Pelvic Internal Fixation Research Articles

A nerve-to-implant distance as a novel predictor for lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injuries after anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation.

Although anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation is a valuable tool for the reduction and fixation of unstable pelvic ring injuries, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation by the implant is the most common complication. This study aimed to investigate the association between the nerve-to-implant distance and the postoperative lateral femoral cutaneous nerve symptom. Patients who underwent anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve status was defined as follows: not identified, nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm, and ≥13 mm. The proportion of patients who experienced postoperative nerve disorders was compared using the nerve status. Nerve-to-implant distances were compared using the presence or absence of postoperative lateral femoral cutaneous nerve disorders. The predictive value of a nerve-to-implant distance of 13 mm for postoperative nerve disorders was assessed. Overall, 26 lateral femoral cutaneous nerves were included. Ten patients had postoperative nerve disorders, of which seven had an nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm, while the other three occurred in patients whose nerves were not identified. A nerve-to-implant distance ≥13 mm was significantly associated with a decreased risk of postoperative nerve disorder compared to a nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm (p = 0.017). A nerve-to-implant distance ≥13 mm had a perfect sensitivity (100%) and modest specificity (58.3%). Nerve-to-implant distance was ≥13 mm. Nerve disorders were frequently observed when the nerve-to-implant distance was <13 mm or the nerve was not identified intraoperatively. Efforts to identify the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve may be useful to avoid internal fixation-related nerve disorders.

PUBIC SYMPHYSIS DIASTASIS TREATED WITH ANTERIOR SUBCUTANEOUS INTERNAL PELVIC FIXATOR A CASE REPORT

This is a new method of treatment for Pubic Symphysis diastasis with anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation (later called as INFIX) using pedicle screws and a spinal rod. Pedicle screw and Spinal rod was used to address shortcomings of external fixation (EXFIX).Pedicle screws were passed into AIIS through small incision. Contoured Spinal rod of suitable length passed across the lower abdominal wall in subcutaneous plane, compression achieved manually and rod connected to screws and tightened. Patient is able to tolerate implants and is able to sit, stand and walk without difficulty. Complications include lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation, which resolved after 5weeks. Appearance of INFIX provides a new alternative treatment; INFIX is minimally invasive and time-saving for treatment of anterior pelvic ring injuries. The EXFIX is an effective tool for anterior ring fixation and has been widely used. However, it is associated with many complications such as pin-track infection, aseptic loosening and loss of reduction. INFIX is less disabling for treatment of Pubic Symphysis Diastasis.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Failure of internal fixation of the anterior ring for unstable pelvic fractures, the experience of a single institute

BackgroundThis study aimed to share our experience of anterior ring fixation failure for unstable pelvic fractures and propose corresponding treatment strategies.MaterialsFrom January 2009 to December 2018, 93 charts of patients with pelvic fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with failure of the anterior ring internal fixation within 3 months after initial surgery were analyzed. Quality of reduction was evaluated using the Majeed scoring system. Patients aging ≥ 18 years, with unstable pelvic fractures, Tile classification type B and type C pelvic fractures, combined injury of other organs that did not affect the operation and without important neurovascular damage were included. The exclusion criteria included: (1) pathological fracture, or combined with pelvic bone tumor or severe osteoporosis; (2) femoral fracture and thoracolumbar fracture; (3) open pelvic fracture; (4) Morel-Lavallée injury; (5) complicated acetabular fracture. The quality of the reduction of the anterior pelvic ring injury was evaluated on the x-ray film using the Majeed scoring system.ResultsAccording to the Tile classification of fracture, there were 23 cases of type B1, 17 cases of type B2, 11 cases of type B3, 28 cases of type C1, 6 cases of type C2, and 8 cases of type C3. The duration from injury to pelvic internal fixation ranged from 5 to 28 days. Seven out of 93 patients experienced failure of internal fixation of the anterior pelvic ring within 3 months, including 2 patients fixed with an external fixator and 5 patients fixed with a plate. Five patients undergoing revision surgery were followed up for 6–36 months with an average of 18 months. According to Majeed’s score at the last follow-up in the 5 patients undergoing revision surgery, there were 2 cases of excellent, 2 cases of good, 1 case of fair. The excellent and good rate reached 80%.ConclusionThe treatment of complicated unstable pelvic fractures requires performing internal fixation surgery within 2 weeks. It is necessary to make a preoperative plan and stabilize the posterior ring first, avoiding a single steel plate crossing the pubic symphysis.

