Traumatic Diastasis Research Articles

Traumatic Diastasis of Metopic Suture in an Adult Skull Victim of a Gunshot Wound: a Case Report

Traumatic Diastasis of Metopic Suture in an Adult Skull Victim of a Gunshot Wound: a Case Report

Fixation failure in patients with traumatic diastasis of pubic symphysis: impact of loss of reduction on early functional outcomes

BackgroundFailure of fixation (FF) in pubic symphysis diastasis (SD) ranges between 12 and 75%, though whether it influences functional outcomes is still debated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of anterior pelvic plate failure and loss of reduction on Majeed’s functional scores.MethodsSingle center retrospective review of consecutive patients with acute SD treated by means of anterior pubic plating. Thirty-seven patients with a mean age 45.7 ± 14.4 years were included. Demographics, AO classification, pelvic fixation and secondary procedures were recorded. Majeed’s functional scores at minimum 6 months follow-up were compared according to the presence of FF and loss of reduction.ResultsFifteen patients presented FF. Eight presented an additional loss of symphyseal reduction. Mean Majeed´s score (MMS) in patients with and without FF was 64.4 ± 13.04 and 81.8 ± 15.65, respectively (p = 0.0012). Differences in MMS in patients without FF and those with FF and maintained or loss of anterior reduction were 11.3 [70.5 vs 81.8] (p = 0.092) and 22.7 [59.1 vs 81.8] (p = 0.001), respectively. Significant association of FF with AO classification was noted. (OR 12.6; p = 0.002).ConclusionsDifferences in MMS in the analyzed groups suggest that loss of reduction might be more relevant than failure of the anterior osteosynthesis in functional outcomes.

Width of pubic symphysis relating to age and sex in Koreans

IntroductionDiastasis of the pubic symphysis has been reported to occur in 13–16% of pelvic ring injuries. In Asians, there are only a few data showing the width of the pubic symphysis. The aim of this study is to see the width of pubic symphysis relating to age and sex in Koreans.MethodsWidth of pubic symphysis was measured in pelvis AP and pelvic CT of 784 peoples (392 males, 392 females).ResultsIn supine AP, the width at the upper end was 4.8±2.5 mm (males; 3.46±1.38 mm, females; 4.04±2.76 mm). The width at the midpoint was 4.7±2.0 mm (males; 4.64±1.58 mm, females; 4.75±2.29 mm). The width at the lower end was 4.8±2.5 mm (males; 4.58±2.19 mm, females; 5.08±2.76 mm). In abducted AP, the width at the upper end was 3.8±2.9 mm (males; 3.65±1.50 mm, females; 3.97±3.85 mm). The width at the midpoint was 4.6±2.3 mm (males; 4.45±2.16 mm, females; 5.18±3.79 mm). The width at the lower end was 4.8±3.1 mm (males; 4.55±1.30 mm, females; 4.74±3.06 mm). In axial CT, the width at the anterior border was 15.0±6.2 mm (males; 14.50±6.62 mm, females; 16.44±6.22 mm). The width at the narrowest point was 3.1±1.5 mm (males; 3.19±1.53 mm, females; 3.09±1.50 mm). The width at the widest point was 4.1±1.6 mm (males; 4.27±1.60 mm, females; 4.00±1.50 mm). The width at the posterior border was 2.3±1.3 mm (males: 2.20±1.30 mm, females; 2.44±1.40 mm). Axial thickness was 27.1±5.3 mm (males; 29.48±4.60 mm, females; 24.70±4.82 mm). In coronal CT, the width at the upper end was 3.1±4.1 mm (males; 2.28±1.26 mm, females; 3.83±5.48 mm). The width at beginning of widening was 3.6±4.5 mm (males; 2.68±1.63 mm, females; 4.54±6.08 mm). The width at the lower end was 20.5±8.2 mm (males; 17.49±4.53 mm, females; 23.60±9.86 mm). Coronal thickness was 20.4±7.1 mm (males; 24.50±5.98 mm, females; 16.23±5.61 mm). In supine film, width significantly increased with age at the upper end (p=0.022) and midpoint (p< 0.001); however, it decreased at the lower end (p< 0.001). In abduction film, width at midpoint increased with age (p=0.003).ConclusionPelvic malunion should be defined according to the population and age. These results could be a reference in assessing the quality of reduction after internal fixation of the patients with traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis.

