Achieve Closed Reduction of Irreducible, Unilateral Vertically Displaced Pelvic Ring Disruption with an Unlocking Closed Reduction Technique

A Countertraction Closed Reduction Technique in Minimally Invasive Fixation of Recent Type C Pelvic Ring Injuries

OBJECTIVE

Closed reduction of pelvic injuries is a prerequisite and critical step in minimally invasive treatment. Achieving non-invasive closed reduction of pelvic injuries is a challenging clinical problem. This study demonstrated a non-invasive traction technique for closed reduction called countertraction closed reduction technique (CCRT) and evaluated its effectiveness for type C pelvic ring injuries.

METHOD

The data of patients with unstable pelvic fractures treated with CCRT and minimally invasive fixation were retrospectively reviewed from January 2017 to February 2022. Sacroiliac screws were placed to fix the posterior pelvic ring, and internal or external fixation was used to fix the anterior pelvic ring. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, fracture union and postoperative complications were recorded. Fracture reduction quality was evaluated using the Matta scoring criteria. Functional recovery and general quality of life were evaluated using the Majeed functional scoring criteria.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients (nine males and four females), with an average age of 49.6 years were treated with CCRT and followed up for a mean of 18.5 months. The average operation time was 137.2 minutes (range 92-195 minutes), the average intraoperative blood loss was 31.2 mL (range 10-120 mL) and the average duration of hospital stay was 14.3 days (range 4-32 days). All patients achieved bony union with an average union time of 11.9 weeks (range 10-16 weeks). According to the Matta radiographic criteria, the quality of fracture reduction was excellent in eight patients, good in four, and fair in one. The average Majeed functional score was 89.7 (range 78-100). The functional evaluation revealed that the outcomes were excellent in nine patients, and good in four patients. Complications included incision fat liquefaction in one patient, and heterotopic ossification in another patient. There were no surgical complications as a result of CCRT.

CONCLUSION

CCRT is a non-invasive closed reduction method for minimally invasive fixation of fresh Tile C1 and C2 pelvic fractures. The advantages of CCRT combined with minimally invasive treatment include a small surgical incision, reduced intraoperative bleeding, satisfactory fracture reduction, bone healing and functional recovery.

A New Technology Using Mixed Reality Surgical Navigation with the Unlocking Closed Reduction Technique Frame to Assist Pelvic Fracture Reduction and Fixation: Technical Note

BACKGROUND

Pelvic ring disruption (PRD) is a serious trauma associated with high mortality and disability rates. Poor reduction can lead to complications such as pelvic deformity and delayed fracture healing. Here, we introduce a new technology using mixed reality surgical navigation (MRSN) with an unlocking closed reduction technique (UCRT) frame to assist pelvic fracture reduction and fixation.

METHODS

Thirty patients with PRD were enrolled in this study. All of the patients underwent preoperative CT scans, with the pelvis and tracker segmented into three-dimensional models. Under MRSN guidance, auxiliary reduction screws were inserted to grasp the pelvic bone. An ideal trajectory for closed reduction was planned, and suitable CS screws were used for stable fixation after good reduction. Operation time, fluoroscopy frequency, and both Matta and Majeed scores were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 10.8 months (7.5, 12.25 months) (range 6-24 months). The average duration of operation was 212.5 min (187.5, 272.8 min) (range 133-562 min), and the average reduction time was 23.0 min (15.0, 42.5 min) (range 10-70). The average fluoroscopy frequency was 34.0 times (31.5, 52.5 times) (range 23-68 times). One hundred and fifty screws were successfully inserted on the first attempt. All the fractures healed well with no complications. Excellent reduction quality (Matta score ≤4 mm) was achieved in 29/30 cases, and good reduction quality (Matta score between 4 and 10 mm) was achieved in 1/30 cases. All patients achieved bone healing after an average of 4.0 months (3.5, 5.9 months) (range 3-6), as well as good function recovery with an average Majeed score of 91.0 (87.8, 95.0) (range 71-100).

CONCLUSION

The MRSN technique described improved reduction accuracy and radiation exposure without considerable extension of operation time.