Modified pedicle screw-rod versus anterior subcutaneous internal pelvic fixation for unstable anterior pelvic ring fracture: a retrospective study and finite element analysis

ObjectivesThis study compared the stability and clinical outcomes of modified pedicle screw-rod fixation (MPSRF) and anterior subcutaneous internal pelvic fixation (INFIX) for the treatment of anterior pelvic ring fractures using the Tornetta and Matta grading system and finite element analyses (FEA).MethodsIn a retrospective review of a consecutive patient series, 63 patients with Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA)/Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type B or C pelvic ring fractures were treated by MPRSF (n = 30) or INFIX (n = 33). The main outcome measures were the Majeed score, incidence of complications, and adverse outcomes, and fixation stability as evaluated by finite element analysis.ResultsSixty-three patients were included in the study, with an average age of 34.4 and 36.2 in modified group and conventional group, respectively. Two groups did not differ in terms of the injury severity score, OTA classification, cause of injury, and time to pelvic surgery. However, the MPSRF group had a rate of higher satisfactory results according to the Tornetta and Matta grading system than the conventional group (73.33% vs 63.63%) as well as a higher Majeed score (81.5 ± 10.4 vs 76.3 ± 11.2), and these differences were statistically significant at 6 months post-surgery. FEA showed that MPSRF was stiffer and more stable than INFIX and had a lower risk of implant failure.ConclusionsBoth MPSRF and INFIX provide acceptable biomechanical stability for the treatment of unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures. However, MPSRF provides better fixation stability and a lower risk of implant failure, and can thus lead to better clinical outcomes. Therefore, MPSRF should be more widely applied to anterior pelvic ring fractures

Infection after the use of INFIX in Pelvic Ring Injuries.

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to report on infection with anterior subcutaneous internal pelvic fixation (INFIX) for pelvic ring injuries and the outcomes of treatment. Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective study was performed using trauma databases of a level one and level two trauma center from 2012–2018. Infection after the INFIX procedure was diagnosed in 10 of 179 cases. Treatment included formal irrigation and debridement, removal of the hardware, and culture-specific antibiotics. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Recorded outcomes include X-rays, Majeed scores, and the presence of any loss of reduction using reduction parameters. Results: Time to detect the infection was 54.2 ± 24.3 days (range 24–90, median 56 days). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria isolated. The average follow-up was 830 ± 170 days (range 575–1088 days). All patients went on to the radiographic union. There were no recurrent infections or osteomyelitis at the latest follow-up. Patients maintained their reduction after INFIX removal (KI), and Majeed scores ranged from 72 to 96 (seven good, three excellent). Discussion: Infections after using the INFIX procedure were dealt with by irrigating and debriding the wounds, removing the INFIX with culture-specific antibiotics for 2–6 weeks. Implants were maintained for at least 25 days, and there was no loss of reduction. There were no long-term sequelae noted in this small series or the literature review included in this paper.

