Pelvic Ring Fractures Research Articles

Influence of age on pelvic inlet and outlet radiographic views

Background. Unstable fractures of the posterior pelvic ring represent a pressing concern in trauma surgery. Minimally invasive osteosynthesis techniques have gained widespread acceptance in contemporary practice. Accurate radiographic visualization is a critical component for the precise and successful placement of iliosacral and transsacral screws. Obtaining and accurately interpreting X-ray images can pose challenges in specific clinical situations, particularly those involving age-related skeletal changes. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of the patient’s age on the measures of pelvic radiographic inlet and outlet views angles for performing a sacral fracture fixation using cannulated screws. Methods. A retrospective analysis of CT data was conducted on 106 patients with posterior pelvic ring injuries requiring cannulated screw fixation. Preoperative CT scans were reconstructed into sagittal projections. We performed construction and measurement of the true inlet angle, super-inlet angle, pelvic outlet angle, sacral concavity angle, promontory angle, S1 and S2 outlet view angles. Statistical correlation between sacral tilt angle and the patient’s age was assessed. Results. A two-step cluster analysis divided the patient cohort into two groups with significant differences in pelvic outlet angles and age (N1 = 64, N2 = 42). Statistically significant differences were found between the two clusters in all the studied parameters: median values of true pelvic inlet angles were 27.2° [23.2-32.2] and 18.2° [11.4-26.6] respectively (p0.001); super-inlet angles were 42.5° [39.3-47.8] and 36.2° [28.7-42.8] respectively (p0.001); promontory angles were 128.1° [123.3-133.2] and 122.1° [115.6-129.3] respectively (p = 0.003); pelvic outlet angles were 62.6° [58.4-69.6] and 50.3° [45.9-53.5] respectively (p0.001); S1 outlet angles were 51.8° [48.9-56.5] and 46.8° [43.1-50.2] respectively (p0.001); S2 outlet angles were 40.8° [37.3-44.6] and 35.7° [30.9-38.6] respectively (p0.001); the mean of the sacral concavity angles was 174.8°±10.5 and 152.1°±38.2 respectively (p0.001); and the main age was 41.6±18.7 and 69.2±16.1 years respectively (p0.001). A statistically significant inverse correlation between age and pelvic tilt angle (ρ = 0.534; p0.001) was found. A novel diagnostic method for identifying sacral dysmorphism using angle measurement within the S1 bone corridor is presented. The sacrum was considered dysmorphic if the angle was equal to or less than 5°. Conclusions. As the patient’s age increases by one year, pelvic outlet angle decreases by 26°. If pelvic inlet angles are equal to or less than 14.45°, the difficulties in visualizing S1 and S2 outlet views during surgery are to be expected. The median of angles difference before and after anterior sacral tilt correction using a coccyx pad was 9.4° with interquartile range from 7.8° to 11°. Significant anatomical variations in posterior pelvic ring structure were observed among the study cohort. Preoperative CT sagittal reconstructions allow appropriate planning of intraoperative visualization considering expected intraoperative radiographic inlet and outlet views.

9 Early vs Late Definitive Fixation of Pelvic Ring Fractures in Polytraumatized Patients. a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Aim The aim of this systematic review is to compare the short-term clinical outcomes between early (EDF) and late definitive fixation (LDF) in polytraumatized patients with pelvic ring fractures (PRF). Method The following databases: Embase, Medline and Cochrane Library were searched until June 2022. Studies comparing EDF and LDF for PRF in polytrauma patients defined as ISS >15 were included. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Results Out of 869 studies screened, 10 were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 2918 patients. The most common time point used to define EDF was within 24 hours of hospital admission and LDF (>24hr). The most common reasons for LDF were surgeon’s choice, availability of pelvic surgeon and transfer from other hospitals. Our meta-analysis revealed that EDF was associated with a reduced length of hospital stay (WMD=-3.52 days; 95% CI: [-5.43 to -1.62], p<0.0003) and lower incidence of ARDS (RR=0.48; 95% CI: [0.20 to 1.18], p=0.04). No significant association was found in mortality, length of ICU stays, multi-organ failure, sepsis and surgical site infection between EDF and LDF. Conclusions These findings suggest that early definitive fixation may be a safe and viable option with no increased risk of complications and mortality. However, the adequacy of resuscitation and the estimate of physiologic reserve should be balanced with the risks of operative fixation in all patients. Further prospective validation studies are warranted to test the predictive ability of the various proposed trauma care models and stratify patients for EDF.

Traumatic pelvic ring fracture during pregnancy: a systematic review.