WITHDRAWN: No clinical advantage of locking over nonlocking plate fixation of symphyseal disruptions 1 No clinical advantage of locking over nonlocking plate fixation of symphyseal disruptions

ABSTRACT Purpose . Although locking plates have led to important changes in fracture management, becoming important tools in the orthopedic surgeon's arsenal, the benefits of locking plates for traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis have not been established. This study was conducted to assess the quality of life in its different domains among patients with traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis managed either with locking or nonlocking plate. Methods . A prospective cohort study was undertaken at 3 level-1 trauma centres in Brazil. Patients presenting traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis treated with plate fixation with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were eligible for inclusion. Through a Pfannenstiel approach, the pubic symphysis was reduced and fixed with a superiorly positioned 4.5-mm four- to six-hole reconstruction locked plate or 3.5-mm four- to six-hole reconstruction nonlocked plate. Posterior injury was managed during the same procedure. Outcome measures were adequate healing of the pelvic injuries, return to pre-injury level on daily activities, and quality of life at the last follow-up visit. Complications and modes of failure were summarized and reviewed. Bivariate linear regression was used to assess individual factors affecting patients’ health-related quality of life. A p value of Results . A total of 31 adult patients (29 males and 2 females) were eligible for the study. Thirteen patients were managed with a reconstruction locked plate and 18 patients with a nonlocked reconstruction plate. Average postoperative follow-up time was 24 months. Adequate healing of the pelvic injuries was achieved in 61.5% of patients treated with locking plates and 94.4% of patients treated with nonlocking plates (p = .003). Radiographic failure of fixation with minor complications occurred in 46.1% of patients after locked plating versus 11.1% of patients in the nonlocking plate group (p = .0003). In bivariate analysis, sexual dysfunction (p Conclusion . Internal fixation of traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis with locking plates has no clinical advantage when compared to nonlocked plating. Mechanical failure and inadequate healing are significantly increased after locked plating of the pubic symphysis. Therefore, we do not recommend routine use of locking plates for managing patients presenting traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis. Level of evidence: II (prospective, cohort study)

No clinical advantage of locking over nonlocking plate fixation of symphyseal disruptions.

although locking plates have led to important changes in fracture management, becoming important tools in the orthopedic surgeon's arsenal, the benefits of locking plates for traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis have not been established. This study was conducted to assess the quality of life in its different domains among patients with traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis managed either with locking or nonlocking plate. a prospective cohort study was undertaken at 3 level 1 trauma centres in Brazil. Patients presenting traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis treated with plate fixation with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were eligible for inclusion. Through a Pfannenstiel approach, the pubic symphysis was reduced and fixed with a superiorly positioned 4.5mm four to six hole reconstruction locked plate or 3.5mm four to six hole reconstruction nonlocked plate. Posterior injury was managed during the same procedure. Outcome measures were adequate healing of the pelvic injuries, return to pre-injury level on daily activities, and quality of life at the last follow-up visit. Complications and modes of failure were summarized and reviewed. Bivariate linear regression was used to assess individual factors affecting patients' health-related quality of life. A p value of <5% was considered significant. a total of 31 adult patients (29 males and 2 females) were eligible for the study. Thirteen patients were managed with a reconstruction locked plate and 18 patients with a nonlocked reconstruction plate. Average postoperative follow-up time was 24 months. Adequate healing of the pelvic injuries was achieved in 61.5% of patients treated with locking plates and 94.4% of patients treated with nonlocking plates (p=0.003). Radiographic failure of fixation with minor complications occurred in 46.1% of patients after locked plating versus 11.1% of patients in the nonlocking plate group (p=0.0003). In bivariate analysis, abnormal gait (p=0.007) was associated with a reduced long-term quality of life as measured with the EQ-5D-3L. internal fixation of traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis with locking plates has no clinical advantage when compared to nonlocked plating. Mechanical failure and inadequate healing are significantly increased after locked plating of the pubic symphysis. Therefore, we do not recommend routine use of locking plates for managing patients presenting traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis. II (prospective, cohort study).

Diagnostic accuracy of pubic symphysis ultrasound in the detection of unstable pelvis in polytrauma patients during e-FAST: the value of FAST-PLUS protocol. A preliminary experience.