Comparison of effectiveness of anterior subcutaneous internal fixator and plate internal fixation for unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures

To compare the effectiveness of anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixator (INFIX) and plate internal fixation in treatment of unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures. The clinical data of 48 patients with unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures who met the selection criteria between June 2014 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 21 cases were treated with INFIX (INFIX group), and 27 cases were treated with plate (plate group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and fracture type between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, partial weight-bearing time, and complete weight-bearing time were recorded and compared between the two groups. Matta standard was used to evaluate the quality of fracture reduction, and Majeed score system was used to evaluate the functional recovery of pelvic fracture after operation. The patients in both groups were followed up for an average of 12.5 months (range, 6-16 months). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in INFIX group were significantly lower than those in plate group ( t=-11.965, P=0.000; t=-20.105, P=0.000). There was no significant difference in the quality of fracture reduction, fracture healing time, partial weight-bearing time, and complete weight-bearing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 14 weeks after operation, there was no significant difference in the scores of pain, working, standing and walking, and total scores between INFIX group and plate group ( P>0.05), but there were significant differences in sitting and sexual intercourse scores ( t=-4.250, P=0.003; t=-6.135, P=0.006). The incidences of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury, femoral nerve injury, and heterotopic ossification were significantly higher in INFIX group than in plate group ( P<0.05), while the incidence of incision infection was lower in INFIX group than in plate group ( P<0.05). Compared with the plate internal fixation, the INFIX internal fixation can obtain the similar effectiveness for the unstable anterior pelvic ring fracture and has the advantages of shorter operation time, less blood loss, and lower risk of infection.

Feasibility of Early Definitive Internal Fixation of Pelvic Bone Fractures in Therapeutic Open Abdomen

Purpose: Damage control laparotomy has contributed to improved survival rates for severe abdominal injuries. A large part of severe abdominal injury occurs with a concomitant pelvic bone fracture. The safety and effectiveness of internal fixation of pelvic bone fracture(s) has not been established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate infection risk in the pelvic surgical site in patients who underwent emergent abdominal surgery. Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study was based on data collected from a prospectively maintained registry between January 2015 and June 2019. Patients who underwent laparotomy and pelvic internal fixation were included. Individuals <18 and ≥80 years of age, those with no microbiological investigations, and those who underwent one-stage abdominal surgery were excluded. Comprehensive statistical comparative analysis was not performed due to the small number of enrolled patients. Results: A total of six patients met the inclusion criteria, and the most common injury mechanism was anterior-posterior compression (67%). The average duration of open abdomen was 98 hours (range, 44-198), and the time interval between abdominal closure and pelvic surgery was 98 hours. One patient (16.7%) died due to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. Micro-organisms were identified in the abdominal surgical site in five patients (83%), with no micro-organisms in pelvic surgical sites. There was no unplanned implant removal. Conclusions: Internal fixation of pelvic bone fracture(s) could be performed in the state of open abdomen, and the advantages of early fixation may countervail the risks for cross contamination.

Pedicle screw internal fixation versus subcutaneous anterior pelvic internal fixation in treatment of pelvic anterior ring fractures