This systematic review aims to investigate the management and outcomes of pelvic ring fractures (PRFs) during pregnancy, emphasizing maternal and fetal mortality rates, mechanisms of injury, and treatment modalities. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search of databases from 2000 to 2023, identifying 33 relevant studies. Data extraction included demographics, fracture types, treatment methods, and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI criteria. Maternal mortality stood at 9.1%, with fetal mortality at 42.4%. Maternal factors impacting mortality included head trauma and hemodynamic instability. Fetal mortality correlated with mechanisms like motor vehicle accidents and maternal vital signs. Surgical and conservative treatments were applied, with a majority of pelvic surgeries performed before delivery. External fixators proved effective in fracture stabilization. Pelvic ring fractures during pregnancy present significant risks to maternal and fetal health. Early stabilization and vigilant monitoring of maternal vital signs are crucial. Vaginal bleeding/discharge serves as a critical fetal risk indicator. The choice between surgical and conservative treatment minimally influenced outcomes. Multidisciplinary collaboration and tailored interventions are essential in managing these complex cases.

Posterior-only fixation in pelvic fractures: Is it sufficient in lateral compression injuries?

PurposeLateral compression (LC) injuries account for more than two-thirds of all pelvic fractures. The goal of surgical treatment is to provide adequate stability and early mobilization. The consensus on posterior fixation of such injuries is strong in the literature; however, the necessity of anterior ring fixation is not clear. Therefore, this study was formulated to determine the practicability of posterior-only fixation in LC injuries. MethodsBetween March 2015 and May 2020, all patients with LC type pelvic ring fractures who were admitted and operated upon in a single level 1 trauma center were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Demographic data, co-morbidities, treatment, types of surgical fixation, concomitant injuries and surgeries, surgical complications, length of hospital stay, injury to weight bearing duration, and follow-up period were documented. Functional outcome and quality of life were assessed using Majeed score and SF-36 questionnaire. Non-normally distributed data were presented as median (Q1, Q3) and normally distributed data were presented as mean ± SD. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used for correlation analysis. ResultsA total of 25 patients were included, with a mean age of 29.8 years. All patients were managed operatively with posterior-only fixation. The median Majeed score was 90 (76, 95). The median physical component summary score was 69.37 (38.75, 85.62). The median mental component summary score was 63.95 (39.25, 87.87). There was no significant difference compared to population norms of both physical component summary and mental component summary. Injury to weight bearing time correlated significantly (p = 0.002) with Majeed score as well as SF-36 score (p = 0.044). No other variable had a significant association with outcomes. ConclusionPosterior-only fixation is sufficient for fixing LC injuries with up to 80% of cases having good to excellent functional outcomes. However, comparative studies with larger sample sizes are needed for further validation.

Surgical Management of a Non-Obstetric Vulvar Hematoma

Purpose: To describe the successful management of a rare non-obstetric vulvar hematoma. Background: While vulvar hematomas are common in obstetric cases, vulvar hematomas due to non-obstetric trauma are rare, representing only 0.8% of all gynecological emergencies. The vulva is made primarily of loose connective tissue richly supplied by branches of the pudendal artery, so it is susceptible to injury by multiple different types of trauma. Because non-obstetric vulvar hematomas are so rare, there is no established consensus for management. In this article, we shall present a patient who, after sustaining multiple injuries from a motor vehicle collision, developed a large vulvar hematoma that was successfully treated with surgical evacuation. Case Description: A healthy 26-year-old female presented to the emergency department following a broadside motor vehicle collision. CT with contrast described multiple pelvic fractures as well as a small volume retroperitoneal hemorrhage anterior to the bladder. There was no evidence of bladder injury or other areas of extravasation. On hospital day 1, she underwent uncomplicated open reduction and internal fixation of pelvic and sacral ring fractures. On hospital day 3, the patient began noticing a painful, rapidly expanding labial hematoma, and OBGYN services were consulted. Despite conservative management with ice and analgesics, the patient described the pain as 10 out of 10. On physical exam the right vulva was found to have a 14 cm hematoma expanding down to the perineum and extending to include the labia majora and labia minora. The area was extremely edematous and tender to light palpation. Swelling distorted the anatomy, occluding the vaginal introitus and obscuring the left labia. A Foley catheter was draining clear urine from the bladder. The following morning, the hematoma had continued to expand and Hgb significantly decreased, so the decision was made to proceed with surgical management. Pre-operative antibiotics were given, and the patient was prepped and draped according to hospital protocol. Hart’s line was injected with a marcaine/lidocaine/epinephrine premixed solution for hemostasis. A 3 cm vertical incision was created along Hart’s line, and the space was bluntly entered using a hemostat. Clotted blood was evacuated from the labial space, and active bleeding was ligated with using Vicryl. Once hemostasis was noted, the incision was loosely closed with interrupted stitches placed widely apart to allow for drainage. The vagina and left labia were examined and found to be normal. The right labial space was packed using kerlix, and the patient was prescribed a 7-day course of oral antibiotics. The patient tolerated the procedure well and reported no vulvar pain on post-op day 1. The vulvar packing was removed without incident, and no bleeding was noted from the incision site. The patient was reevaluated by the OBGYN team on post-op day 8 and was healing very well. She reported very little pain and had no issues with spontaneous urination. On physical exam, the hematoma was nontender to palpation and measured approximately 10 x 5 x 2.5 cm with decreased bruising and areas of discoloration. The patient was discharged with no further issues. Despite multiple attempts to schedule an outpatient appointment, the patient was unfortunately lost to follow-up. Discussion: Non-obstetric vulvar hematomas due to non-obstetric trauma are rare, and with improper management, may lead to significant morbidity. However, there is no established consensus for management, and little literature is available for guidance. Some small studies have reported success with conservative management. Benrubi et al, however, observed that conservative management of vulvar hematomas may be associated with longer hospital stays and increased need for antibiotics and blood transfusions10. A recent retrospective analysis also suggests a preference for surgical management, as a significantly reduced mortality rate was observed in patients who underwent surgical intervention for non-obstetric vulvar trauma. The same study found that while the surgical cohort tended to require a slightly longer hospital stay, there were no differences in ICU days, ventilator days, or rates of UTI between cohorts who had undergone surgical management and those who had undergone conservative management1. Arterial embolization has also been described as an alternative to surgical intervention in select patients, but this approach requires equipment and specialized personnel that may not be readily available to all institutions. Some case studies suggest using rate of expansion or hemodynamic instability as indications for surgical management. Size of the hematoma may also be considered as evidence suggests vulvar hematomas with a diameter greater than 4 cm have a higher potential for skin necrosis. Even when surgical management is clearly indicated there is little data regarding an optimal surgical approach. Conclusion: In this article, we discuss the successful surgical management and short-term follow up of a very large non-obstetric vulvar hematoma. We hope that our surgical approach can add to the small pool of literature available on these rare gynecological cases and help guide future research into developing standardized management guidelines.

