Pelvic Ring Injuries Research Articles

Stable Lateral Compression Pelvic Ring Injury Requiring Operative Treatment due to Bladder Impingement: A Case Report.

A 25-year-old man sustained a stable lateral compression Type I (LC I) pelvic ring injury upon missing the landing of a downhill ski jump. He presented with painful voiding from a displaced bony fragment, partially impaling the bladder wall. With operative fixation of the fracture and urologic co-management, the patient had excellent outcomes at 1-year follow-up. We describe a rare urologic injury in the setting of an LC I pelvic ring injury. In the setting of an otherwise stable pelvic ring injury, careful review of imaging, detailed clinical history, and physical examination remain critical to optimizing patient outcomes.

Variables Associated With Loss of Fixation of Retrograde Rami Screws in Minimally Displaced Lateral Compression Type 1 Pelvic Ring Injuries.

To evaluate variables associated with loss of fixation of retrograde rami screws in the treatment of stress-positive minimally displaced lateral compression type 1 (LC1) injuries. Retrospective comparative study. Level 1 trauma center. Stress-positive minimally displaced (<1 cm) LC1 pelvic ring injuries treated with retrograde rami screws. Loss of fixation, defined as >5 mm of pelvic fracture displacement based on the radiographic tear-drop distance or >5 mm of implant displacement on follow-up radiographs; revision surgery for loss of fixation. Thirty-eight patients with 40 retrograde rami screws were analyzed. Median patient age was 64 years (interquartile range 42.5-73.3 years), 71.1% (n = 27/38) were female, and 52.6% (n = 20/38) of injuries were secondary to low-energy mechanisms. Loss of fixation occurred in 17.5% (n = 7/40) of screws with 10% (n = 4/40) requiring revision surgery. On univariate analysis, patients who had a loss of fixation were more likely to have greater dynamic displacement on stress radiographs (22.0 vs. 15.2 mm; median difference 5.6 mm, confidence interval [CI] -19.2 to 10.3; P = 0.04), unicortical rami screws (71.4% vs. 9.1%; proportional difference 62.3%, CI 8.8%-22.6%; P = 0.001), and partially threaded rami screws (71.4% vs. 21.2%; proportional difference 50.2%, CI 10.0%-77.6%; P = 0.01). The remaining variables had no observed association ( P ≥ 0.05) with loss of fixation, including age, sex, body mass index, energy of injury mechanism, tobacco use, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, sacral fracture type, distal rami fractures, rami comminution, number of sacral screws, fully threaded sacral screws, transsacral screws, or rami screw diameter. On multivariate analysis, only unicortical rami screws ( P = 0.01) remained associated with loss of fixation. Retrograde rami screws had a high rate of loss of fixation in minimally displaced LC1 pelvic ring injuries, and this was associated with unicortical screws. These screws should be avoided when possible. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comment on the Article by N.N. Zadneprovskiy et al. “Suggestions for the Introduction of Some New Terms in Surgery of Pelvic and Acetabulum Fractures”

Medical terminology is the subject of constant systematic regulation. The author›s team of the scientific article has determined the actual purpose of the study — to develop names for some parts of the pelvic bones and its areas that still do not have their own designations, and to propose the developed terms for professional discussion. Introduction of new anatomical terms for the designation of parts and structures of pelvic bones and their injuries in a systematic list of clinical classification will contribute to the formation of uniformity of therapeutic and diagnostic approaches, promote generalization and exchange of experience between practitioners in the field of surgery of pelvic ring injuries and acetabulum fractures, and have a significant scientific and educational character among the medical community.

Do all patients with history of pelvic ring injuries need a cesarean section? – A survey of orthopaedic and obstetric providers