Objective To compare pedicle screw internal fixation (PSIF) and subcutaneous anterior pelvic internal fixation (APIF) in the treatment of pelvic anterior ring fractures. Methods A retrospective study was conducted of a consecutive series of 46 patients who had undergone surgery for anterior ring pelvic fractures at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The People’s Hospital of Henan Province from January 2014 to September 2018. Of them, 20 were treated by PSIF and 26 by APIF. In the PSIF group, there were 12 males and 8 females with an age of 47.8±2.4 years, and 6 cases of B1, 9 cases of type B2, 4 cases of type B3 and one case of type C1 by the Tile’s classification; in the APIF group, there were 16 males and 10 females with an age of 49.6±1.2 years, and 9 cases of B1, 8 cases of type B2, 5 cases of type B3, 2 cases of type C1 and 2 cases of type C2 by the Tile’s classification. The 2 groups were compared in terms of surgical or postoperative complications (including iatrogenic nerve injury, infection, implant failure and fracture nonunion), fracture reduction and therapeutic efficacy at the final follow-up. Results There were no significant differences between the 2 groups of patients in their preoperative general data, indicating they were compatible(P>0.05). The 46 patients were followed up for 9 to 18 months (mean, 13.5 months). In the PSIF and APIF groups, the incidences of injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve were 5.0%(1/20) and 7.7%(2/26), those of infection 5.0%(1/20) and 3.8%(1/26), and those of skin discomfort 5.0% (1/20) and 7.7%(2/26), respectively. According to the Matta criteria, the fracture reduction at the last follow-up was evaluated as excellent in 7, as good in 11 and as fair in 2 in the PSIF group, giving an excellent and good rate of 90.0%, and as excellent in 9, as good in 13 and as fair in 4 in the APIF group, giving an excellent and good rate of 84.6%. According to the Majeed criteria, the pelvic function at the final follow-up was evaluated as excellent in 10, as good in 7, as fair in 2 and as poor in one in the PSIF group, giving an excellent and good rate of 85.0%, and as excellent in 13, as good in 10, and as fair in 3 in the APIF group, giving an excellent and good rate of 88.5%. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in all the comparisons above (P>0.05). The incidence of femoral nerve parasthesia was 0(0/20) for the PSIF group, significantly lower than that for the APIF groups (3.8%, 1/26) (P<0.05). Conclusion As both PSIF and APIF lead to similar clinical efficacy in the treatment of pelvic anterior ring fracture, either of them can be selected as an appropriate surgical procedure depending on the patient’s situation and surgeon’s experience. Key words: Pelvis; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation, internal; Bone plates; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive

Complications following minimally invasive internal fixation for anterior pelvic ring injury: a Meta-analysis

Objective To summarize the complications and their incidences following Anterior Sub-cutaneous Internal Pelvic Fixation(ASIPF). Methods A comprehensive search was conducted of PubMed Library, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SinoMed, Wanfang Data and China National Knowledge Internet for all articles addressing the postoperative complications of ASIPF published in English and Chinese from January 2009 to November 2018. A proportion Meta-analysis across the studies was performed for the complications after ASIPF (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation, femoral nerve palsy, heterotopic ossification, infection and implant failure) using R software. Results This meta-analysis included 29 clinical studies involving a total of 825 patients. The complications following ASIPF were lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation, femoral nerve palsy, heterotopic ossification, infection and implant failure; their incidences were respectively 12% (95%CI: from 7% to 19%), 3% (95%CI: from 2% to 4%), 30% (95%CI: from 22% to 39%), 4% (95%CI: from 3% to 6%) and 4% (95%CI: from 3% to 6%). Conclusions Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation and heterotopic ossification are common complications following minimally invasive internal fixation for anterior pelvic ring injury. High-quality clinical research is needed into the factors leading to the complications and into their preventive countermeasures. Key words: Pelvis; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation, internal; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive; Complications

Anterior Subcutaneous Internal Pelvic Fixation/INFIX: A Systemic Review.

The purpose of this article is to review the available literature on anterior subcutaneous internal pelvic fixation (ASIPF) to identify indications, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and compare these with alternative fixation methods. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a systematic search on PubMed and Google Scholar was performed. Articles included were in the English language or English translations and published between 2007 and 2018. Studies included were appraised with narrative data synthesis. Twenty-five articles with 496 patients were included. These included 17 case series, with 3 case reports reporting adverse events. ASIPF and the appropriate posterior fixation resulted in healing of pelvic ring injuries in 99.5% of cases. Indications include unstable pelvic ring injuries with the appropriate posterior fixation. Radiographic parameters and outcome measures were infrequently reported. ASIPF is a valuable tool for reduction and fixation in unstable pelvic ring injuries. Complications include lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation (26.3%); heterotopic ossification (36%); infection (3%); and femoral nerve palsy (1%), which is likely related to placing the bar and screws too deep.