Surgical Management of a Non-Obstetric Vulvar Hematoma

Purpose: To describe the successful management of a rare non-obstetric vulvar hematoma. Background: While vulvar hematomas are common in obstetric cases, vulvar hematomas due to non-obstetric trauma are rare, representing only 0.8% of all gynecological emergencies. The vulva is made primarily of loose connective tissue richly supplied by branches of the pudendal artery, so it is susceptible to injury by multiple different types of trauma. Because non-obstetric vulvar hematomas are so rare, there is no established consensus for management. In this article, we shall present a patient who, after sustaining multiple injuries from a motor vehicle collision, developed a large vulvar hematoma that was successfully treated with surgical evacuation. Case Description: A healthy 26-year-old female presented to the emergency department following a broadside motor vehicle collision. CT with contrast described multiple pelvic fractures as well as a small volume retroperitoneal hemorrhage anterior to the bladder. There was no evidence of bladder injury or other areas of extravasation. On hospital day 1, she underwent uncomplicated open reduction and internal fixation of pelvic and sacral ring fractures. On hospital day 3, the patient began noticing a painful, rapidly expanding labial hematoma, and OBGYN services were consulted. Despite conservative management with ice and analgesics, the patient described the pain as 10 out of 10. On physical exam the right vulva was found to have a 14 cm hematoma expanding down to the perineum and extending to include the labia majora and labia minora. The area was extremely edematous and tender to light palpation. Swelling distorted the anatomy, occluding the vaginal introitus and obscuring the left labia. A Foley catheter was draining clear urine from the bladder. The following morning, the hematoma had continued to expand and Hgb significantly decreased, so the decision was made to proceed with surgical management. Pre-operative antibiotics were given, and the patient was prepped and draped according to hospital protocol. Hart’s line was injected with a marcaine/lidocaine/epinephrine premixed solution for hemostasis. A 3 cm vertical incision was created along Hart’s line, and the space was bluntly entered using a hemostat. Clotted blood was evacuated from the labial space, and active bleeding was ligated with using Vicryl. Once hemostasis was noted, the incision was loosely closed with interrupted stitches placed widely apart to allow for drainage. The vagina and left labia were examined and found to be normal. The right labial space was packed using kerlix, and the patient was prescribed a 7-day course of oral antibiotics. The patient tolerated the procedure well and reported no vulvar pain on post-op day 1. The vulvar packing was removed without incident, and no bleeding was noted from the incision site. The patient was reevaluated by the OBGYN team on post-op day 8 and was healing very well. She reported very little pain and had no issues with spontaneous urination. On physical exam, the hematoma was nontender to palpation and measured approximately 10 x 5 x 2.5 cm with decreased bruising and areas of discoloration. The patient was discharged with no further issues. Despite multiple attempts to schedule an outpatient appointment, the patient was unfortunately lost to follow-up. Discussion: Non-obstetric vulvar hematomas due to non-obstetric trauma are rare, and with improper management, may lead to significant morbidity. However, there is no established consensus for management, and little literature is available for guidance. Some small studies have reported success with conservative management. Benrubi et al, however, observed that conservative management of vulvar hematomas may be associated with longer hospital stays and increased need for antibiotics and blood transfusions10. A recent retrospective analysis also suggests a preference for surgical management, as a significantly reduced mortality rate was observed in patients who underwent surgical intervention for non-obstetric vulvar trauma. The same study found that while the surgical cohort tended to require a slightly longer hospital stay, there were no differences in ICU days, ventilator days, or rates of UTI between cohorts who had undergone surgical management and those who had undergone conservative management1. Arterial embolization has also been described as an alternative to surgical intervention in select patients, but this approach requires equipment and specialized personnel that may not be readily available to all institutions. Some case studies suggest using rate of expansion or hemodynamic instability as indications for surgical management. Size of the hematoma may also be considered as evidence suggests vulvar hematomas with a diameter greater than 4 cm have a higher potential for skin necrosis. Even when surgical management is clearly indicated there is little data regarding an optimal surgical approach. Conclusion: In this article, we discuss the successful surgical management and short-term follow up of a very large non-obstetric vulvar hematoma. We hope that our surgical approach can add to the small pool of literature available on these rare gynecological cases and help guide future research into developing standardized management guidelines.