Objective(s)The recommended mode of delivery following pelvic ring fractures with surgical fixation is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess expert opinions from orthopaedic surgeons and obstetrician gynecologists on their recommended delivery recommendations for pregnant individuals with a history of pelvic ring injury, and to see if there was any difference in recommendations between the two specialties, and what factors influenced recommendations. Study designAn electronic, web-based survey was administered to a convenience sample of orthopaedic surgeons and obstetrician gynecologists, via advertisement to members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA), the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, and querying obstetrician gynecologists practicing within the Military Health System. The survey was administered from November 2021 to December 2022. A two-proportion z-test, Chi-square or Fisher's Exact Test, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. ResultsSurvey respondents included 44 orthopaedic surgeons and 37 obstetricians. A total of 74 % obstetricians would recommend a trial of labor with hardware in place, while orthopaedic surgeon's recommendations varied based on the type of fixation. Forty four, 100 % of orthopaedic surgeons, recommended trial of labor if non-operative pelvic injury or unilateral posterior fixation only, 88 % recommended trial of labor if bilateral posterior fixation only, and 47.7 % for anterior trans-symphyseal plating only, 50 % for unilateral posterior and trans-symphyseal plating, and 43.2 % for bilateral posterior fixation with trans-symphyseal plating. ConclusionsThe results of these surveys demonstrate the lack of consensus as to the most appropriate birth plan for patients with a history of pelvic ring injuries. Vaginal delivery following pelvic ring fracture and fixation is possible, yet these patients are significantly more likely to undergo cesarean section than the general population. As such, we recommend that women who become pregnant after operative treatment of a pelvic ring injury develop an in-depth birthing plan with their obstetrician to determine the best course.

Acetabular "Fleck" Sign: Outcomes of Surgical Repair.

Traumatic, posterior hip dislocations in the pediatric population are typically managed by closed reduction to achieve a concentric hip joint. The presence of an acetabular "fleck" sign, despite concentric reduction, has been shown to signify significant hip pathology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of open labral repair through a surgical hip dislocation (SHD) in a consecutive series of patients with an acetabular "fleck" sign associated with a traumatic hip dislocation/subluxation. A retrospective review of patients between 2008 and 2022 who presented to a single, level 1 pediatric trauma center with a traumatic posterior hip dislocation/subluxation was performed. Patients were included if they had an acetabular "fleck" sign on advanced imaging and underwent open labral repair through SHD. Medical records were reviewed for sex, age, laterality, mechanism of injury (MOI), and associated orthopaedic injuries. The modified Harris hip score (mHHS) was utilized as the primary clinical outcomes measure. Patients were assessed for the presence of heterotopic ossification (HO) and complications, including implant issues, infection, avascular necrosis (AVN), and post-traumatic dysplasia. Twenty-nine patients (23 male, average age: 13.0±2.7 y; range: 5.2 to 17.3) were identified. Eighteen injuries were sports related, 9 caused by motor vehicle accidents, and 1 pedestrian struck. All patients were found to have an acetabular "fleck" sign on CT (26 patients) or MRI (5 patients). Associated injuries included: femoral head fracture (n=6), pelvic ring injury (n=3), ipsilateral femur fracture (n=2), and ipsilateral PCL avulsion (n=1). At the latest follow-up (2.2±1.4y), all patients had returned to preinjury activity/sport. Three patients developed asymptomatic, grade 1 HO in the greater trochanter region. There was no incidence of AVN. One patient developed post-traumatic acetabular dysplasia due to early triradiate closure. mHHS scores showed excellent outcomes (n=21, 94.9±7.4, range: 81 to 100.1). The acetabular "fleck" sign indicates a consistent pattern of osteochondral avulsion of the posterior/superior labrum. Restoring native hip anatomy and stability is likely to improve outcomes. SHD with open labral repair in these patients produces excellent clinical outcomes, with no reported cases of AVN. Level IV-therapeutic.

Surgical management of acetabular fractures associated with pelvic ring disruption, the time-dependent effect of delay

Background: Associated fractures of the acetabulum and pelvic ring represent considerable percentage of polytrauma victims. These types of injuries are different from isolated acetabular or pelvic injuries regarding injury severity scores, haemodynamic status, blood transfusion requirements, and higher mortality rates up to 13%. Both Letournel and Matta have definitively shown that anatomic reduction of the fracture is the most influential factor predictive of clinical outcome. The ability of obtaining anatomical reduction is affected by age, fracture pattern, associated injuries, patient general condition, timing to surgery and complications. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: It is a retrospective study among 24 patients performed in Zagazig university hospitals between May 2017 and February 2019. Matta scoring system was used to quantify the radiological outcome of both acetabular and pelvic components while, both Majeed and Merle d’Aubigné were used for clinical grading at the final follow up. Timing to surgery was found to affect the quality of reduction significantly. Results: We divided our cases into 2 groups; First group including the patients underwent operative management from day 0 to day 10 which include 18 cases and Second group including the patients underwent operative management from day 11 to day 21 which include 6 cases and we will observe if there is a correlation between the preoperative delay and Matta scoring for both acetabular and pelvic components. Among the operatively managed acetabular fracture There was significant association between preoperative delay and Matta scoring system for acetabular component (P&lt;0.05) Among the operatively managed pelvic ring injuries There was significant association between preoperative delay and Matta scoring system for pelvic component (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The quality of reduction can be controlled by controlling the time to surgery after optimization of the general condition of the patient and controlling the local complications. In our study the earlier to operate on both components within the first 10 days after initial trauma the better to get anatomical reduction.