Extended focused abdominal sonography for trauma (e-FAST) is part of the primary survey in patients with high-energy trauma. However, it does not identify patients with retroperitoneal haemorrhage associated with significant pelvic trauma. A traumatic diastasis of pubic symphysis, as well as an 'open book' (OB) pelvic injury, is a diagnostic clueto recognize unstable pelvis with higher risk of bleeding. FAST-PLUS (FAST-PL pleural -US ultrasound of symphysis) protocol is an addendum to the e-FAST, which takes into account the study of the pubic symphysis in a single transverse scan after the traditional focused evaluation of the abdomen and thorax. The aim of this study is to determine the value of FAST-PLUS protocol in the evaluation of pubic symphysis injuries and the identification of 'open book' (OB) unstable pelvic fractures. Between January 2018 and December 2019, we retrospectively reviewed 67 polytraumatised patients with clinical suspicion of pelvic instability and with known anteroposterior pelvis compression injuries who underwent e-FAST with an additional transverse scan of the pubic symphysis, named the FAST-PLUS protocol and computed tomography (CT) exam in order to assess the correlation between them in defining the presence or absence of pubic symphyseal widening (SW). A cutoff value of 2.5cm in transverse diameter was used to diagnose OB unstable pelvic injury. The results were analysed using Cohen's test, which uses the Kappa value as the reference index. The analysis carried out to assess the degree of agreement between FAST-PLUS and CT showed 5/67 patients (7.5%) with a critical pubic SW (> 2.5cm transverse diameter) suggestive of unstable OB pelvic injury and 62/67 (92,5%) without any signs of SW at FAST-PLUS. At CT, findings of unstable OB pelvic fracture were confirmed in all patients with positive results at FAST-PLUS. Similarly, all patients with negative results for critical pubic SW (< 2.5cm in transverse diameter) at FAST-PLUS were found to be negative at CT exam. The level of correlation between the two methods was high (Kappa value = 1) CONCLUSION: The FAST-PLUS protocol shows a high correlation with CT exam, which is the gold standard for the detection of unstable pubic SW, as well as OB pelvic injury, in polytraumatised patients. Inclusion of FAST-PLUS in patient management in the shock room may lead to a quicker identification of patients with unstable pelvis and to faster therapeutic work-up.

Functional outcome after open reduction and internal fixation for traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis a one year follow-up study

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Pubic diastasis often results in anteroposterior compression (APC) injuries based on Young and Burgess classification. It is caused due to high-energy trauma and of much clinical importance is given when coexists with urogenital and neurological complications with hemodynamic instability. Open reduction and internal fixation with plating facilitates early mobilisation with better results and is the preferable mode of stabilisation. We evaluated the clinical and functional outcome of such patients in a one-year follow-up period.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; In our study, we included 20 patients with APC II injuries who underwent an open reduction by single or dual plating technique by the Pfannenstiel approach, were followed for one year.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Among 20 patients, 14 patients (70%) were operated with single superior plating, six patients (30%) were performed with dual plating, i.e., both superior and anterior plating. Among 20 patients, two patients (10%) were operated for primary arthrodesis with double plating. Only one among 20 (5%) had implant failure due to early weight bearing and were re-operated with primary arthrodesis with plating. Results were analysed based on a scoring system which includes five criteria such as anterior pelvic pain, dyspareunia and sexual dysfunction, ability to sit, gait abnormalities and walking distance. Among 20 patients ten patients (50%) had excellent results, six patients (30%) had good results, two patients (10%) had fair results, two patients (10%) had poor results.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Open reduction and internal fixation of traumatic pubic diastasis in type II APC injuries with single or dual plating had given better results and early functional recovery.&lt;/p&gt;

Экспериментальное обоснование ретрактильного механизма формирования диастаза пересеченных нервов и дополнение к методам его лечения