Accuracy and clinical efficacy of robot-assisted transiliac-transsacral screw placement for posterior pelvic ring fractures

To explore accuracy and clinical effect of robot-assisted implantation of sacroiliac penetrating screw in orthopedic surgery for posterior pelvic ring fracture. The clinical data of 24 patients with posterior pelvic ring fracture treated with robot-assisted sacroiliac penetration screws from August 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 10 males and 14 females; aged from 21 to 73 years old with an average of (49.29±14.48) years old;according to Tile pelvic fractures, 13 patients were type B and 11 were type C. The effect of screw placement was evaluated according to Gras criteria based on postoperative CT scan results. At the final follow-up, fracture healing was evaluated according to Matta score, and functional recovery was evaluated by Majeed score. All patients were followed up for 3 to 13 months with an average of (6.00±3.28) months. Totally 36 sacroiliac penetrating screws, 18 S1 penetrating screws, 18 S2 penetrating screws were inserted, a total of 29 were excellent and 7 good according to Gras standard. Screw adjustment times was 0.00 (0.00, 0.75) times. At the final follow-up, Matta score was excellent in 18 patients, 5 good and 1 moderate, and the maximum displacement distance was 2.55 (0.00, 5.65) mm. Majeed score was 84.37±8.38, 15 patients were excellent, 7 good and 2 moderate. Robot could accurately and safely assist in the placement of sacroiliac joint screws for the treatment of posterior pelvic ring fractures, and promote postoperative functional recovery of patients.

Rate of skin and nerve complications as a result of cutaneous traction with modern foam boots

IntroductionCutaneous traction is used to temporize lower extremity fractures and relies on friction between the skin and surrounding material to apply a longitudinal force. This circumferential compressive force can lead to pressure sores, skin sloughing, or compressive neuropathies. These complications have been reported in up to 11% of patients when the cutaneous traction relies on adhesive tapes, plaster, and rubber bandages being in immediate contact with the skin. The rates of these complications are not well documented when using modern foam boots. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on all orthopedic trauma patients who suffered pelvic or lower extremity injuries between March 1st, 2020 and April 30th, 2021 at a single Level-1 trauma center. We included all patients with femoral fractures, axially unstable pelvic ring and/or acetabular fractures, and unstable hip dislocations temporized with the use of cutaneous traction. All patients had intact skin and lower extremity nerve function prior to application. ResultsThere were 138 patients identified with 141 lower extremities. The average patient age was 50.7 (6–100) years. Mean traction weight of 9.8 (5–20) pounds. Average traction duration was 20.9 (2.3–243.5) hours. At the time of traction removal, there was 1 (0.7%) new skin wound and 0 nerve palsies. The new skin wound was a stage one heel pressure sore and did not require further treatment. ConclusionCutaneous traction with a modern foam boot was found to have a skin complication rate of 0.7% and a nerve palsy complication rate of 0% for an overall complication rate of 0.7%, which has not been previously established and is lower than historically reported complication rates of 11% when utilizing adhesive and plaster directly on skin. Foam boot Cutaneous traction may be considered a safe option for traction placement.

Comparison of Operative and Nonoperative Management of Elderly Fragility Pelvic Ring Fractures.