Minimally invasive surgery technique for unstable pelvic ring fractures with severe vertical shear displacement: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Unstable pelvic fractures, especially vertical shear fractures, require surgery for correct reduction, rigid fixation, and improved postoperative outcomes. Herein, we assess the effectiveness of our minimally invasive procedure for the management of unstable pelvic fractures.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that this procedure would be useful for the management of unstable pelvic fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 28 patients with unstable pelvic fractures (vertical shear injuries; AO types C1-3) treated using minimally invasive surgery for spinopelvic fixation (MIS-SP) between 2014 and 2020 (mean follow-up time, 15 months). The MIS-SP requires four percutaneous pedicle screws and four iliac screw insertions. Subsequently, reduction and fixation are performed.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative displacement of the posterior pelvic elements in craniocaudal correction was 17.6 (range, 9.0-32.2) mm. The mean length of the craniocaudal reduction was 16.5 (8.1-30.1) mm, with a mean reduction rate of 93.5% (78%-100%). The mean length of the mediolateral reduction was 11.3 (3.9-19.6) mm, with a mean reduction rate of 87.3% (76%-100%).

DISCUSSION

Our novel reduction and fixation procedure is a powerful, minimally invasive option for the treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

[Early effectiveness of computer navigation system-assisted transiliac-transsacral screws placement for posterior pelvic ring injuries]

Objective

To investigate the early effectiveness of transiliac-transsacral screws internal fixation assisted by augmented reality navigation system HoloSight (hereinafter referred to as "computer navigation system") in the treatment of posterior pelvic ring injuries.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was made in the 41 patients with posterior pelvic ring injuries who had been treated surgically with transiliac-transsacral screws between June 2022 and June 2023. The patients were divided into navigation group (18 cases, using computer navigation system to assist screw implantation) and freehand group (23 cases, using C-arm X-ray fluoroscopy to guide screw implantation) according to the different methods of transiliac-transsacral screws placement. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, causes of injuries, Tile classification of pelvic fracture, days from injury to operation, usage of unlocking closed reduction technique between the two groups ( P>0.05). The time of screw implantation, the fluoroscopy times, the guide wire adjustment times of each screw, and the incidence of complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The position of the transiliac-transsacral screw was scanned by CT within 2 days after operation, and the position of the screw was classified according to Gras standard.

Results

The operation was successfully completed in both groups. The time of screw implantation, the fluoroscopy times, and the guide wire adjustment times of each screw in the navigation group were significantly less than those in the freehand group ( P<0.05). There were 2 cases of incision infection in the freehand group, and the incision healed by first intention after active dressing change; there was no screw-related complication in the navigation group during operation and early period after operation; the difference in incidence of complications between the two groups (8.7% vs. 0) was not significant ( P=0.495). According to the Gras standard, the screw position of the navigation group was significantly better than that of the freehand group ( P<0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with the traditional freehand method, the computer navigation system assisted transiliac-transsacral screws internal fixation in the treatment of posterior pelvic ring injuries has advantages of improving the accuracy of screw implantation and reducing radiation damage and the time of screw implantation.

Displaced posterior pelvic ring fractures treated with an unlocking closed reduction technique: Prognostic factors associated with closed reduction failure, reduction quality, and fixation failure

PURPOSES

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of the unlocking closed reduction technique (UCRT) for the displaced posterior pelvic ring fractures and to analyze the factors associated with failure of closed reduction and fixation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from patients admitted with displaced posterior pelvic ring fractures initially treated with the URCT from July 2017 to January 2020 were extracted. Clinical and radiological factors including fracture classification, interval days from injury to surgery, number of screws, and type of fixation for the posterior pelvic ring were analyzed to evaluate their correlation with closed reduction failure, reduction quality, and fixation failure. Then a logistic regression model was used for statistical analysis to eliminate confusion factors.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients with displaced posterior pelvic ring fractures were followed for a mean of 1.7 years after surgery. Successful closed reduction and percutaneous fixation were achieved for 89 patients (91.8%), of which 82 patients (92.1%) achieved an excellent or good reduction. Closed reduction failure which converted to open reduction was recorded for eight patients (8.2%). AO/OTA type C3 fracture (p = 0.036) and osteoporosis (p = 0.012) were significant factors for closed reduction failure. Excellent was recorded for 76 patients (78.4%) and acute (1-21 days) interval days from injury to surgery was an associated factor for reduction quality. For AO/OTA type C1 fractures, no more than two short screws (unilateral iliosacral screws) or a single long screw (transiliac-transsacral screws) were independent prognostic factors of fixation failure (p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Displaced posterior pelvic ring fractures treated with the UCRT are associated with excellent/ good radiological results. However, in patients with AO/OTA type C3 pelvic fracture and osteoporosis, the backup plan of open reduction should be routinely prepared. The patient should be brought to the operating room within three weeks to get a good reduction result. Two long screws or one long screw combined with two short screws are required to create a strong construct for AO/OTA type C1 pelvic fractures.