Relevance Mechanisms of formation and treatment of the interval space between stumps of sectioned nerve remain one of actual and poorly studied factors of formation of hypercollagen scar of nerve and nevroma. The purpose of the study The goal of the work is study of possibility of retraction of nerve fibers in formation of interval between stumps of sectioned nerve and an attempt at its inhibition. Materials and methods Signs of retraction of nerve fibers on human amputated extremities are studied with aid of silver impregnation of fixed preparations by Bielschowsky-Gros. For experimental study of regularities of contraction of myelinated and myelinles nerve fibers at their section there are used models of living preparations of vertebrate and invertebrate animals. With aid of phase-contrast computerized videomicroscopy, a possibility of participation of contraction of nerve fibers in an increase of space between stumps of sectioned nerve is studied. A possibility of medicament inhibition of this retraction with aid of blockers of cytoplasmic mobility is shown. Electrophysiological methods are used for study of effect of these substances on neuromembranes and a possibility of use of the tested blockers is checked in experiments of treatment of the whole animals. Results and their discussion On fixed histological preparations of nerves of damaged and amputated human extremities there are detected signs of contractile activities of nerve fibers. In experiments on isolated living fibers for the first time demonstrated is dynamics of the bidirectional retraction of myelinated nerve fibers, which accepts their participation in enlargement of diastasis of cross-sectioned nerves. On myelinles axons with preserved neuronal bodies there is studied action of blockers of contractile activity of the cytoplasm: nimodipine, cytochalasin, blebbistatin, and colchicine. There is proved participation in retraction of axons of the main protein polymers of the axoplasmic cytoskeleton and a possibility of use of these blockers for inhibition of posttraumatic retraction of nerve fibers. Electrophysiological experiments have shown a low toxicity of these agents and a possibility of their use for treatment of the traumatic diastasis of nerves in experiments on the whole animals. Conclusion 1. There is shown the capability for retraction in myelin nerve fibers of human and other vertebrates after transaction of nerves. 2. Based on experiments on living single neurons with preserved processes, a hypothesis is formulated about participation of active contraction of axons in mechanism of formation of diastasis. 3. There is analyzed the ability of several main blockers of the axoplasm motility: cytochalasin B, blebbistatin, colchicine, and nimodipine to stop traumatic retraction of neurites. 4. The absence is shown of pathological influences of the studied inhibitors on electrophysiological properties of the neuromembrane, which admits their use for treatment of diastasis at transaction of nerves in the whole experimental animals. Key words Nerve diastase, nervous fibres retraction, mechanism axoplasm retraction, axon retraction inhibitors

Comparisons of three radiographic views in assessing for scapholunate instability.

Multiple wrist x-ray images have been described to assess for scapholunate (SL) instability. Some views may be redundant. The purpose of this study was to compare three plain x-ray views in identifying a traumatic diastasis of the SL interval. Nineteen patients (19 wrists) with a positive scaphoid shift test and surgically confirmed SL ligament damage were identified. There were 15 males and 4 females with a mean age of 39years. Pre-operative x-rays were reviewed, including posteroanterior (PA) neutral and PA ulnar deviation views of the injured wrist, and PA clenched fist views of the injured and uninjured wrists. Dynamic SL instability was defined by an SL mid-interval gap of <3mm and static SL instability by a gap of ≥3mm in the PA neutral views. The mid-interval measurements were compared between x-ray images. There were 10 dynamic and 9 static SL instability cases. The PA ulnar deviation and the PA clenched fist views showed significantly greater SL gaps in comparison to the PA neutral views in dynamic but not static SL instability cases. In both categories of instability, there was no significant difference in the SL gaps between the two stress images. The PA clenched fist view of the uninjured wrist revealed SL gapping of >3mm in 50% of patients but with generally greater gapping in the clenched fist view of the injured wrist. The PA ulnar deviation and clenched fist stress views were equally effective in showing a dynamic SL diastasis following wrist injury. Neither view was more effective than a neutral PA view in diagnosing static SL instability.

Radiographic Changes of Implant Failure After Plating for Pubic Symphysis Diastasis: An Underappreciated Reality?

Implant failure after symphyseal disruption and plating reportedly occurs in 0% to 21% of patients but the actual occurrence may be much more frequent and the characteristics of this failure have not been well described. We therefore determined the incidence and characterized radiographic implant failures in patients undergoing symphyseal plating after disruption of the pubic symphysis. We retrospectively reviewed 165 adult patients with Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) 61-B (Tile B) or OTA 61-C (Tile C) pelvic injuries treated with symphyseal plating at two regional Level I and one Level II trauma centers. Immediate postoperative and latest followup anteroposterior radiographs were reviewed for implant loosening or breakage and for recurrent diastasis of the pubic symphysis. The minimum followup was 6 months (average, 12.2 months; range, 6-65 months). Failure of fixation, including screw loosening or breakage of the symphyseal fixation, occurred in 95 of the 127 patients (75%), which resulted in widening of the pubic symphyseal space in 84 of those cases (88%) when compared with the immediate postoperative radiograph. The mean width of the pubic space measured 4.9 mm (range, 2-10 mm) on immediate postoperative radiographs; however, on the last radiographs, the mean was 8.4 mm (range, 3-21 mm), representing a 71% increase. In seven patients (6%), the symphysis widened 10 mm or more; however, only one of these patients required revision surgery. Failure of fixation with recurrent widening of the pubic space can be expected after plating of the pubic symphysis for traumatic diastasis. Although widening may represent a benign condition as motion is restored to the pubic symphysis, patients should be counseled regarding a high risk of radiographic failure but a small likelihood of revision surgery. Level IV, case series. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Fractures of the clivus and traumatic diastasis of the central skull base in the pediatric population