To compare outcomes of nonoperative and percutaneous fixation of geriatric fragility lateral compression 1 (LC1) pelvic ring fractures. Retrospective. Two level 1 trauma centers. Included were patients who were 60 years or older with an isolated LC1 pelvic ring fracture managed nonoperatively or those who failed mobilization and were managed operatively with percutaneous sacral fixation. Patients with high-energy mechanisms of injury or polytrauma were excluded. The primary outcome was pain as measured by using the visual analog scale (VAS) after treatment. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, discharge disposition, mortality, readmission rates, and complications. In total, 231 patients were included with a mean age of 79.5 years (range 60-100). One hundred eighty-five (80.0%) patients were female. Sixty-two (26.8%) patients received percutaneous sacral fixation after failed mobilization, and 169 (73.2%) were managed nonoperatively. In the operative group, the median time to surgery was hospital day 4. Nonoperative patients were older (81.5 ± 10.0 years vs. 74.2 ± 9.4 years, P < 0.01) and had a shorter hospital length of stay (4.8 ± 6.2 days) than the operative group (10.6 ± 9.5 days, P < 0.01). Patients in the operative group had more pain (VAS 7.9 ± 3.0) than those in the nonoperative group (VAS 6.6 ± 3.0) ( P = 0.01) on admission but had similar pain control postoperatively (VAS 4.4 ± 3.0) compared with the nonoperative group (VAS 4.5 ± 3.6) on the equivalent hospital day ( P = 0.91). Thus, patients in the operative group experienced more improvement in pain (VAS 3.3 ± 2.7) compared with the nonoperative group (VAS 1.9 ± 3.9) after treatment ( P = 0.02). Ninety-day mortality ( P = 0.21) and readmission rates ( P = 0.27) were similar for both groups. Two patients in the operative cohort sustained nerve injuries, whereas 1 patient in the nonoperative group had a nonunion and underwent surgery. Patients who undergo percutaneous surgical fixation for low-energy LC1 injuries have similar discharge disposition, mortality, complication rates, and readmission rates compared with patients treated nonoperatively. Percutaneous surgical fixation may provide significant pain relief for patients who failed conservative management. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effects of Obesity on Systemic Complications After Operative Pelvic Ring Fractures.

To determine the effect of obesity on systemic complications after operative pelvic ring injuries. Retrospective cohort study. Single level 1 trauma center. All patients at a level 1 trauma center who underwent operative fixation of a pelvic ring injury from 2015 to 2022 were included. Patients were grouped based on body mass index (BMI) into 4 categories (normal = BMI <25, overweight = BMI 25-30, obese = BMI 30-40, and morbidly obese BMI >40). Systemic complications including acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, sepsis, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, ileus, acute kidney injury (AKI), myocardial infarction, and mortality were recorded. Patients who developed a complication were compared with those who did not regarding demographic and clinical parameters to determine risk factors for each complication. A total of 1056 patients underwent pelvic ring fixation including 388 normal BMI, 267 overweight, 289 obese, and 112 morbidly obese patients. The average age of all patients was 36.9 years, with a range from 16 to 85 years. Overall, 631 patients (59.8%) were male. The overall complication and mortality rates were 23.2% and 1.4%, respectively. BMI was a significant independent risk factor for all-cause complication with an odds ratio of 1.67 for overweight, 2.30 for obese, and 2.45 for morbidly obese patients. The risk of DVT and AKI was also significantly increased with every weight class above normal with ORs of 5.06 and 3.02, respectively, for morbidly obese patients (BMI >40). This study demonstrated that among patients undergoing pelvic ring fixation, higher BMI was associated with increased risks of overall complication, specifically DVT and AKI. As the prevalence of obesity continues to increase in the population, surgeons should be cognizant that these patients may be at higher risk of certain postoperative complications during the initial trauma admission. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Treatment of Tile type C pelvic ring fracture using orthopedic robot combined with Starr pelvis reduction frame

To investigate the clinical effect of orthopedic robot combined with Starr pelvic reduction frame in the treatment of Tile type C pelvic ring fracture. From October 2019 to May 2021, 14 patients with type C pelvic ring fracture were treated with robotic combined with Starr pelvic reduction frame, including 9 males and 5 females. The age ranged from 33 to 69 years. All the 14 patients had fresh closed fractures without femur, tibia and fibula fracture. Surgery was completed from 4 to 7 d after hospital admission. During the operation, the X-ray carbon bed was used, the pelvic ring was reduced by Starr pelvis reduction frame, and pelvic ring fracture was treated by orthopedic robot. Operation time, bleeding volume, fluoroscopy times of single screw placement, fracture reduction quality, affected limb function and complications were observed. Radiological reduction was evaluated using Matta scoring standard, and clinical efficacy was evaluated by Majeed pelvic function scoring system at the final follow-up. All of 14 patients successfully completed the operation, the operation time was 84 to 141 min, the bleeding volume was 20 to 50 ml, and the fluoroscopy times of single screw insertion was 4 to 9 times. All of 14 patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months. The healing time was 3 to 7 months. No complications such as fracture of internal fixation, screw loosening, infection and nerve injury were found. According to the evaluation criteria of Matta imaging reduction, 9 cases were excellent, 4 cases were good, and 1 case was fair. At the final follow-up, Majeed pelvic function scoring system was used:10 cases were excellent, 4 cases were good. The treatment of type C pelvic ring fracture with robotic combined Starr pelvis reduction frame is simple, time-saving, less trauma, less complications and effective.