Autonomous path planning for robot-assisted pelvic fracture closed reduction with collision avoidance

BACKGROUND

Robot-assisted pelvic fracture closed reduction (RPFCR) positively contributes to patient treatment. However, the current path planning suffers from incomplete obstacle avoidance and long paths.

METHOD

A collision detection method is proposed for applications in the pelvic environment to improve the safety of RPFCR surgery. Meanwhile, a defined orientation planning strategy (OPS) and linear sampling search (LSS) are coupled into the A* algorithm to optimise the reduction path. Subsequently, pelvic in vitro experimental platform is built to verify the augmented A*algorithm's feasibility.

RESULTS

The augmented A* algorithm planned the shortest path for the same fracture model, and the paths planned by the A* algorithm and experience-based increased by 56.12% and 89.02%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The augmented A* algorithm effectively improves surgical safety and shortens the path length, which can be adopted as an effective model for developing RPFCR path planning.

Pelvic Reduction Frame Facilitating Percutaneous Fixation to Pelvic Fractures

This article is a retrospective report of the outcome of 43 unilateral unstable, vertically displaced pelvic ring injuries using a reduction frame which is attached to the OR table, along with special instruments allowing "unlocking" of the fracture to facilitate reduction. The frame utilized by the authors is a modification of the Starr Frame® (Starr Frame, LLC, Richardson), which has been refined to be lower profile, more accessible, and more versatile in pin placement. They have also reported a new attachment for the frame to apply lateral traction to the fractured hemipelvis. The authors provide a detailed description of the techniques involved in securing the patient to the frame and table, and then the stepwise application of multiplanar tractions to the fractured hemipelvis. Their technique of unlocking closed reduction (UCRT) involved controlled application of lateral distraction to disimpact the compressed or overlapping fractured bone surfaces, followed by distal and anterior traction through a femoral supracondylar pin, and direct manipulation of the hemipelvis through a supracetabular "LC-2" half pin. Reduction is followed by percutaneous fixation using 7.3-mm cannulated screws across the posterior ring and either external fixation or subcutaneous supra-acetabular pedicle screw internal fixation device (INFIX) anteriorly.

[Effectiveness of three-dimensional visible technique without fluoroscopy versus two-dimensional fluoroscopy in reduction of unstable pelvic fractures]

Objective

To compare the reduction qualities of three-dimensional visible technique without fluoroscopy and two-dimensional fluoroscopy for unstable pelvic fractures during operations.

Methods

The clinical data of 40 patients with unstable pelvic fractures, who met the selection criteria in three clinical centers between June 2021 and September 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. According to the reduction methods, the patients were divided into two groups. Twenty patients in trial group were treated with unlocking closed reduction system combined with three-dimensional visible technique without fluoroscopy; 20 patients in control group with unlocking closed reduction system under two-dimensional fluoroscopy. There was no significant difference in the gender, age, injury mechanism, Tile type of fracture, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and the time between injury to operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The qualities of fracture reduction according to the Matta criteria, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture reduction time, times of fluoroscopy, and System Usability Scale (SUS) score were recorded and compared.

Results

All operations were successfully completed in both groups. According to the Matta criteria, the qualities of fracture reduction were rated as excellent in 19 patients (95%) in trial group, which was better than that in the control group (13 cases, 65%), with a significant difference ( χ ²=3.906, P=0.048). The operative time and intraoperative blood loss had no significant differences between the two groups ( P>0.05). The fracture reduction time and times of fluoroscopy were significantly less in trial group than in control group ( P<0.05), and SUS score in trial group was significantly higher in trial group than in control group ( P<0.05).