Safe Surgical Pelvic Ring Injury in Elderly : a Case Report

Safe Surgical Pelvic Ring Injury in Elderly : a Case Report

A Countertraction Closed Reduction Technique in Minimally Invasive Fixation of Recent Type C Pelvic Ring Injuries.

Closed reduction of pelvic injuries is a prerequisite and critical step in minimally invasive treatment. Achieving non-invasive closed reduction of pelvic injuries is a challenging clinical problem. This study demonstrated a non-invasive traction technique for closed reduction called countertraction closed reduction technique (CCRT) and evaluated its effectiveness for type C pelvic ring injuries. The data of patients with unstable pelvic fractures treated with CCRT and minimally invasive fixation were retrospectively reviewed from January 2017 to February 2022. Sacroiliac screws were placed to fix the posterior pelvic ring, and internal or external fixation was used to fix the anterior pelvic ring. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, fracture union and postoperative complications were recorded. Fracture reduction quality was evaluated using the Matta scoring criteria. Functional recovery and general quality of life were evaluated using the Majeed functional scoring criteria. Thirteen patients (nine males and four females), with an average age of 49.6 years were treated with CCRT and followed up for a mean of 18.5 months. The average operation time was 137.2 minutes (range 92-195 minutes), the average intraoperative blood loss was 31.2 mL (range 10-120 mL) and the average duration of hospital stay was 14.3 days (range 4-32 days). All patients achieved bony union with an average union time of 11.9 weeks (range 10-16 weeks). According to the Matta radiographic criteria, the quality of fracture reduction was excellent in eight patients, good in four, and fair in one. The average Majeed functional score was 89.7 (range 78-100). The functional evaluation revealed that the outcomes were excellent in nine patients, and good in four patients. Complications included incision fat liquefaction in one patient, and heterotopic ossification in another patient. There were no surgical complications as a result of CCRT. CCRT is a non-invasive closed reduction method for minimally invasive fixation of fresh Tile C1 and C2 pelvic fractures. The advantages of CCRT combined with minimally invasive treatment include a small surgical incision, reduced intraoperative bleeding, satisfactory fracture reduction, bone healing and functional recovery.

Posterior pelvic ring injuries, lumbosacral junction instabilities and stabilization techniques for spinopelvic dissociation: a narrative review.

From transiliac Harrington rods to minimally invasive (MIS) percutaneous 3D-navigated transsacral-transiliac screw (TTS) fixation, concepts of fixation methods in pelvic injuries with spinopelvic dissociation (SPD) are steadily redefined. This narrative review examines the literature of recent years regarding surgical treatment options and trends in SPD, outlining risks and benefits of each treatment option and addressing biomechanical aspects of sacral injuries and common classification systems. A literature search on the search across relevant online databases was conducted. As a scale for quality assessment, the SANRA-scoring system was taken into account. Sacral Isler type 1 injuries of the LPJ in U- and H-type fractures are frequently treated with stand-alone TTS. Fractures with higher instability (Isler types 2 and 3) require unilateral or bilateral LPF, subject to side involvement, as a buttressing construct, or triangular fixation as additional compression and neutralization, determined by fracture radiation. A more comprehensive classification from which to derive stabilization options is provided by the 2023 301SPD classification. MIS techniques are on the rise and offer shorter OR time, less blood loss, fewer infections, and fewer wound complications. It is advisable to implement MIS techniques as much as possible, as long as decompression is not required and closed fracture reduction succeeds satisfactorily. SPD is characteristic of severe injuries, mostly in polytraumatized patients. The complication rates are decreasing due to the increasing adaptation of MIS techniques.

