Treatment Of Pelvic Ring Injuries Research Articles

Do we need another screw? Sacroiliac screw fixation in open-book pelvic ring injuries (APC type II).

To compare anterior plate fixation (SP fixation) both alone and in combination with an additional posterior sacroiliac screw (SP+SIS fixation) as a treatment for pelvic ring injuries with widening of the pubic symphysis and disruption to the anterior sacroiliac ligaments. To find studies with pelvic ring injuries (APC II; B2.3d) and SP or SP+SIS fixation, a systematic literature review was conducted by searching four databases. A protocol was published a priori at Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/3YHAV). Exclusion criteria included perineal injuries, chronic instability of the symphysis, complete sacroiliac separation, and pediatric patients (age <18 years). Primary outcomes of interest were defined as implant failure, health-related quality of life, and revision rate. Altogether, 1861 studies were screened, and 40 studies qualified for full-text analysis. In total, 14 studies (two surveys, six biomechanical studies, and six retrospective clinical studies) were included. The surveys revealed that surgeons who had more recently begun practicing were more likely to use posterior fixation (SP+ISS). The biomechanical studies were heterogenous and did not yield a uniform pattern. In clinical studies, 117 patients (45%) received SP fixation, and 142 patients (55%) received SP+SIS fixation. Complications occurred in 31 SP patients (30%) and in five SP+SIS patients (3.5%). A high risk of bias was uncovered, and reporting was found to be incomplete. SP+SIS may have the potential to improve outcomes, but the evidence remains too inconclusive to draw reliable recommendations.

Emergency treatment of pelvic ring injuries: state of the art.

High energy pelvic injuries sustain significant mortality rates, due to acute exsanguination and severe associated injuries. Managing the hemodynamically unstable trauma patient with a bleeding pelvic fracture still forms a major challenge in acute trauma care. Various approaches have been applied through the last decades. At present the concept of Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) is universally accepted and applied in major trauma centers internationally. DCR combines hemostatic blood transfusions to restore blood volume and physiologic stability, reduced crystalloid fluid administration, permissive hypotension, and immediate hemorrhage control by operative or angiographic means. Different detailed algorithms and orders of hemostatic procedures exist, without clear consensus or guidelines, depending on local traditions and institutional setups. Fracture reduction and immediate stabilization with a binder constitute the basis for angiography and embolization (AE) or pelvic packing (PP) in the hemodynamically unstable patient. AE is time consuming and may not be available 24/7, whereas PP offers a quick and technically easy procedure well suited for the patient in extremis. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has also been described as a valuable adjunct in hemostatic non-responders, but merely constitute a bridge to surgical or angiographic hemostasis and its definitive role in DCR is not yet clearly established. A swift algorithmic approach to the hemodynamically unstable pelvic injury patient is required to achieve optimum results. The present paper summarizes the available literature on the acute management of the bleeding pelvic trauma patient, with emphasis on initial assessment and damage control resuscitation including surgical and angiographic hemostatic procedures. Furthermore, initial treatment of open fractures and associated injuries to the nervous and genitourinary system is outlined.

Starr frame-assisted minimally invasive internal fixation for pelvic fractures: Simultaneous anterior and posterior ring stability

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the surgical techniques, efficacy, and safety of Starr frame-assisted minimally invasive internal fixation for simultaneous anterior and posterior ring stability in pelvic fractures. MethodsThe clinical data of 22 patients with anterior and posterior pelvic ring injuries who underwent Starr frame-assisted minimally invasive internal fixation were retrospectively collected. The anterior pelvic ring was fixed with an anterior subcutaneous internal fixator (INFIX), and the posterior pelvic ring was fixed with sacroiliac screws. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy times, number of assistants, complications, and weight-bearing time were analyzed. The Matta score was used to evaluate the fracture reduction. The Majeed score was used to evaluate clinical efficacy, and Gibbon's classification was used to estimate the occurrence of sacral nerve injury. ResultsAll 22 patients were treated with sacroiliac screws for posterior ring injuries, including 12 cases with single sacroiliac screws, nine with two sacroiliac screws, and one with three sacroiliac screws. INFIX was used for all anterior ring fixation, including two screws in seven cases, three screws in 13 cases, and four screws in two cases. The fracture reduction quality was excellent in 15 cases, good in four cases, and moderate in three cases by Matta scores. All patients were followed up for 6–20 (12.5 ± 5.7) months. Callus-formation time based on postoperative X-ray was 3–8 (4.3 ± 1.2) weeks. Weight-bearing time was 3–12 (6.3 ± 2.8) weeks after surgery. At the last follow-up, 15 patients were evaluated as excellent, five as good, and two as fair according to the Majeed score. Gibbons’ classification showed that one of the three patients with sacral nerve injury recovered completely and two did not recover. Complications occurred in six patients, including one with internal fixation loosening, two with anterolateral thigh paresthesia, one with malunion, one with nonunion, and one with heterotopic ossification. ConclusionsStarr frame-assisted minimally invasive internal fixation could stabilize the anterior and posterior pelvic rings simultaneously, overcoming the difficulty of fracture reduction. This technique can help patients with early postoperative weight-bearing and improved functional outcomes, providing a novel modality for the minimally invasive treatment of pelvic ring injuries.