Fractures of the clivus and traumatic diastases of the clival synchondroses are rare in the pediatric population. The incidence, outcome, and biomechanics associated with these fractures have been difficult to ascertain secondary to the lack of literature pertaining to their occurrence. A Boolean search of the electronic medical record database at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, was performed to identify patients with fractures of the clivus that were diagnosed using CT of the head. A retrospective review of the chart and radiographic imaging was then performed to assess data regarding patient demographics, mechanism of injury, and skull and brain parenchymal injuries, as well as outcomes. Between May 2002 and November 2007, 16 patients with fractures of the clivus were identified. The mean age of these patients was 9 years (range 1-16 years). Eleven (68.8%) of the 16 patients had an associated traumatic diastasis of the central skull base. Five (31.3%) of the 16 patients died. However, of the 11 patients who survived, all had a good outcome with a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 or 5 at the time of discharge. The incidence of clival fractures among patients with head injuries was 0.33%. Clival fractures occur with a similar incidence in both the pediatric and adult trauma population. Outcome is not correlated directly with the extent of clival fracture, but rather with the presenting Glasgow Coma Scale score and concomitant brain parenchymal injuries. The identification of traumatic diastases in patients with clival fractures suggests that static loading forces are a significant factor in the biomechanics producing these types of fractures.

Open reduction and internal fixation of a traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis

The aim of this study was to review the number of patients operated on for traumatic disruption of the pubic symphysis who developed radiological signs of movement of the anterior pelvic metalwork during the first post-operative year, and to determine whether this had clinical implications. A consecutive series of 49 patients undergoing internal fixation of a traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis were studied. All underwent anterior fixation of the diastasis, which was frequently combined with posterior pelvic fixation. The fractures were divided into groups using the Young and Burgess classification for pelvic ring fractures. The different combinations of anterior and posterior fixation adopted to stabilise the fractures and the type of movement of the metalwork which was observed were analysed and related to functional outcome during the first post-operative year. In 15 patients the radiographs showed movement of the anterior metalwork, with broken or mobile screws or plates, and in six there were signs of a recurrent diastasis. In this group, four patients required revision surgery; three with anterior fixation and one with removal of anterior pelvic metalwork; the remaining 11 functioned as well as the rest of the study group. We conclude that radiological signs of movement in the anterior pelvic metalwork, albeit common, are not in themselves an indication for revision surgery.

Herniation of the bladder after recurrent pubic symphysis diastasis

Bladder and urethral injuries are relatively common complications of pelvic trauma; however, bladder herniation into a pubic symphysis diastasis is an unusual sequelae of such trauma. The case reported here is that of a patient in whom the initial open-book type fracture of the pelvic ring with a major pubic diastasis was treated with external fixator. Ten weeks after satisfactory reduction, the fixator was removed. Four weeks later the symphysis reopened. Urinary discomfort with bladder herniation into the diastatic area developed. Direct surgical approach with internal fixation and fascial repair were necessary. At 6-year follow-up, the patient remains without symptom. The purpose of this report is to draw attention to a potentially higher risk of bladder herniation when closed reduction in traumatic pubic diastasis fails and to provide guidelines for evaluation and treatment of this uncommon complication.

Diástasis traumática de pubis en gestante a término

The traumatic diastasis of pubic symphysis during the gestation is a rare although potentially serious complication for the mother and the fetus and that forces us to a careful monitoring of the hemodinámic stability of both and that it needs a joint performance by obstetricians and orthopaedic surgeons sometimes emergent.

Internal fixation of traumatic diastasis of pubic symphysis: is plate removal essential?