Robot-assisted percutaneous screw placement combined with pelvic internal fixator for minimally invasive treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of the combination of robot‐assisted percutaneous screw placement and pelvic internal fixator (INFIX) for minimally invasive treatment of unstable anterior and posterior pelvic ring injuries.MethodsFrom September 2016 to June 2017, twenty‐four patients with unstable anterior and posterior pelvic ring injuries were treated with TiRobot‐assisted percutaneous sacroiliac cannulated screw fixation on the posterior pelvic ring combined with robot‐assisted pedicle screw placement in the anterior inferior iliac spine along with INFIX on the anterior pelvic ring. The results of the treatment, including surgery duration, fluoroscopy frequency, total drilling, amount of blood loss, fracture healing time, and postoperative functional outcomes were recorded and compared with another 21 similar patients who underwent conventional manual positioning surgery.ResultsThe TiRobot group incurred significantly shorter duration of surgery; less fluoroscopy frequency, intraoperative bleeding, and total drilling than in the conventional group (P < 0.05). Postoperative radiological follow‐up showed that all screws were in the safe area and no screw penetrated the cortex. All wounds healed by primary intention and no iatrogenic damage to the blood vessels, nerves, and organs occurred. Patients showed good tolerance to INFIX and reported no discomfort. The mean follow‐up duration was 5.4 months; the fractures were all healed, no loss of reduction occurred, and the mean Majeed score at the last follow‐up did not show any difference.ConclusionTiRobot‐assisted percutaneous screw placement combined with INFIX for the anterior and posterior pelvic ring injuries is accurate, safe, less invasive, and shows satisfactory efficacy, suggesting it is a better method for minimally invasive treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures.

MP25-20 SURVEY OF UROLOGIC AND ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON VIEWS REGARDING THE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH PELVIC FRACTURE URETHRAL INJURIES

You have accessJournal of UrologyTrauma/Reconstruction/Diversion: External Genitalia Reconstruction and Urotrauma (including transgender surgery) II1 Apr 2018MP25-20 SURVEY OF UROLOGIC AND ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON VIEWS REGARDING THE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH PELVIC FRACTURE URETHRAL INJURIES Niels Johnsen, Reza Firoozabadi, and Bryan Voelzke Niels JohnsenNiels Johnsen More articles by this author , Reza FiroozabadiReza Firoozabadi More articles by this author , and Bryan VoelzkeBryan Voelzke More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.857AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Significant controversy exists regarding the management of pelvic fracture urethral injuries (PFUI). While much of the literature focuses on urologic outcomes, the impact of urethral management strategies on orthopedic treatment decisions remains unknown. We surveyed orthopedic and urologic surgeons to assess practice patterns and multi-disciplinary interactions following PFUI. METHODS Anonymous online questionnaires were sent to active clinical members of the Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) and the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS). Participants were queried regarding clinical practice patterns and decision-making in the treatment of PFUI patients. Responses were collected between 9/1/17 and 11/7/17 and aggregated in an online REDCap database. RESULTS 30 OTA and 48 GURS members responded to the survey (response rate of 9% and 17%, respectively). Except for 3 GURS members, all respondents managed PFUI patients annually, with the majority managing between 1 and 10 PFUI per year (69% of GURS respondents vs 93% of OTA respondents). While the preferred management of urethral injuries by GURS respondents was evenly divided (46% suprapubic tube [SPT] and 54% early endoscopic realignment [EER]), 87% of OTA respondents preferred EER. 92% of GURS respondents did not believe that SPT increased the risk of infection following pelvic internal fixation, while 97% of OTA respondents did. 71% of GURS respondents reported that the operative plan of orthopedics was not considered in their choice of EER vs SPT. Conversely, 83% of OTA respondents stated that the presence of a urethral injury affects orthopedic management, with 97% stating that a SPT in particular affects management decision-making. In particular, there was discordance regarding the perceived impact of SPT on choice of internal fixation, with 54% of GURS and 76% of OTA respondents stating that orthopedic surgeons were more inclined to perform external fixation if a SPT was present. Furthermore, 86% of OTA respondents stated that external fixation results in an inferior patient outcome CONCLUSIONS There exists a significant disconnect between urologists and orthopedists regarding the preferred urologic management of PFUI patients and the theoretical risks associated with hardware infection in patients with a SPT. Higher quality data are needed to better elucidate the true infectious risks associated with SPT and improved inter-service dialogue is necessary to maximize patient outcomes. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e334-e335 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Niels Johnsen More articles by this author Reza Firoozabadi More articles by this author Bryan Voelzke More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Minimally invasive anterior pelvic internal fixation: An anatomic study comparing Pelvic Bridge to INFIX

