Mid-term follow-up after surgical treatment of fragility fractures of the pelvis

Abstract

IntroductionEarly operative treatment of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) has been suggested to reduce pain and allow for earlier mobilization. The aim of this study was to determine mortality and functional outcome after operative treatment. Patients and methodsPatients aged ≥60 years (n = 60; mean age 79 years, 53 female) who had operative treatment of a FFP and a follow-up of at least 2 years were identified and mortality was assessed using a national social insurance database. Those who had survived were contacted by phone and a modified Majeed Score was obtained. ResultsAt final follow up (62 months, range, 29–117), 32 patients (53.3%) had deceased. One-year-mortality rate was 28.3% and 2-year mortality was 36.7%. Mortality was not linked to fracture type (p > .05). Complications during hospitalization occurred in 26/60 patients (43.3%). Patients with a bilateral FFP had a longer hospitalization (18 vs. 11 days; p = .021). The mean modified Majeed score of surviving patients was 65 points (85.5% of achievable maximum). ConclusionMortality and in-hospital complications remain high among patients with FFP even when treated operatively. A longer hospitalization can be expected in patients with posterior bilateral fractures.