Current classification and treatment of sacral fractures

Abstract

Sacral fractures are usually caused by high-energy violence, often complicated with injury to the lumbosacral plexus. In severe cases, they may cause instability of the posterior pelvic ring or of the lumbosacral junction. Their classifications commonly used in clinic are Denis, Tile, Isler and refined Denis type Ⅲ ones proposed by Roy-Camille and Gibbons. Recently, classifications of the lumbosacral lesions and scoring systems of the injury severity have often been used clinically. At present, internal instrumentation of sacral fractures is developing along the direction of high efficiency, safety and minimal invasion, but different methods of internal fixation have their own indications which should be strictly followed. This review summarizes the classifications of sacral fractures and their treatment advances. Key words: Sacrum; Fractures, bone; Classification; Therapy