Comparison of ESIN and other minimally invasive techniques for anterior pelvic ring injury: a finite element analysis and case-control study.

A novel technique, percutaneous elastic stable intramedullary nail fixation (ESIN), proposed by our team for the treatment of anterior pelvic ring injury. Finite element analysis and retrospective case-control study were used to compare biomechanical properties and clinical outcomes between ESIN and other techniques. Four groups of finite element models of pelvic anterior ring injury were simulated, including ESIN (model A), retrograde transpubic screw fixation (RTSF, model B), subcutaneous internal fixator (model C), and external fixator (model D), and a vertical downward load of 500 N was applied to the S1 vertebral endplate. Stress and displacement distributions of intact pelvis, displacement distributions of pubic fracture fragments, and stress distributions of fixation devices were analysed. Then 31 patients with anterior pelvic ring injury (15 in the ESIN group and 16 in the RTSF group) were reviewed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at the final follow-up. Postoperative complications were also recorded. Under 500N loading, the intact stability of the pelvis was compared as follows: model B (20.58mm, 121.82MPa), model A (20.80mm, 129.97MPa), model C (22.02mm, 141.70MPa), and model D (22.57mm, 147.06MPa). The regional stability of superior pubic ramus was compared as follows: model B (9.48mm), model A (10.16mm), model C (10.52mm), and model D (10.76mm). All 31 patients received follow-up at least 12 months postsurgery (range 12-20 months). Age, sex, injury mechanism, fracture type, time between the injury and operation, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, follow-up period, time to union, and Majeed scores did not differ significantly between the two groups ( P >0.05). However, the differences in the duration of unilateral surgery, unilateral intraoperative fluoroscopy and one-time success rate were significant ( P <0.05). With sufficient biomechanical stability and minimally invasive advantage, the percutaneous technique using ESIN can be used to successfully treat anterior pelvic ring injuries. In addition, advantages over RTSF include a shorter duration of surgery, reduced requirement for intraoperative fluoroscopy, and a higher one-time success rate. ESIN therefore constitutes a good alternative to RTSF.

Bladder Repair With Irrigation and Debridement and Open Reduction Internal Fixation of the Anterior Pelvic Ring Is Safe and Decreases Risk of Infection in Pelvic Ring Injuries With Extraperitoneal Bladder Ruptures.

To determine the incidence of infection in nonoperative versus operative management of extraperitoneal bladder ruptures in patients with pelvic ring injuries. A retrospective cohort study of 2 prospectively collected trauma registries. Two Level 1 trauma centers. Patients with operative pelvic ring injuries, 68 (6%) had extraperitoneal bladder ruptures. The primary outcome was the incidence and associated risk factors of deep pelvic infection requiring return to OR for surgical debridement. Secondary outcomes included quality of reduction, other complications, and radiographic union. Comparisons were made based on the status of any associated bladder injury. Of 1127 patients with operative pelvic ring injuries, 68 patients had extraperitoneal bladder ruptures, 55 had bladder repair and 13 did not. Of those 13 without repair, none had ORIF of the anterior pelvic ring. Patients without bladder repair had an increased odds of infection 17-fold compared to patients who did have a repair performed (OR 16.9, 95% CI 1.75 - 164, P = 0.01). Other associated factors for deep pelvic infection included use of suprapubic catheter ( p < 0.02) and a closed reduction of the anterior ring ( p < 0.01). Patients undergoing anterior ring ORIF and bladder repair had improved reductions and no increased infection risk. Operative repair of extraperitoneal bladder ruptures decreases risk of infection in patients with pelvic ring injuries. Additionally, ORIF of the anterior pelvic ring does not increase the risk of infection and results in better reductions compared to closed reduction. Treatment algorithms for these combined injuries should consider recommending early bladder repair and anterior pelvic ORIF. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Pelvic Ring Fracture Management and Subsequent Pregnancy: A Summary of Current Literature.