ObjectivesAnterior external fixation for pelvic ring fractures has shown to effectively improve stability and reduce mortality. However, these fixators can be associated with substantial morbidity such as pin tract infection, premature loss of fixation, and decreased quality of life in patients. Recently, two new methods of subcutaneous anterior pelvic internal fixation have been developed; the INFIX and the Pelvic Bridge. These methods have the purported advantages of lower wound complications, less surgical site pain, and improved quality of life.We sought to investigate the measured distances to critical anatomic structures, as well as the qualitative and topographic differences notable during implantation of both devices in the same cadaveric specimen. Materials and methodsThe Pelvic Bridge and INFIX were implanted in eleven fresh cadavers. Distances were then measured to: the superficial inguinal ring, round ligament, spermatic cord, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), femoral nerve, femoral artery, and femoral vein. Observations regarding implantation and topography were also recorded. ResultsThe INFIX had greater measured distances from all structures except for the LFCN, in which its proximity placed this structure at risk. Neither device appears to put other critical structures at risk in the supine position. Significant implantation and topographic differences exist between the devices. The INFIX application lacked “safety margins” concerning the LFCN in 10/11 (90.9%) specimens, while Pelvic Bridge placement lacked “safety margins” with regard to the right superficial ring (1/11, 9%) and the right spermatic cord (1/11, 9%). ConclusionsBoth the Pelvic Bridge and INFIX lie at safe distances from most critical pelvic structures in the supine position, though INFIX application places the LFCN at risk.

The Role of Surgery in the Management of Complex Extraperitoneal Bladder Injury

This review focuses on the evolving role of surgical management for complex extraperitoneal bladder injuries. Despite recommendations from both the AUA and EAU advocating bladder drainage for the treatment of most extraperitoneal bladder injuries, there appears to be an increasing role for early operative intervention in select cases of extraperitoneal bladder injury. Although there is a paucity of contemporary data regarding surgical outcomes, both simple and complex extraperitoneal bladder injuries are wrought with short- and long-term sequelae that may warrant early closure. Catheter drainage of bladder injuries is most appropriate for carefully selected, simple extraperitoneal bladder injuries. Bladder injuries, however, with complex parameters including those with intravesical bony fragments, concomitant internal pelvic fixation, involvement of bladder neck, rectum, and/or vagina, or those undergoing exploratory laparotomy for non-GU injuries, can benefit from early cystorraphy to avoid deleterious short- and long-term complications.

The use of an anterior pelvic internal fixator to treat disruptions of the anterior pelvic ring: a report of technique, indications and complications.

The anterior pelvic internal fixator is increasingly used for the treatment of unstable, or displaced, injuries of the anterior pelvic ring. The evidence for its use, however, is limited. The aim of this paper is to describe the indications for its use, how it is applied and its complications. We reviewed the case notes and radiographs of 50 patients treated with an anterior pelvic internal fixator between April 2010 and December 2015 at a major trauma centre in the United Kingdom. The median follow-up time was 38 months (interquartile range 24 to 51). Three patients were excluded from the analysis leaving 47 patients with complete follow-up data. Of the 47 patients, 46 achieved radiological union and one progressed to an asymptomatic nonunion. Of the remaining patients, 45 required supplementary posterior fixation with percutaneous iliosacral screws, 2 of which required sacral plating. The incidence of injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) was 34%. The rate of infection was 2%. There were no other significant complications. Without this treatment, 44 patients (94%) would have needed unilateral or bilateral open reduction and plate fixation extending laterally to the hip joint. The anterior pelvic internal fixator reduces the need for extensive open surgery and is a useful addition to the armamentarium for the treatment of anterior pelvic injuries. It is associated with injury to the LFCN in a third of patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B.1232-6.

