactions among these factors.

RESULTS

The number of patients with SFs increased significantly each year. The rate of admission to the intensive care unit after resuscitation was high (64.9%). Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type C pelvic ring injury (PRI), Dennis zone II injury, Roy-Camille type 2 injury, and U/H-type injury were the most common fracture types. Trans-iliac trans-sacral screws were mainly used in AO type B PRI, and their use significantly increased each year. For AO type C PRI, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with rigid fixation was the main treatment, and the use of CRIF with iliosacral screws decreased each year. Stepwise statistical analysis revealed that the increase in AO type B PRI and ORIF for anterior PRI were the factors contributing to the increased use of CRIF for SFs.

CONCLUSIONS

While the use of osteosynthesis for SFs is increasing, an increased use of CRIF for traumatic SFs has also been observed in clinical practice. This increase can be attributed to the increase in AO type B PRIs and ORIF for anterior PRIs.

Treatment of unstable spinopelvic fractures: outcome of three surgical techniques-a retrospective single-center case series

PURPOSE

The aim of our retrospective study is to analyze how spinopelvic dissociations (SPDs) were treated in a single center trying to better understand how to improve surgical and non-surgical options.

METHODS

Twenty patients of a single center surgically treated for SPDs between 2013 and 2021 were retrospectively included in this study. Three surgical techniques have been used: modified triangular stabilization, triangular stabilization and double iliac screws stabilization. Follow-up was assessed for up to 11.6 ± 9.9 months through ODI, MRS, NRS, IIEF or FSFI, a CT scan and whole spine X-ray examination.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were admitted to our ER for traumatic spinopelvic dissociation. Surgical treatment for spinopelvic dissociation has been performed on average 11.5 ± 6.7 days after the trauma event. Eighteen fractures were C3 type and two C2 types. Neurological examination showed nerve root injury (N2) in 5 patients, incomplete spinal cord injury (N3) in 4 patients and cauda equina syndrome in two patients (N4). In case of neurologic deficits, routinary nerve decompression was performed. Three different surgical techniques have been used: 8 triangular fixations (Group 1), 6 modified triangular stabilization (Group 2) and 6 double iliac screws triangular fixation (Group 3).

CONCLUSION

In patients with post-traumatic neurological deficit, decompression surgery and fracture reduction seem to be associated with clinical improvement; however, sexual disorders seem to be less responsive to the treatment. Some open stabilization techniques, such as the double iliac screw, could help in restoring the sagittal balance in case of severe deformities.

CT of Sacral Fractures: Classification Systems and Management

CT is often performed as part of a whole-body protocol in the setting of polytrauma and is the standard of care for diagnosing and characterizing sacral fractures. These fractures are not uncommon, occurring in conjunction with pelvic ring disruption in approximately 40%-50% of patients. Knowledge of basic functional anatomy and fracture biomechanics is important in understanding sacral fracture patterns, which only rarely result from direct impact. More often, sacral fractures result from an indirect mechanism with fracture lines that propagate along relative lines of weakness, leading to predictable fracture patterns. Each fracture pattern has implications with respect to neurologic injury, spinopelvic stability, management, and potential complications. The authors explore the Denis, Roy-Camille, Isler, Robles, Sabiston-Wing, and shape-based classification systems for sacral fractures. These form the basis of the subsequently discussed unified AOSpine sacral fracture classification, a consensus system developed by spine and orthopedic surgeons as a means of improving and standardizing communication. The AOSpine sacral fracture classification also includes clinical designations for neurologic status and patient-specific modifiers. When a patient is unexaminable owing to obtundation or sedation, CT is an invaluable indirect marker of nerve compression or traction injury. It also plays an important role in visualizing and characterizing the type and extent of any associated soft-tissue injuries that may warrant a delay in surgery or an alternative operative approach. ©RSNA, 2022.