Antibiotic bone cement covered reconstruction plate for infected anterior pelvic ring fractures

To explore the clinical efficacy of antibiotic bone cement covered reconstruction steel plate in the treatment of infected anterior pelvic ring fracture. From January 2017 to March 2022, 11 patients with infected anterior pelvic ring fracture were treated with antibiotic bone cement covered reconstruction steel plate including 7 males and 4 females and the age ranged from 27 to 49 years old. The pelvic fractures were classified according to the Tile typology: 4 cases of C1 type, 4 cases of C2 type, and 3 cases of C3 type. Among them, 2 cases of infected anterior ring were infected after internal fixation of anterior ring, and 9 patients were infected with infected anterior ring due to incomplete early debridement, which was classified as infected according to the injury severity score(ISS) for 24 to 38 scores. The anterior ring was internally fixed by extended debridement, irrigation, and antibiotic bone cement covered reconstruction plate, and the posterior ring fractures were all closed reduction and internally fixed with sacroiliac screws. All 11 cases obtained follow-up from 13 to 20 months. Among them, 2 patients had recurrence of postoperative infection, 1 case was re-dissected and replaced with antibiotic bone cement-coated internal fixation, and 1 case had a milder infection without accumulation of the medullary cavity, and the infection was controlled by retaining the plate and replacing the antibiotic bone cement only after dissecting. Two cases developed incisional oozing, which healed after removal of the internal fixation three months postoperatively. All patients did not show pelvic fracture redisplacement or reinfection during the follow-up period. All 11 cases eventually healed bony. At the final follow-up, according to the Matta score, the fracture reduction was excellent in 6 cases, good in 4, and possible in 1. According to the Majeed functional score, it was excellent in 6, good in 3, and possible in 2. Antibiotic bone cement covered reconstruction plate is effective in the treatment of infected anterior pelvic ring fracture, with high intraoperative safety and low recurrence rate of infection, which is conducive to the early postoperative rehabilitation and significantly shortens the course of the disease.

Advancements in pelvic ring fracture surgery: Assessing INFIX screw placement accuracy with CT navigation

The management of unstable pelvic ring fractures, typically resulting from high-energy trauma, presents a significant clinical challenge due to the complexity of injuries. While effective in many cases, the traditional stabilization methods are fraught with various complications that can significantly impact patient recovery and quality of life (QOL). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and precision of the anterior subcutaneous internal fixator (INFIX) technique when used with intraoperative computed tomography (CT) navigation, a novel approach intended to mitigate the limitations of conventional treatment modalities.Our retrospective case series encompasses 43 patients who sustained traumatic pelvic injuries and were subsequently treated with the INFIX technique from December 2020 to January 2024. The focus of this analysis was to assess the accuracy of INFIX screw placement facilitated by intraoperative CT navigation.A total of 81 INFIX screws were inserted, and our study findings reveal a high level of precision in screw placement, with only one screw deviating, resulting in an inaccuracy rate of merely 1.2 %. This highlights the significant advantage provided by intraoperative CT navigation. The high level of accuracy not only enhances the stability of the pelvic fixation but also substantially reduces the risk of complications commonly associated with screw misplacement, such as abdominal damage, vascular injury, and issues related to incorrect hardware positioning.In conclusion, the integration of the INFIX technique with intraoperative CT navigation in the treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures represents a significant advancement in orthopedic trauma surgery. This study provides compelling evidence supporting the efficacy and precision of this approach, suggesting its potential as a superior alternative to traditional fixation methods. Further research, ideally through prospective studies involving larger patient cohorts, is needed to validate these findings and explore the long-term implications of this technique on patient recovery and QOL.

A Comparative Study of Functional Outcomes in Unstable Pelvic Ring Fractures Treated With Internal Fixator (INFIX) With and Without Sacroiliac Joint Screw Fixation.

Introduction Despite constituting only 3-8% of orthopedic trauma cases, pelvic injuries are associated with high mortality rates, emphasizing the critical need for stable fixation rather than merely anatomical alignment. The use of an anterior, subcutaneous, internal pelvic fixator (INFIX), a novel technique, has shown promise in treating these injuries. Posterior pelvic ring injuries are challenging because they require a significant level of surgical training and technical expertise, and each treatment method has disadvantages. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and biomechanical outcomes of INFIX with and without sacroiliac screw fixation for unstable pelvic fractures. Methods and methodology Retrospectively, we selected 20 patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries who had come to a high-volume tertiary care hospital and medical college in the state of Maharashtra, India. All the patients were operated on with INFIX; 10 with a sacroiliac joint screw and 10 without a sacroiliac joint screw. We followed up with the patients for six months and evaluated them according to the Majeed score. Results Functional outcomesdiffered little between INFIX patients operated on with and without a sacroiliac joint screw. However, morbidity, hospital stay, the need for ICU, radiation exposure, and technical ease of surgery were improved in INFIX patients without the sacroiliac screw procedure. We noted an average Majeed score of 78 in the INFIX-alone group and 77.2 in the group that received INFIX with a sacroiliac joint screw. Six months after the surgery, the patients showed signs of a stable bony union, had achieved a full range of motion, and reported no problems in their day-to-day work. Conclusion Although this was a short-term study, we conclude that INFIX without a sacroiliac joint screw showed a comparable functional outcome compared to INFIX with a sacroiliac joint screw. Patients with INFIX alone showed better results; they had reduced surgical time, reduced radiation exposure, and less evidence of neurological harm to the L5-S1 nerve root. The procedure was less complicated and easier for surgeons to learn. Its simplicity and speed were especially beneficial for obese patients.