Percutaneous iliosacral screw and trans-iliac trans-sacral screw with single C-arm fluoroscope intensifier is a safe treatment for pelvic ring injuries

To elucidate the accuracy, efficacy, and safety of percutaneous iliosacral screw (ISS) and trans-iliac trans-sacral screw (TITS) insertion using a single C-arm fluoroscopy intensifier. Additionally, the potential risk factors that might cause mal-positioned screws were identified. Patients with pelvic ring injuries who underwent percutaneous screw fixation in a single medical institute were divided into an ISS group (n = 59) and a TITS group (n = 62) and assessed. The angles deviated from ideal orientation (ADIO) of the implanted screw were measured, and potential risk factors for mal-positioned screws were analyzed. Overall, the reduction quality of the pelvic ring was good or excellent in 70 patients (82.4%) by Matta’s criteria and in 48 patients (56.5%) by Lefaivre’s criteria. ADIO measurements of the ISS and TITS groups via multi-planar computed tomography were 9.16° ± 6.97° and 3.09° ± 2.8° in the axial view, respectively, and 5.92° ± 3.65° and 2.10° ± 2.01° in the coronal view, respectively. Univariate statistical analysis revealed body mass index as the single potential risk factor of mal-positioned screws. With careful preoperative planning and intraoperative preparations, placing ISS and TITS under the guidance of single C-arm fluoroscopy intensifier is a reliable and safe technique. Caution should be exercised when performing this procedure in patients with a high body mass index.

Does 3D-Assisted Operative Treatment of Pelvic Ring Injuries Improve Patient Outcome?-A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: There has been an exponential growth in the use of advanced technologies for three-dimensional (3D) virtual pre- and intra-operative planning of pelvic ring injury surgery but potential benefits remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in intra- and post-operative results between 3D and conventional (2D) surgery. Methods: A systematic review was performed including published studies between 1 January 2010 and 22 May 2020 on all available 3D techniques in pelvic ring injury surgery. Studies were assessed for their methodological quality according to the Modified McMaster Critical Review form. Differences in operation time, blood loss, fluoroscopy time, screw malposition rate, fracture reduction and functional outcome between 3D-assisted and conventional (2D) pelvic injury treatment were evaluated and a best-evidence synthesis was performed. Results: Eighteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, evaluating a total of 988 patients. Overall quality was moderate. Regarding intra-operative results of 3D-assisted versus conventional surgery: The weighted mean operation time per screw was 43 min versus 52 min; for overall operation time 126 min versus 141 min; blood loss 275 ± 197 mL versus 549 ± 404 mL; fluoroscopy time 74 s versus 125 s and fluoroscopy frequency 29 ± 4 versus 63 ± 3. In terms of post-operative outcomes of 3D-assisted versus conventional surgery: weighted mean screw malposition rate was 8% versus 18%; quality of fracture reduction measured by the total excellent/good rate by Matta was 86% versus 82% and Majeed excellent/good rate 88% versus 83%. Conclusion: The 3D-assisted surgery technologies seem to have a positive effect on operation time, blood loss, fluoroscopy dose, time and frequency as well as accuracy of screw placement. No improvement in clinical outcome in terms of fracture reduction and functional outcome has been established so far. Due to a wide range of methodological quality and heterogeneity between the included studies, results should be interpreted with caution.

Does operative treatment of geriatric pelvic ring injuries lead to a high risk of one-year mortality?

IntroductionNon-operative management of pelvic ring injuries in the elderly is associated with a high risk of one-year mortality. The majority of these injuries are the result of a low-energy mechanism, however, due to the multiple medical comorbidities in this patient population the injuries are associated with a high degree of morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine the one-year mortality risk after operative treatment of pelvic ring injuries in a geriatric patient population and the effect of patient and injury characteristics on the risk of mortality. Patients and methodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients over the age of 70 who underwent operative fixation of a pelvic ring injury at two Level 1 trauma centers between January 2016 and June 2019. Medical records were reviewed for patient and injury characteristics including: Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status score or Injury Severity Score (ISS), hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). The primary outcome of interest was the one-year mortality risk following operative treatment. Secondary outcomes included the effect of patient and injury characteristics on the one-year mortality risk and the hospital LOS. ResultsNinety patients were included with an average age of 79.8 ± 6.5 years. The overall mortality was 8.9% (n = 8) and was significantly associated with the CCI. There was no significant effect related to the ASA physical status score or ISS. The average hospital LOS was 9.2 ± 7.3 days and was associated with the CCI, ASA physical status score, and ISS. DiscussionNon-operative management of pelvic ring injuries in geriatric patients is associated with a high risk of one-year mortality. Our findings suggest operative treatment of these fractures is associated with an acceptable risk of one-year mortality that falls below the commonly reported range for non-operatively managed injuries. Furthermore, the risk of mortality was significantly associated with the patient's pre-injury state as determined by the CCI.