[Closed reduction and minimally invasive fixation of a sacral avulsion fracture : Minimal invasiveness with maximum stability]

Surgical stabilization of high-energy sacral avulsion fractures with spinopelvic dissociation places high demands on the surgeon. The goal is to achieve maximum stability while minimizing invasiveness. The present case of a dislocated U‑type fracture in a 25-year-old motocross rider exemplifies how a reduction with the targeted application of closed reduction techniques through hyperextension of the hip joints and lordosis in the lumbosacral hinge and through a standardized procedure in intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging, a minimally invasive stabilization by means of transsacral screw fixation and spinopelvic fixation of lumbar vertebra 5 to the ilium in the sense of a bilateral triangular stabilization is possible without compromising the achieved stability of the osteosynthesis. The limitations of the described approach are also pointed out.

Sacral fractures: An updated and comprehensive review

Sacral fractures are often underdiagnosed but are relatively frequent in the setting of pelvic ring injury. Causes include traumatic insults and osteoporosis. Sacral fractures have become more frequent owing to the growth of the elderly population worldwide as osteoporosis is an age-related disease. Misdiagnosed and neglected sacral fractures can result in chronic back pain, spine deformity, and instability. Unfortunately, the wide range of classification systems hinders adequate communication among clinicians. Therefore, a complete understanding of the pathology, and communication within the interdisciplinary team, are necessary to ensure adequate treatment and satisfactory clinical outcomes. The aim of this manuscript is to present the current knowledge available regarding classification systems, clinical assessment, decision-making factors, and current treatment options.

The S2-Alar-Iliac Screw for Pelvic Trauma

Percutaneous sacro-iliac screw osteosynthesis is considered to be standard of care for most posterior pelvic ring fractures. However, special situations require alternative strategies for sufficient stabilization. In these cases, stabilization can often be achieved using posterior instrumentation e.g. using SIPS-screws (spina-iliaca-posterior-superior screws). However, this often leads to implant-related aggravation of the sometimes already critical soft tissue conditions after pelvic trauma. S2-Ala-Ilium screws (S2AI screws) are a suitable alternative. The starting point lies medial of the posterior superior iliac spine below the iliac level. It is almost in line with a potential spinal instrumentation and therefore usually causes fewer soft tissue problems. Although this technique has been widely used in spinal surgery in recent years, its use in orthopaedic traumatology is largely unknown. The possibilities but also the limitations of this technique for the treatment of injuries to the pelvis are illustrated by this retrospective case series.

Sacral fractures: issues, challenges, solutions

Sacral fractures are a heterogeneous group of fractures occurring in young people following road traffic accidents and falls from height, or in the elderly with osteoporosis following trivial trauma.This heterogeneity, combined with the low incidence of sacral fractures, determines a lack of experience amongst physicians, often leading to misdiagnosis, underestimation and inadequate treatment. The diagnosis should be made by assessing specific features during the clinical presentation, while computed tomography (CT) scan continues to be the choice of investigation.Sacral fractures can be treated non-operatively or surgically. Non-operative treatment is based on rest, pain relief therapy and early mobilization as tolerated. Surgical techniques can be split into two main groups: posterior pelvic fixation techniques and lumbopelvic fixation techniques. Anterior pelvic fixation techniques should be considered when sacral fractures are associated with anterior pelvic ring injuries, in order to increase stability and reduce the risk of posterior implant failure. To improve fracture reduction, different solutions could be adopted, including special positioning of the patient, manipulation techniques and use of specific reduction tools. Patients suffering from spinopelvic dissociation with associated neurologic lesions hardly ever recover completely, with residual lower-limb neurologic sequelae, urinary problems and sexual disfunction.Herein, we present issues, challenges and solutions related to the management of sacral fractures. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:299-311. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190064.

Traumatic Spino-pelvic Dissociation with Bilateral Triangular Fixation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of traumatic spino-pelvic dissociation (TSD) treated with modified bilateral triangular fixation.