Conclusion

Compared to using unlocking closed reduction system under two-dimensional fluoroscopy, three-dimensional visible technique without fluoroscopy can significantly improve the reduction quality of unstable pelvic fractures without prolonging the operative time, and is valuable to reduce iatrogenic radiation exposure for patients and medical workers.

Intelligent robot-assisted minimally invasive reduction system for reduction of unstable pelvic fractures

OBJECTIVE

Currently, minimally invasive internal fixation is recommended for the surgical treatment of unstable pelvic fractures. The premise and difficulty of minimally invasive internal fixation are minimally invasive reduction of fractures. This review aimed to investigate the indications, surgical strategy and techniques, safety, and efficacy of intelligent robot-assisted fracture reduction (RAFR) system of pelvic ring injuries.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed a case series from March 2021 to November 2021. A total of 22 patients with unstable pelvic fracture injuries underwent minimally invasive internal fixations. All pelvic ring fractures were reduced with our intelligent RAFR system. The robot system intelligently designs the optimal position and reduction path based on the patient's preoperative 3D CT. During the operation, the three-dimensional visualization of the fracture is realized through image registration, and the Robot completes the automatic reduction of the fracture. The global 3D point cloud error between the preoperative planning results and the actual postoperative reduction results was calculated. The postoperative reduction results of residual displacement were graded by the Matta Criteria.

RESULTS

Minimally invasive closed reduction procedures were completed in all 22 cases with our RAFR system. The average global 3D point cloud reduction error between the preoperative planning results and the actual postoperative reduction results was 3.41mm±1.83mm. The mean residual displacement was 4.61mm±3.29mm. Given the Matta criteria, 16 cases were excellent, five were good, and one was fair, with an excellent and good rate of 95.5%.

CONCLUSION

Our new pelvic fracture reduction robot system can complete intelligent and minimally invasive fracture reduction for most patients with unstable pelvic fractures. The system has intelligent reduction position and path planning and realizes stable pelvis control through a unique holding arm and a robotic arm. The operation process will not cause additional damage to the patient, which fully meets the clinical requirements. Our study demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of our robotic reduction system and its applicability and usability in clinical practice, thus paving the way towards Robot minimally invasive pelvic fracture surgeries.

Gradual Traction Reduction With the Ilizarov Method for Tile C1.2 Old Pelvic Fracture: A Case Report

CASE

A 20-year-old man with a Tile C1.2 pelvic fracture was treated with skeletal traction. After 3 months, the patient was unable to stand and walk, and the right lower limb was shortened by 7 cm. Radiographs showed that the sacroiliac joint dislocation was not reduced. Gradual traction reduction with the Ilizarov method was used to correct sacroiliac joint dislocation, and open internal fixation was performed. Postoperatively, the old pelvic fracture was successfully reduced without sacral plexus injury.

CONCLUSION

Gradual traction reduction with the Ilizarov method can reduce the risk of sacral plexus injury and achieve satisfactory reduction of Tile C1.2 old pelvic fractures.

[A multicenter retrospective study assessing pelvic unlocking closed reduction device for reducing unstable pelvic posterior ring disruption]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the application value and effectiveness of pelvic unlocking closed reduction device for the treatment of unstable pelvic posterior ring disruption.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 243 cases of unstable pelvic posterior ring disruption treated with pelvic unlocking closed reduction device in 13 orthopaedic trauma centers across the country between December 2018 and June 2020 was performed. There were 139 males and 104 females; the age ranged from 18 to 92 years, with an average age of 48.5 years. The cause of injury included 132 cases of traffic accident injuries, 102 cases of falling from height, and 9 cases of crushing injuries. According to AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, there were 5 cases of type 61-B1, 13 cases of type 61-B2, 32 cases of type 61-C1.1, 47 cases of type 61-C1.2, 89 cases of type 61-C1.3, 35 cases of type 61-C2, and 22 cases of type 61-C3. The time from injury to operation was 2-121 days, with a median of 10 days. Preoperative preparation time, installation time of unlocking closed reduction device, fracture reduction time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, intraoperative blood loss, and surgical complications were recorded, and Matta scoring standard was used to evaluate the quality of fracture reduction. According to Matta evaluation results, the patients were divided into two subgroups: excellent-good group and fair-poor group. The differences in gender, age, time from injury to operation, AO/OTA classification, and perioperative clinical indicators were compared between the two groups, and the effects of baseline data and perioperative indicators on the quality of fracture reduction were studied.

