Osteoporotic pubic rami fracture: a benign injury?

Abstract

We analized patients treated for osteoporotic rami fractures in our hospital. We examined the records of patients presenting to the emergency department with osteoporotic low-impact rami fractures. We describe demographic, previously ambulatory ability, diagnosis, associated injuries, comorbility, complications and 1 year mortality. 60 patients (51 women) with a mean age of 83,5 (range, 65,1-99) years had osteoporotic rami fracture. Six patients had previously a rami fracture and 23 a osteoporotic fracture. 27 patients associated other pelvic fracture. Three pacientes had other extrapelvic fracture and six a craneoencephalic trauma. 41 patients had any complication at follow up. Eigth patients (13,3%) were admitted to hospital with a median length of stay in the hospital of 18 days. Eight (13,3%) patients died within 1 year of injury. Low-impact rami fractures affect predominantly elderly women with pre-existing comorbidities. A substantial amount of complications are described in this fractures with a high 1 year mortality. Early rehabilitation therapy with adequate analgesic therapy should be recommended.