METHODS

Eighteen consecutive patients of TSD were included in the study from March 2011 to March 2015, and the medical records of patients were reviewed retrospectively. There were 14 men and 4 women with an average age of 33.1 ± 1.4 years (range, 18-55 years). A total of 16 cases were caused by falling, and 2 cases were caused by traffic accident. All sacral fractures had associated injuries. According to the morphology of sacral fracture, U-shaped fractures were present in 10 cases, H-shaped fractures in 6 cases, and Y-shaped fractures in 2 cases. According to Roy-Camille classification, there were 12 cases of type II and 6 cases of type III. All patients received surgical treatment with modified bilateral triangular fixation, and the sacral plexus decompression was performed simultaneously on 6 cases whose scores were more than 2 according to Gibbons classification and were found having traumatic canal stenosis or sacral nerve compression detected by preoperative imaging examination. Mears' radiological evaluation criterion was applied to evaluate the reduction quality of fractures; Gibbons score was applied as the index of neurological deficiency healing, and the clinical outcome of fracture was evaluated with Majeed function assessment at last follow-up.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up continuously within an average of 32.4 ± 3.6 months (range, 22-48 months). All sacral fractures were healed in an average time of 11.3 ± 2.8 months (range, 8-28 months). According to the Majeed function evaluation, 12 cases were classified as excellent, 4 cases as good, and 2 cases as fair. Meanwhile, the anatomical reduction was obtained in 11 cases, satisfactory reduction in 6 cases, and unsatisfactory reduction in 1 case according to Mears' radiological evaluation criterion. The average Gibbons score changed from 2.5 ± 0.2 preoperatively to 1.4 ± 0.5 24 months postoperatively, which had a significant difference (t = 2.15, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Modified triangular fixation combined with internal fixations shows satisfactory clinical outcomes in the treatment of TSD, which is recommended as an effective and advanced surgical choice.

Short-term follow-up of anterior and posterior both column fractures of acetabulum managed through both column plating

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of short-term follow-up of patients of both column acetabular fractures managed through anterior and posterior column plating.

INTRODUCTION

Both column acetabular fractures are challenging articular injuries. Majority of them are treated operatively. The concept of "secondary congruence" was introduced by Letournel. Despite this, biomechanical data on secondary congruence indicate that nonoperative treatment leads to an increase in peak pressures in the supraacetabular region with the potential risk of developing posttraumatic degenerative osteoarthritis. Operative management is therefore justified.

METHODOLOGY

A cohort of 10 patients having both column (anterior and posterior) acetabular fractures managed using bicolumnar plating between January 2016 and December 2017 were enrolled in the study and were analyzed during follow-up period.

RESULTS

In total, 80% of the patients had excellent to good result. Average postoperative score was 85.7. Assessment was done using modified Harris Hip score.

Current concepts in spondylopelvic dissociation

INTRODUCTION

Spondylopelvic dissociation is an uncommon and complex injury that results from high-energy trauma with axial overloading through the sacrum. Due to the life-threatening nature of these injuries, standard Advanced Trauma Life Support^® (ATLS) protocol must be used in the trauma setting as part of the initial management of these patients. The key to diagnosis is a good physical exam coupled with high level of suspicion. Radicular neurological deficits commonly are present in spondylopelvic dissociation (L5's roots) and should be documented for future evaluations. Radiographic views and CT-scan is preferred for the diagnosis.

BIOMECHANICS AND CLASSIFICATION

The authors briefly describe the anatomy and biomechanics of the pelvis, and present the main classifications used to define this rare lesion.

TREATMENT

Discussion about setting the boundaries of surgical stabilization, if there is still a role for conservative treatment, the importance of the initial treatment and the timing of intervention. Decompression is mandatory in the presence of canal compromise and progressive neurological deficit, regardless of biomechanical criteria for surgery. Kyphotic deformity occurs at the site of sacral transverse fracture and also reduces anteroposterior pelvis diameter. The technique of reduction and posterior surgical stabilization is emphasized. If residual kyphosis remains after bilateral lumbopelvic fixation by shifting of the lower sacral segment, we use S2 and/or S3 screws connected to transitional rods to additional reduction. An illustrated case is shown.