The incidence of pelvic ring injuries is 34.3% per 100,000 capita. No studies have determined the ability of a female patient to have a vaginal delivery after undergoing pelvic fracture fixation. However, many obstetricians are generally unwilling to have their patients attempt a vaginal delivery in the setting of symphyseal or sacroiliac fixation. An exhaustive search of the National Library of Medicine database was performed, and it is hypothesized that cesarean section rates would be higher for women who have a child after one of these pelvic ring injuries. There is a 15% increase in cesarean rates using data from the National Center for Health Statistics. In addition, there is an observable increase in new cesarean rates. Currently, there is no clear evidence to support an elective cesarean section as the sole indication after a prior pelvic fracture. To date, no studies have determined the ability of a female patient to have a vaginal delivery after undergoing pelvic fracture fixation. Thus, until the increased cesarean section rate has been explained, it could be problematic to counsel the patient to avoid a vaginal delivery after sustaining a pelvic ring fracture. Hence, conducting additional studies on this topic would deem to be necessary.

The Surgical Algorithm for the AO Spine Sacral Injury Classification System.

Global cross-sectional survey. To establish a surgical algorithm for sacral fractures based on the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) Spine Sacral Injury Classification System. Although the AO Spine Sacral Injury Classification has been validated across an international audience of surgeons, a consensus on a surgical algorithm for sacral fractures using the Sacral AO Spine Injury Score (Sacral AOSIS) has yet to be developed. A survey was sent to general orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, and neurosurgeons across the five AO spine regions of the world. Descriptions of controversial sacral injuries based on different fracture subtypes were given, and surgeons were asked whether the patient should undergo operative or nonoperative management. The results of the survey were used to create a surgical algorithm based on each subtype's sacral AOSIS. An international agreement of 70% was decided on by the AO Spine Knowledge Forum Trauma experts to indicate a recommendation of initial operative intervention. Using this, sacral fracture subtypes of AOSIS 5 or greater were considered operative, while those with AOSIS 4 or less were generally nonoperative. For subtypes with an AOSIS of 3 or 4, if the sacral fracture was associated with an anterior pelvic ring injury (M3 case-specific modifier), intervention should be left to the surgeons' discretion. The AO Spine Sacral Injury Classification System offers a validated hierarchical system to approach sacral injuries. Through multispecialty and global surgeon input, a surgical algorithm was developed to determine appropriate operative indications for sacral trauma. Further validation is required, but this algorithm provides surgeons across the world with the basis for discussion and the development of standards of care and treatment.

[Translated article] Insertion of S1 iliosacral screws in the computed tomography room: An alternative to improve safety in the percutaneous management of posterior pelvic ring injuries

IntroductionThe main complication of percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is implant malposition, which can lead to vascular and nerve damage. The anatomical variability of the sacrum can make screw insertion difficult under fluoroscopic guidance. Among the methods described to improve the accuracy of this technique, stands out the use of computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study is to compare the results of iliosacral screw insertion with fluoroscopy or CT navigation. MethodologyRetrospective cohort study of 66 iliosacral screws in 56 patients during 11 years. The screws were inserted with fluoroscopy in the operating room or with CT in the radiodiagnosis area. We collected data on patient characteristics, lesions, treatment, and clinical and radiological results. ResultsForty-seven screws were inserted with fluoroscopy and 19 with CT. A percentage of 18.2 of screws perforated the S1 osseous corridor. All of them were inserted with fluoroscopy guidance (0 vs. 34%; p<0.01). Those operated with CT accumulated more sacral dysmorphism criteria than those operated with fluoroscopy (2.2 vs. 1.6; p=0.02). The S1 corridor on the axial CT view was narrower in those in whom perforation had occurred (18.8 vs. 21.0mm; p=0.02). Two cases with perforation developed S1 radiculalgia. Two endopelvic screws had to be removed. ConclusionWe advise the use of CT guidance for iliosacral screw insertion in patients with sacral dysmorphism or narrow S1 corridors in facilities where other navigation methods are not available.