The Pelvic Bridge: A Subcutaneous Approach for Anterior Pelvic Fixation.

An alternative method to external fixation for the treatment of unstable anterior pelvic ring injuries, termed the pelvic bridge technique, provides equivalent results with fewer complications and is performed using occipital cervical rods subcutaneously, with fixation into the iliac wings and parasymphyseal bone. For preoperative planning, review the appropriate imaging, including radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans, to mesh the findings on imaging to the clinical picture of the patient and ensure that the patient meets operative criteria and that none of the contraindications are present. Position the patient to facilitate anterior and posterior fixation. Make the incisions necessary to expose the osseous contour where fixation will be utilized. Carefully contour the plate-rod construct, which is necessary to minimize postoperative complications. Use care when inserting the rod as doing so will help to avoid neurovascular complications. To recreate pelvic stability, the pelvic ring needs to heal in as close to anatomic position as possible and there are multiple methods that help to obtain an adequate reduction. Multiple constructs may be used to stabilize the anterior pelvic ring, but the fundamental principle is to attach the 2 hemipelves to achieve stability, and the location where fixation can be achieved depends on the fracture pattern. Ensure meticulous closure to reduce the chance of infection and achieve appropriate soft-tissue coverage over hardware. Early mobilization is a fundamental goal of this procedure, but the time to full weight-bearing is dependent on fracture characteristics and healing. Anterior pelvic internal fixation (APIF) using the pelvic bridge technique has been demonstrated to have significantly fewer complications than APEF2.

Midterm radiologic and functional outcomes of minimally-invasive fixation of unstable pelvic fractures using anterior internal fixator(INFIX) and percutaneous iliosacral screws.

Anterior pelvic external fixation is associated with pin site infections, aseptic loosening with loss of reduction, frame bulkiness hindering patient mobilization and consequent difficulties in inpatient nursing. We performed a single-center prospective series to evaluate the feasibility, safety, limitations and midterm radiologic and functional outcomes of an alternative minimally invasive pelvic internal fixation technique using an anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixator (INFIX) and percutaneous iliosacral screws in unstable pelvic ring fractures. Fifteen consecutive patients with vertically and/or rotationally unstable pelvic fractures, presenting to a Level-1 trauma center were treated with closed reduction, appropriate posterior stabilization with percutaneous iliosacral screws and anterior INFIX application. Outcomes were analyzed with respect to the quality of fracture reduction (Matta's radiologic criteria), ease of inpatient nursing, patient mobility and comfort, functional outcomes at final follow-up (Majeed score, SF-12 score), social reintegration and complications. Most common injury pattern was AO/OTA type 61-C pelvic fracture in thirteen patients. Mean procedure time and intra-operative blood loss were, 57.1+/-4.9min (range,51-68min) and 115.3+/-26.7ml (range,80-170ml) respectively. Mean follow-up was 34.9+/-4.1 months (range,31-42 months). Fracture reduction was excellent in twelve and good in three patients (Matta's criteria). Functional outcomes were excellent in eight and good in seven patients (Majeed score). Mean SF-12 scores for physical and mental health were 48.58+/-5.61 and 50.89+/-3.97 respectively. Thirteen patients returned to their pre-injury jobs. All fifteen patients reintegrated into society without any restrictions. INFIX was removed at a mean post-operative period of 7.3+/-1.5 months (range,5.5-11 months). Complications included, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation(n=1), superficial wound infection(n=1) and loss of reduction(n=2). Minimally invasive pelvic stabilization using INFIX and percutaneous iliosacral screws is easy to learn and apply, achieves good fracture reduction and definitive stabilization with minimum complications and offers excellent functional outcomes at a minimum follow-up of 31 months. Level IV.

“Anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixator (INFIX), Is it safe?” A cadaveric study

IntroductionAnterior pelvic internal fixator (INFIX) is used to treat unstable pelvic ring injuries. Nerve injury complications with this procedure have been reported. ObjectivesThis anatomic study attempted to identify structures at risk after application of INFIX. Materials and methodsINFIX was applied in fifteen fresh, frozen, anatomical specimens using polyaxial pedicular screws and subcutaneous rods. Surgical dissection was done to identify the structures at risk including the femoral nerve (FN), femoral artery (FA), femoral vein (FV) and the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) related to which are potentially affected by the implant. ResultsAll structures at risk were closer to the rod than to the pedicular screw. Measurements were made between the rod and the structures at risk. The LFCN was an average of 13.49±1.65mm (95% CI 12.871–14.103) from the lateral end of the rod. The FN was an average of 12.43±3.42mm (95% CI 11.151–13.709), the FA was an average of 12.80±3.67 (95% CI 11.430–14.173) and the FV was an average of 13.48±3.73 (95% CI 12.082–14.871) below the rod. No direct compression of the rod to the structure at risk was observed. ConclusionsThe femoral nerve is the structure most at risk of compression by the INFIX rod. Careful surgical technique is required in every step of this surgery. We suggest using polyaxial screws and recommend that during screw insertion the surgeon should leave some space between the screw and rectus fascia. The the rod should be trimmed as short as possible to reduce LFCN irritation.

Urinary tract in jury associated with pelvic fractures

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic trauma associated with urinary tract injury is a severe trauma, mostly caused by traffic accidents and falls from heights. These injuries require urgent treatment and close teamwork between urologic and orthopaedic surgeons. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study there were analyzed patients with pelvic trauma and extraperitoneal injury of urinary tract, treated surgically at Clinic for Ortopaedic Surgery and Traumatology and Urology Clinic in Clinical Center Nis. Surgical intervention in these patients had been realized as the synchronized work of both orthopaedic and urologic surgeons. The pelvis was treated by external and internal fixation. Mitkovic type external fixator was used for pelvic external fixation. Plating was used for pelvic internal fixation. Pelvic fractures were classified using Tile?s classification system. The final functional results had been scored using Majeed score system. RESULTS: There were 42 patients with the injury of pelvic ring, treated at Clinic for Ortopaedic Surgery and Traumatology and at Urology Clinic, Clinical Center Nis, in the period of 01.01.2011. to 31.12.2013, 30 males and 12 females, with average age of 53.69 (19-84) years old. In 80% of cases pelvic fractures were caused by high energy trauma in traffic accidents. According to Tile?s classification, 9 patients (21,42%) had pelvic fracture type A, 23 patients (54,46%) had pelvic fracture type B and 10 patients (23,80%) had pelvic fracture type C. Urinary tract in- jury was diagnosed in 9 patients (21,42%): 5 patients (11,9%) with bladder injury, 3 patients (7,14%) with posterior urethra injury and 1 patient (2,38%) with both bladder and posterior urethra injury. CONCLUSION: Urgent repair of extraperitoneal urinary tract injury by urologic surgeons and synchronized pelvic reduction and fixation using external or internal fixation by ortopaedic surgeon, in the same surgical procedure, is the standard method for treatment of this severe injury.

Failure and Salvage of “INFIX” Instrumentation for Pelvic Ring Disruption in a Morbidly Obese Patient

Open-book pelvic fractures in the obese patient are accompanied by an increased risk of fixation failure. We report on the use of a recently described anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixator, the "INFIX" technique, in a morbidly obese patient. In this case, single and double rod constructs alone did not maintain adequate fixation due to the extreme forces in a morbidly obese patient. Successful salvage of the construct and satisfactory healing was achieved with the addition of 2 cross-links between the double rods of the INFIX.