COMPLICATIONS

The infection of the wound and the failure of the implants are the most frequent complications of this surgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Posterior stabilization is widely recognized as crucial in the treatment of pelvic disruptions. The concept of circumferential restoration of pelvic ring by bilateral lumbopelvic fixation and anterior fixation seems to be a nice option to increase stabilization and avoid bone misalignment.

[Evaluation of closed multi-axial screws iliosacral fixation system combined with posterior segmental spinal fixation for treatment of unstable sacral fractures]

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of lumbopelvic fixation using the combination of closed multi-axial screws (CMAS) iliosacral fixation system and the posterior segmental spinal fixation for unstable sacral fractures.

Methods

Between January 2013 and November 2014, 25 patients (39 sides) with unstable sacral fractures were treated with lumbopelvic fixation using the combination of CMAS iliosacral fixation system and the posterior segmental spinal fixation. There were 17 males and 8 females, aged 19-55 years (mean, 33.9 years). The causes were traffic accident injury in 15 cases, falling injury from height in 8 cases, and crushing injury in 2 cases. The interval of injury and operation was 1-13 days (mean, 3.5 days). Fracture was classified as Denis type I in 2 sides, type II in 20 sides, and type III in 17 sides; nerve injury was rated as Gibbons grade I in 2 cases, grade II in 2 cases, grade III in 7 cases, and grade IV in 9 cases. The reduction quality was evaluated by Matta criterion, the clinical function outcome by Majeed, and nerve function by Gibbons criterion.

Results

The average operation time was 110 minutes (range, 80-150 minutes). The average blood loss was 570 mL (range, 250-1 400 mL). Superficial wound infection occurred in 2 patients, and was cured after debridement and antibiotic therapy. All patients were followed up for an average of 18 months (range, 15-22 months). Postoperative X-ray and CT examination showed clinical healing of sacral fractures at 8-12 weeks after operation (mean, 10 weeks). The mean removal time of internal fixation was 13 months (range, 12-20 months). No screw loosening and fracture, adhesion of internal fixation to surrounding tissue, and obvious electrolysis phenomenon occurred. According to Matta criterion, reduction was rated as excellent in 32 sides, good in 6 sides, fair in 1 side, and the excellent and good rate was 97.5%. According to Majeed functional scoring at last follow-up, the mean score was 84.7 (range, 64-98); the results were excellent in 18 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 92.0%. The nerve function was significantly improved when compared with preoperative one; nerve injury was rated as Gibbons grade I in 8 cases, grade II in 8 cases, grade III in 3 cases, and grade IV in 1 case.

Conclusion

Lumbopelvic fixation using the combination of CMAS iliosacral fixation system and the posterior segmental spinal fixation is a relatively effective fixation for unstable sacral fractures. Not only is the fracture fixation rigid for early full weight-bearing, but also nerve decompression can be performed which facilitates nerve function recovery.

[Posterior approaches to the pelvic ring]

The posterior pelvic ring is critical for the mechanical stability of the pelvis. There is considerable variability in the degree of traumatic injury to the posterior pelvis which results in damage to the ligaments, the bones or a combination of these two functional structures. For management of combined posterior and anterior pelvic ring injuries it is crucial to decide which side has to be treated with priority. Surgical approaches for the posterior pelvic ring include transiliacal plate osteosynthesis, local plate osteosynthesis, iliosacral screw ostheosynthesis and spinopelvic stabilization. The degree of soft tissue damage represents an important criterion that should be considered when determining the surgical approach because extensive soft tissue damage often prevents enlarged explorative surgical access. Especially in posterior pelvic ring injuries, soft tissues should be preserved as much as possible because long periods of immobilization in severely injured patients can compromise wound healing. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the most commonly used posterior surgical approaches for pelvic ring injuries.