Corona mortis: clinical evaluation of prevalence, anatomy, and relevance in anterior approaches to the pelvis and acetabulum

PurposeTo evaluate the clinical prevalence, characteristics, and relevance of the corona mortis (CM) in anterior approaches to the pelvis and acetabulum.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 185 theater reports from patients (73 females; mean age 62.8 ± 17.2 years) who underwent surgeries for pelvic ring injuries, acetabular fractures, or combined injuries using anterior approaches (Modified Stoppa or Pararectus) at our institution between 01/2008 to 12/2022. During procedures, the CM was routinely identified, evaluated, and occluded. Bilateral exposure of the superior pubic branch in 25 cases led to 210 hemipelvises analyzed. Exclusions: CM not mentioned in report and revisions via the initial approach.ResultsIn the 210 hemipelvises examined, the prevalence of any CM vessel was 81% (170/210). Venous anastomoses were found in 76% of hemipelvises (159/210), arterial in 22% (47/210). Sole venous anastomoses appeared in 59% (123/210), sole arterial in 5% (11/210). Both types coexisted in 17% (36/210), while 19% (40/210) had none. A single incidental CM injury occurred without significant bleeding. In ten cases, trauma had preoperatively ruptured the CM, but bleeding was readily managed. Females had a significantly higher CM prevalence than males (p = 0.001).ConclusionOur findings show a CM prevalence aligning more with anatomical studies than prior intraoperative series. Although we observed one incidental and ten trauma-related CM injuries, we did not encounter uncontrollable bleeding. Our data suggest that in anterior pelvic approaches, when the CM is actively identified and occluded, it is not associated with bleeding events, despite its high prevalence.

Pelvic fractures healing in osteosynthesis by external device

Aim: To analyze radiological data of pelvic fractures healing after osteosynthesis by external device, to determine the possibility of correction during the union and terms of fixation. Background. Visualization of fracture healing and knowledge of X-ray manifestations in dynamics makes it possible to control and manage the reparative process of bone tissue during union of the pelvic bones. Material and methods. The clinical and radiological picture of pelvic fractures healing and the results of treatment in 207 polytrauma patients were studied. All observations are divided by the type of fracture according to M.Tile classification. Results: The analysis of long-term treatment outcomes of pelvic trauma was carried out in 154(74,39%) patients, in the period from 1,5 to 16 years after surgery. All patients showed complete healing of the pelvic fractures and long bones injuries and their functional recovery. Conclusions: Correction of the pelvic ring injuries with an external fixation device is possible in almost all cases. X-ray dynamics provides control of the union process of the pelvic bones and allows to manage it.

Standard imaging in the emergency department in geriatric patients with immobilizing pelvic pain after low-energy trauma or without trauma: X-ray vs. computed tomography

PurposeGeriatric pelvic ring injuries, evaluated solely by X-ray, are often misclassified or even missed. This can result in prolonged immobilization and persistent pelvic pain. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of X-ray imaging in patients aged ≥ 70 years with immobilizing pelvic pain. Methods107 geriatric patients (23 males, 84 females) with immobilizing pain after traumatic or atraumatic causes were included in this retrospective study. 91 patients had an anteroposterior (AP) X-ray of the pelvis and after that a computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis. All patients were treated in a level 1 trauma center from December 2018 to September 2020. The mean age was 83.07 ± 6.08 years. ResultsThe overall evaluation of the diagnostic performance of AP Pelvic X-ray imaging in the study population compared to the CT pelvis (“gold standard”) resulted in a sensitivity of (2.7 %) and a specificity of (94.4 %). Specific for pelvic ring fractures in the study population there was a sensitivity of (3.4 %) and a specificity of (94.4 %). ConclusionThe results highlights issues with the AP Pelvic X-ray as the diagnostic tool of choice in this study population, confirming the findings of previous studies on the underestimated problem of osteoporotic pelvic ring fractures in geriatric patients. This again confirms the need for a new optimized diagnostic algorithm, which takes into account the differences of the orthogeriatric patient cohort.

Verticalization of patients and axial load on the lower limbs after surgical treatment of unstable injuries of the pelvic ring (brief review of the literature)