RESULTS

Pelvic unlocking closed reduction device did not interfere with the display of the pelvic structure and fracture displacement direction during the intraoperative fluoroscopy, effectively correcting the displacement of the pelvic ring. The preoperative preparation time was 17-60 minutes, with an average of 30 minutes; installation time of unlocking closed reduction device was 10-32 minutes, with an average of 21 minutes; intraoperative fracture reduction time was 15-205 minutes, with an average of 49.2 minutes; intraoperative fluoroscopy times were 41-420 times, with an average of 132 times; intraoperative blood loss was 40-1 500 mL, with an average of 71.5 mL. The reduction quality of pelvic fracture was evaluated according to Matta score immediately after operation. The results were excellent in 153 cases, good in 61 cases, fair in 24 cases, and poor in 5 cases. The excellent and good rate was 88.1%. Further subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference in other indexes ( P>0.05) between the excellent-good group and the fair-poor group except for the time from injury to operation and AO/OTA classification ( P<0.05). Among them, the excellent-good reduction rate was 92.2% (119/129) in patients with injury-to-operation time less than 10 days, and the fair-poor reduction rate was 25.7% (9/35) and 40.9% (9/22) in patients with AO/OTA 61-C2 and 61-C3 types, respectively. There was no surgery-related complication due to the application of the pelvic unlocked reduction device, no secondary iliac fractures, vascular, or nerve injuries, and postoperative CT showed that all channel screws were located in the osseous channel.

CONCLUSION

The pelvic unlocking reduction device can effectively help to reduce the unstable pelvic posterior ring and maintain reduction, meet the needs of different projection angles of pelvic fracture with intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopy. The system facilitate the operation of pelvic reduction and precise fixation.

Lateral Compression Type 2 Pelvic Fractures-A Clinical Study of Fracture Displacement Measurement and Closed Reduction

Objective

To evaluate the displacement in four lateral compression type 2 (LC2) fracture subtypes (iliac wing and three kinds of crescent fractures) and to investigate the appropriate closed reduction for treatment using a pelvic reduction frame.

Methods

A total of 71 patients with LC2 pelvic fractures from February 2014 to November 2019 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Preoperative X‐ray and computed tomography data were used to assess the direction of the fracture displacement and the sacroiliac joint dislocation. The fractures in all patients were reduced with a pelvic reduction frame and fixed with percutaneous screws as well as an anterior subcutaneous pelvic ring internal fixator. Two different closed reduction strategies were adopted, one was first longitudinal traction and then transverse traction, the other was first transverse traction then longitudinal and LC2 traction. The Matta score system was used to evaluate the postoperative X‐ray and the Majeed score system was used for follow‐up evaluation.

Results

A total of 13 iliac wing fractures (86.7%) and 16 Day type 1 fractures (94.1%) were vertically stable with only internal displacement, the ring width displacements were 5 (3, 8.75) and 8 (4, 12) mm, the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) differences were 0 (0, 0) mm and 0 (0, 0) mm. A total of 21 Day type 2 fractures (95.5%) and 16 Day type 3 fractures (94.1%) were characterized by cephalic and dorsal fracture dislocation on the basis of internal displacement, the ring width displacements were 6 (4.25, 12) and 4 (0, 7.5) mm and the PSIS differences were 4 (2, 5) and 0 (0, 3.75) mm. Based on the Matta scores, excellent reduction was achieved in 51 patients, good reduction in 17 patients, and poor reduction in three patients. The average Majeed score was 91.6, with a minimum outpatient follow‐up of 12 months (average 31.6 months).

Conclusion

LC2 fractures involve two different kinds of fracture displacement: internal displacement only and a combination of internal, cephalic, and dorsal dislocation through the sacroiliac joint. Good clinical outcomes can be achieved for LC2 fractures using two different closed reduction strategies.