Treatment of unstable pelvic ring injuries with vertebropelvic transpedicular fixation

Abstract

In the period from 2011 to 2013 in Botkin City Hospital 17 patients with unstable injuries of pelvic ring and lumbosacral junction were operated using the method of transpedicular vertebropelvic fixation. In the preoperative period a comprehensive instrumental examination, including X-rays and CT was performed in all patients. In 11 (64.7 %) patients neurological complications were detected, of which 4 (23.5%) - cauda equina syndrome (patients with transverse fractures of the sacrum). The follow- up of patients was 1.5 years In all cases the X-ray pattern after surgical treatment was regarded as satisfactory. During the observation period the necessary to remove the fixation devices didn’t appear. The regression rate of neurological symptoms in the postoperative period depend on the severity of the initial injury and the intensity of symptoms. In the group of patients with transverse fractures of the sacrum disorders of pelvic organs remained, caused by primary severe damage in the sacral canal zone. In the other groups there was a gradual regression of motor and sensory disorders in the year after surgery. The complications in the early postoperative period: 2 (11.8 %) cases of delayed healing of surgical wounds in the sacral region (secondary healing) and one (5.9%) case of postoperative wound infection that requested the secondary surgical treatment, rehabilitation and installation of the suction-irrigation system. The method of transpedicular vertebropelvic fixation is effective in the treatment of unstable pelvic injuries if braking-down of gemipelvis is necessary and also in the combined damage of low-lumbar spine.