The surgical management of highly unstable fragility fractures of the sacrum with spinopelvic dissociation: A case series and proposal of a surgical treatment algorithm

Abstract

IntroductionU- and H-shaped fragility fractures of the sacrum (FFP IVb) are unstable fractures. Non-operative treatment may be associated with impaired walking abilities, chronic pain and the potential loss of independency. However, different treatment options are still controversially debated. The aim of surgical treatment includes sufficient fracture stability for immediate full weight bearing and good pain control postoperatively. A new surgical treatment algorithm was developed. This algorithm was evaluated in a cohort of geriatric patients with FFP type IVb regarding surgical complications and patient-related outcome. MethodsRetrospective case series. Patients ≥65 years, admitted with FFP IVb between 01/2017 and 12/2020 were included. Pelvic CT was performed and the surgical technique was chosen according to the proposed surgical treatment algorithm. For this algorithm, the technique of fracture stabilisation was adapted to sacral anatomy and the specific fracture pattern to minimize the impact of surgery and postoperative complications without compromising a sufficient fracture stability. Pain levels, complications and surgical revisions were recorded. Level of independency, walking abilities and -aids were compared 3- and 12- months postoperatively to the pre-injury situation. ResultsTwenty-three patients were included. Outcome parameters could be obtained in 20 patients (85%) after three months and in 18 patients (78%) patients one year postoperatively. All patients were treated according to the algorithm. Sixteen patients received two transilio-transsacral screws (TI-TSS), whereas either lumbopelvic fixation (LPF) combined with a TI-TSS or bilateral ilio-sacral screws (ISS) was performed four times. Three patients underwent bilateral ISS into S1 with one TI-TSS into S2. Three days postoperatively, median pain VAS was 2 (0-8) compared to 7 (4-10) before surgery. One loosened TI-TSS was removed six weeks postoperatively. Three-month mortality was 14% (n=3). At one-year follow-up, all patients regained their pre-injury level of walking abilities. ConclusionsRestoration of walking abilities, preservation of independency and efficient pain control can be achieved with surgical fixation of FFP type IVb fractures. With the proposed surgical algorithm, the fixation techniques are adapted to the fracture pattern to minimize the surgical burden. Level of EvidenceIV