Internal fixation of the traumatic diastasis of symphysis pubis is an integral part of the definitive management of pelvic ring injuries. Both functional outcome and long term physiological effects of plate retention have not been clearly addressed and no specific indications regarding implant removal have been proposed in the literature. We reviewed 74 patients (18 females and 56 males), with an average age of 40.6 (16-75) years, who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the pubic symphysis. Except from the demographic data many other parameters like suprapubic pain, sexual disturbance, impotence and dyspareunia were taken under consideration. Furthermore, any correlation between implant failure and functional impairment was recorded and the subject of implant removal in pregnant women was examined. Health outcome was assessed according to EuroQol 5-D (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Mean follow up: 41.7 (28-89) months. Suprapubic pain was present in ten patients. Three men developed neurogenic impotence and one woman had deep dyspareunia. None of these symptoms were related to implant status. Three of the four females who had uncomplicated pregnancy in the post-stabilization period had the plate in situ. Implant failure was seen in four patients but they remained asymptomatic. EQ-5D questionnaire revealed high satisfaction scores among young women and men of all age groups. This study supports the view that routine removal of the plate is not essential. The issue of whether the implant needs to be removed in women of childbearing age requires further investigation.

Reconstruction of Traumatic Transposition of the Penis and Scrotum and Associated Complex Open Abdominoperineal Pelvic Deformity With Free Innervated Tensor Fascia Latae Osteomyocutaneous Flap

Guidelines for the repair of full-thickness defects of the lower abdominal wall have been established. However, lower abdominal defects associated with traumatic bladder herniation and pubic symphyseal diastasis or bony loss have not been addressed. Poor abdominal wall contour, protuberance, and recurrent hernias are likely when there is discontinuity of the midline pelvis in association with full-thickness lower abdominal defects and visceral herniation. We devised an operation that would not only restore bony continuity by providing a vascularized bone flap but also simultaneously maintain the integrity of the attachment of the tensor fascia latae muscle to the iliac crest and reestablish musculofascial continuity.

Herniation of the Urinary Bladder: A Complication of Traumatic Pubic Symphysis Diastasis

Bladder rupture and urethral disruption are relatively common injuries associated with pelvic trauma; however, bladder herniation into a public symphysis diastasis is an unusual sequelae of pelvic trauma. We report a case of anterior bladder wall herniation into a traumatic pubic diastasis and review the literature. Recommendations focusing on avoiding possible urinary bladder complications associated with closed reduction and external fixation of the diastasis are offered.

Two-hole plate fixation for traumatic symphysis pubis diastasis.

Techniques for managing traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis include bed rest, hip spica casting, pelvic slings, external fixation, and internal fixation. We report herein our experience with 14 consecutively managed patients in whom we successfully stabilized traumatic pubic diastasis with a single two-hole plate fixation. The average age of the 13 men and one woman was 30 years; followup averaged 17 months. Most of the patients had associated injuries (Injury Severity Score average, 19). Nine patients had concomitant disruption of the sacroiliac joint requiring either delayed open reduction and internal fixation or prolonged skeletal traction; among the five remaining patients, time to mobilization (bed to chair) averaged 1 day. There were no complications attributable to the procedure; i.e., no infections, and no failures of fixation. In this small series of patients early two-hole plate fixation of the traumatic diastasis of the pubis satisfactorily restored the disrupted anterior pelvic ring, contributed to early mobilization of the patients, and made reduction of a concomitantly disrupted sacroiliac joint easier, whether accomplished by skeletal traction or open reduction and internal fixation during a second procedure.

Successful Repair of an Unusual Hernia Associated With Traumatic Pubic Diastasis

A 70-year-old man had an unusual type of supravesical small bowel hernia associated with herniation of the bladder through a traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis. The diastasis was closed with prosthetic mesh through a preperitoneal approach. In patients in whom a scrotal hernia develops after a previous pelvic fracture, especially those with evidence of a pubic diastasis, an unusual type of hernia should be suspected. A preperitoneal surgical approach best reveals the anatomy and allows appropriate repair. The best procedure for prevention of such hernias is primary reduction of any substantial pubic diastasis, but operative intervention is not indicated in all patients.

Herniation of the Bladder after Traumatic Diastasis of the Pubis

Herniation of the Bladder after Traumatic Diastasis of the Pubis