Overview of Pelvic Ring Fracture Patients: Observational Study in the Emergency Department at Dr. Kariadi General Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia

Background: Although the incidence of pelvic fractures is only 7% of all trauma, the mortality reaches 21.5%. Management of pelvic fractures remains a challenge because it is often a polytrauma that requires multidisciplinary management and large resources. Knowledge of the characteristics of patients with pelvic fractures is expected to help in management and reduce mortality. Methods: This observational study was conducted retrospectively with a population and sample of all pelvic fracture patients in the emergency room at Dr. Kariadi Hospital Semarang for the period January 2021 to December 2023. The characteristics observed included gender, age, fracture classification, etiology, trauma score, fracture pattern, and management. and output. The data obtained is then presented descriptively. Results: A total of 34 patients with pelvic fractures were recorded in this study. There were 16 male patients and 18 female patients. A total of 3 patients were less than 17 years old, 19 patients were 17-34 years old, 7 patients were 35-52 years old and 3 patients were more than 52 years old. The most common cause of pelvic fractures was traffic accidents (KLL) with 28 patients, followed by work accidents (4 patients) and other trauma (2 patients). Based on the Young-Burgess classification, the most common pelvic fracture pattern was LC1 (11 patients), followed by APC1 (3 patients), APC2 (4 patients), APC3 (3 patients), LC2 (2 patients), LC3 (6 patients), VS (4 patients), and CM (1 patient). A total of 4 patients had an ISS score of 1-8, 8 patients had an ISS score of 9-15, 9 patients had an ISS score of 16-25, and 13 patients had an ISS score of more than 25. The most common accompanying injury was long bone fracture (15 patients), head injury in 10 patients, abdominal trauma in 9 patients, and thorax trauma in 4 patients. Operative treatment was carried out in 21 patients, while 13 other patients were treated non-operatively. Of the 34 patients, 8 patients died and 26 others were discharged in good condition. Conclusion: Most pelvic fractures occur at the age of 17-34 years and the most common cause is KLL. All pelvic fracture patients had concomitant injuries and the majority of patients had unstable fractures that required operative treatment. Mortality due to pelvic fracture and/or accompanying injuries is 23.5%.

Anterior peri-sacroiliac joint osteotomy in the treatment of malunion and nonunion of complex pelvic ring fracture: techniques and preliminary results

PurposeTo introduce anterior peri-sacroiliac joint osteotomy (APSJO) through the lateral-rectus approach (LRA) for treating pelvic fracture malunion and nonunion, and to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and potential effectiveness.MethodsData of 15 patients with pelvic fracture malunion and nonunion who underwent treatment by APSJO were selected and analyzed. The reduction quality was assessed using the Mears and Velyvis criteria, while the pre-operative and post-operative function was revealed by the Majeed scoring system. The British Medical Research Council (BMRC) grading system was recruited for the evaluation of lumbosacral plexus function.ResultsThe average operative duration was 264.00 ± 86.75 min, while the intra-operative blood loss was 2000 (600, 3000) mL. Anatomical reduction was complete in three cases, satisfactory in ten cases, and unsatisfactory in two cases. Among the seven patients with lumbosacral plexus injury, the pre-operative Majeed grades were good in two cases, fair in two cases, and poor in three cases, while the post-operative Majeed grades were excellent in three cases, good in three cases, and fair in one case. Muscle strength recovered to M5 in two cases, M4 in three cases, and showed no recovery in two cases. The pre-operative Majeed grades were good in five cases, fair in two cases, and poor in one case of the series without lumbosacral plexus injury, while the post-operative Majeed grades were excellent in seven cases and good in one case.ConclusionAPSJO through LRA may be a feasible strategy for treating pelvic fracture malunion and nonunion with promising application.

The influence of pelvic tilt on sacral insufficiency fracture occurrence: Insights into the prevalence of high pelvic tilt among patients affected

IntroductionFragility fractures without significant trauma of the pelvic ring in older patients have an increasing incidence due to demographic change. Influencing factors other than osteoporotic bone quality that lead to an insufficiency fracture are not yet known. However, it is suspected that the pelvic tilt (PT) has an effect on the development of such an insufficiency fracture. This study explores the influence of the PTs in patients with insufficiency fractures of the posterior pelvic ring. Materials and MethodsA total of 49 geriatric patients with fragility fractures of the pelvic ring were treated at a university hospital level-1 trauma center during a period between February and December 2023, and their fractures were classified according to the FFP classification of Rommens and Hofmann. Complete sets of computer tomography (CT) and radiological images were available to determine the PT angle of the patients. Results34 FFP type 2 and 15 FFP type 3 classified patients were included in the study. Significant difference was seen in the pelvic tilt (PT) angle between the patient group with insufficiency fractures (n= 49; mean age: 78.02 ± 11.80) and the control group with lumbago patients (n= 53; mean age: 69.23 ± 11.23). The PT was significantly higher in the patients with insufficiency fractures (25.74° ± 4.76; p⁎⁎⁎⁎ ≤ 0.0001). ConclusionsThe study demonstrates a significant extension of the PT angle of individuals with insufficiency fractures when compared to those with lumbago. The result suggests a potential association between pelvic tilt and fracture susceptibility. Trial registrationA retrospective study about the influence of sagittal balance of the spine on insufficiency fractures of the posterior pelvic ring measured by the "pelvic tilt angle", DRKS00032120. Registered 20th June 2023 - Prospectively registered. Trial registration number DRKS00032120.