The article provides a theoretical review of scientific publications devoted to the rehabilitation of patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries; the features of pelvic ring damage are considered based on the specifics of the traumatic injury, the frequency of occurrence and the severity of the consequences. It is emphasized that prolonged pain syndrome due to pelvic ring injuries and the duration of the rehabilitation period negatively affect the physical and psycho-emotional state of a patient. At the same time, pelvic ring injuries are most relevant among the working population, and their consequences are quite serious, including disability and death. Consequently, the possibility of optimizing rehabilitation measures for patients with unstable injuries, aimed at restoring the functions of the musculoskeletal system in static conditions and while walking, is currently one of the urgent tasks of theoretical and practical traumatology. The possibilities of verticalization of patients and the use of axial load on the lower limbs in the postoperative period are considered as the main rehabilitation measures. It is noted that in the case of resolving the issue of axial load in case of unstable pelvic ring injury, the intensity of such load and the timing of the start of its use should be determined individually, depending on the physical condition of a patient, the characteristics of the injury and the presence of concomitant injuries. Treatment for unstable pelvic ring injuries most commonly is carried out in most cases through the use of various methods of surgical treatment and restoration of the pelvic anatomy. Based on the results of the theoretical study, it is necessary to state that, despite the obvious significance of postoperative treatment, the adequate organization of which largely determines its final result, it was revealed that the material for studying this issue is insufficient due to specific approaches to verticalization and axial load on the lower limbs, depending on type of pelvic ring injury, taking into account the individual characteristics of the injury in a particular patient.

Midline Sacral Fractures: Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION Sacral fractures are an important consideration in high-energy traumas associated with injuries to the pelvic ring that confer much of pelvic stability. A midline longitudinal sacral fracture (MLS) is a relatively rare fracture pattern, with only 23 cases of MLS fractures reported in the literature to date. This systematic review evaluates overall mechanisms of MLS injury, associated injuries, complications, management, and fracture prognosis. METHODS A 1952-2021 PubMed literature search yielded 11 publications reporting the outcomes of a total of 23 MLS fracture cases. RESULTS Of the 23 MLS patients, 15 (65%) were male and eight (35%) were female, with an average age of 37.25. Ten (43.5%) MLS fractures occurred during motor vehicle collisions and eight (34.7%) because of motorcycle accidents. The most common pelvic ring injuries associated with MLS were pubic symphysis diastasis (n = 12, 57%) and pubic ramus fractures (n = 11, 48%). Patients most frequently suffered intra-pelvic organ dysfunction such as sexual dysfunction or bowel/bladder/urethral injuries. Fractures were treated both operatively or non-operatively and generally showed clinical meaningful resolution at 10 weeks post-injury. CONCLUSIONS MLS injuries most often occur in high-energy trauma due to motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents as well as crush injuries, leg splitting, direct perineal/perianal impacts. Pre-trauma sacral abnormalities could be potentially predisposing factors correlated with MLS fractures. Careful review of x-rays and CT scans may help reveal MLS fractures, which can go initially undiagnosed. Operative and nonoperative management strategies includes bedrest, transsacral transiliac screw, decompressive laminotomies, and/or pelvic external fixation. The outcomes reported to date have been generally favorable, with most patients healing at approximately 10 weeks. Keywords: Midline sacral fracture; vertical sacral fracture; sacrum; pelvic ring injury

Fracture displacement of lateral compression type 1 (LC1) Pelvic Ring Injuries: Which measurement methods are reliable and does displacement correlate with adverse events?

To determine the interobserver reliability of perceived displacement (PD) ≥ 1 cm of lateral compression type 1 (LC1) pelvic ring fractures and to determine if PD correlated with published methods of measuring fracture displacement and adverse events. The injury and follow-up radiographs of 10 patients with nonoperative minimally displaced LC1 injuries were reviewed by 27 orthopaedic trauma surgeons to determine if they perceived an interval fracture displacement ≥ 1 cm. Perceived displacement (PD) was compared to 11 measurements of displacement: the difference in heights of iliac crests (IC), sourcils, and ischial tuberosities on AP/outlet radiographs; the distance from femoral head (FH) to the sacral midline and the distance between the radiographic teardrops (TD) on the AP; the distance from the TD to sacral midline and the difference in distances between the SI joints and the contralateral TD on the inlet. The interobserver reliability and correlation of PD and measured displacement was calculated. The association between PD and adverse events was also evaluated. PD had weak interobserver reliability (kappa = 0.46). Many of the measurements of displacement were poorly sensitive for PD. The magnification-corrected AP TD measurement had the highest sensitivity (100%) for PD and excellent interobserver reliability (Intraclass correlation 0.97), but had a low specificity (57.1%). All three patients with PD had adverse events while patients without PD had uneventful recoveries (p = 0.008). The AP TD measurement detected all cases of PD and had excellent reliability. PD was associated with adverse events, suggesting that accurate and reliable measurements of displacement are warranted. Diagnostic.