Is Percutaneous Screw Fixation with 6.5 mm Cannulated Cancellous Screws a Viable Option in Pelvic Ring Fractures?

Abstract

Background Historically, internal fixation in pelvic ring fractures has been proven to be better in outcome than both external fixation and conservative management. In an attempt to overcome the morbidity of extensile surgical approaches, percutaneous fixation of the pelvis has been receiving increasing attention. The aim of the study was to assess the functional outcome in patients with pelvic ring fractures treated with percutaneous screw fixation. Methods The study included 12 patients of pelvic ring fracture admitted at NSCB medical college, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) from December 2019 to October 2021, all treated percutaneously with cannulated cancellous screw fixation. Four patients had Tiles type C1 injury, 4 patients with type C2, 2 with type B1 and 2 with type A2 injury. Functional assessment was done using the Majeed Scoring system at preoperative, at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively. Results Functional outcome score at 3-month follow-up was poor in 8% patients, fair in 8% patients, good in 33.3% patients, and excellent in 50% patients. Pain was the most frequent complaint on follow-up. Conclusion Fixation of acute pelvic ring injuries with 6.5 mm cc screws using percutaneous technique offers favorable functional outcome and can be performed in hemodynamically unstable patients.