Pelvic Ring Fractures: A Biomechanical Comparison of Sacral and Lumbopelvic Fixation Techniques.

Pelvic ring fractures are becoming more common in the aging population and can prove to be fatal, having mortality rates between 10% and 16%. Stabilization of these fractures is challenging and often require immediate internal fixation. Therefore, it is necessary to have a biomechanical understanding of the different fixation techniques for pelvic ring fractures. A previously validated three-dimensional finite element model of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and femur was used for this study. A unilateral pelvic ring fracture was simulated by resecting the left side of the sacrum and pelvis. Five different fixation techniques were used to stabilize the fracture. A compressive follower load and pure moment was applied to compare different biomechanical parameters including range of motion (contralateral sacroiliac joint, L1-S1 segment, L5-S1 segment), and stresses (L5-S1 nucleus stresses, instrument stresses) between different fixation techniques. Trans-iliac-trans-sacral screw fixation at S1 and S2 showed the highest stabilization for horizontal and vertical displacement at the sacral fracture site and reduction of contralateral sacroiliac joint for bending and flexion range of motion by 165% and 121%, respectively. DTSF (Double transiliac rod and screw fixation) model showed highest stabilization in horizontal displacement at the pubic rami fracture site, while the L5_PF_W_CC (L5-Ilium posterior screw fixation with cross connectors) and L5_PF_WO_CC (L5-Ilium posterior screw fixation without cross connectors) showed higher rod stresses, reduced L1-S1 (approximately 28%), and L5-S1 (approximately 90%) range of motion. Longer sacral screw fixations were superior in stabilizing sacral and contralateral sacroiliac joint range of motion. Lumbopelvic fixations displayed a higher degree of stabilization in the horizontal displacement compared to vertical displacement of pubic rami fracture, while also indicating the highest rod stresses. When determining the surgical approach for pelvic ring fractures, patient-specific factors should be accounted for to weigh the advantages and disadvantages for each technique.

The “Metaizeau trick” to facilitate medullary pubic ramus screw insertion: A technical note

Minimally invasive procedures have recently seen an increase in the treatment of pelvic ring disruptions and select acetabular fractures. Similar to ilio-sacral screws, the superior pubic ramus screw is becoming a preferred method for treating unstable pelvic ring fractures. While the osteology of the superior pubic ramus is well understood and has inherent variability, standard screw insertion techniques work effectively in most cases. If the anatomy prevents the standard approach, there are alternative methods that can be employed for successful screw placement, or there might be a need for an open reduction and internal fixation with plates. Such techniques can be material-intensive and time-consuming. In this paper, we introduce a straightforward method that utilizes the Metaizeau nail as a guide wire to facilitate screw insertion in most instances, termed the “Metaizeau trick”. Metaizeau nails, commonly found in trauma centers, are designed to locate a pathway effortlessly using this method. Level of evidenceIV.

Optimizing percutaneous reduction and fixation with guidewire modification in pelvic and acetabular fractures: surgical technique and case series.

Minimally invasive percutaneous screw fixation for pelvic ring and acetabular fractures has become increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits. However, the precise placement of the screw remains a critical challenge, necessitating a modification of the current techniques. This paper introduces a refined technique employing a modified guidewire to enhance the precision and efficiency of percutaneous fixation in pelvic and acetabular fractures. This study details the surgical techniques implemented for correcting guidewire misdirection in percutaneous screw fixation and includes a retrospective analysis of patients treated with this modified approach over a three-year period. In this study, 25 patients with pelvic ring and acetabular fractures underwent percutaneous screw fixation. The cohort, predominantly male (23 out of 25), had an average age of 38years. The majority of injuries were due to traffic accidents (18 out of 25). Types of injuries included pelvic ring (6 cases), acetabular fractures (8 cases), and combined injuries (11 cases). Various screw types, including antegrade and retrograde anterior column screws, retrograde posterior column screws, and lateral compression screws, were used, tailored to each case. Over an average follow-up of 18months, there were no additional procedures or complications, such as neurovascular injury or hardware failure, indicating successful outcomes in all cases. This study introduces a simple yet effective method to address guidewire misdirection during percutaneous fixation for pelvic and acetabular fractures, offering enhanced precision and potentially better patient outcomes. Further research with a larger patient cohort is required for a more comprehensive understanding of its efficacy compared to traditional methods. IV. Therapeutic Study (Surgical technique and Cases-series).