Evaluation of the early radiological and functional results of percutaneous fixation of unstable pelvic ring injuries

Recent years have seen improvements in all phases of pelvic fracture management. The surgical treatment of pelvic ring injuries is technically demanding The aim of treatment is to achieve anatomical or near anatomical restoration of the articular surface, accurate reduction of the pelvic ring in mechanically unstable injuries, reduce pain, allows early mobilization of the patient and optimizes long term functional results This study aimed to evaluate the early radiological and functional results of percutaneous fixation of unstable pelvic ring injuries. From October 2019 till December 2020 twenty patients (11male and 9 female) with unstable pelvic ring injuries were included in the study. The mean age 42 years (range 18–66 years). The most common mode of injury was road traffic accident (RTA) followed by fall from height. The most common injury pattern according to Young and Burgess lateral compression injury, anteroposterior compression injury and vertically unstable. Four patients had medical comorbidities diabetes mellitus and hypertension at presentation. All patients treated by DCO protocol. 3 patients with posterior pelvic ring injuries treated by percutaneous iliosacral screw. 3 patients with anterior pelvic ring injuries treated by external fixator. 2 patient with anterior pelvic ring injuries treated by INFIX .8 patients with anterior and posterior pelvic ring injuries treated by external fixator and percutaneous iliosacral screw.1 patients with anterior and posterior pelvic ring injuries treated by INFIX and percutaneous iliosacral screw.2patients with anterior pelvic ring and posterior pelvic ring injuries treated by INFIX and spinopelvic fixation.1 patients with anterior pelvic ring and posterior pelvic ring injuries treated by external fixator and spinopelvic fixation. The mean injury-to-surgery interval was 6.1 days (range 0-12 days). The mean intraoperative blood loss 160ml range 100ml -240 ml. Percutaneous fixation of pelvic ring injuries offers safe, short operative time technique, less complication, with better results, short hospital stay, early healing and should be the standard way for pelvic ring fractures fixation. High quality pre-operative and intra-operative imaging, image-guidance, are essential for an equally high quality of surgical results.

Can preoperative radiographs predict hardware complication or fracture displacement after operative treatment of pelvic ring injuries?

Operative fixation of pelvic ring injuries is associated with a high risk of hardware failure and loss of reduction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative radiographs can predict failure after operative treatment of pelvic ring injuries and if the method of fixation effects their risk. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 143 patients with pelvic ring injuries treated with operative fixation at a level 1 trauma center. Preoperative radiographs were examined for the presence of the following characteristics: bilateral rami fractures, segmental or comminuted rami fractures, contralateral anterior and posterior injuries, complete sacral fracture, and displaced inferior ramus fractures. The method of fixation was classified based on the presence of anterior, posterior, or combined anterior and posterior fixation as well as whether or not posterior fixation was performed at a single or multiple sacral levels. Post-operative radiographs were examined for hardware failure or loss of reduction. Twenty-one patients (14.7%) demonstrated either hardware complication or fracture displacement within 6 months of surgery. Male sex was associated with a decreased risk of hardware complication (OR 0.11 [0.014, 0.86]; p=0.03). Posterior pelvic ring fixation at multiple sacral levels was associated with a decreased risk of fracture displacement (OR 0.21 [0.056, 0.83]; p=0.02). We were unable to demonstrate a significant association between preoperative radiographic characteristics and risk of hardware failure or fracture displacement. Our study demonstrates that both gender and the method of posterior fixation are associated with hardware failure or displacement.

Treatment of Pelvic Ring Injury with 3D Printed Patient-Specific Implant: Case Report

Rationale. The development of 3D printing technology allows the manufacture of individual implants to treat the patients with diseases and consequences of musculoskeletal system injuries. However, the use of additive technologies in the patients with multiple trauma in the acute period is limited. The purpose of study was to demonstrate the possibility of using individual implants for the definitive fixation of the anterior pelvic ring in a patient with multiple trauma.Patient concerns. A 22-year-old patient was admitted after an injury as a result of a fall from the 5th floor. The treatment was carried out in accordance with the ATLS protocol. Diagnosis: multiple trauma; closed chest, pelvis and limbs injuries; fracture of the left 2nd to 5th ribs; pelvic bones fracture AO/ OTA: 61-C1.3a; fracture of both bones of the left lower leg AO/OTA: 42-B3b; 2nd degree shock.Interventions. An emergency external fixation of the pelvis and lower leg bones was performed. An individual implant for pubic bone fixation was made using 3D printing. On the 8th day, the definitive fixation of the pelvic and left lower leg bones was performed. The patient is activated on the 1st day after the surgery.Outcomes. The early postoperative period was uneventful. The functional result on the Majeed scale in 6 months by remote filling out the questionnaire was 84 points. Lessons. The custom-made implants make it possible the successful fixation of the anterior pelvic ring. The use of 3D printing technologies for the osteosynthesis of pelvic fractures is promising, although requires further study.

Patient-reported Outcome in Surgically Treated Pelvic Ring Injuries at 5 Years Post-surgery.

Long-term prospective data on patient-reported outcome after surgical treatment of pelvic ring injuries are scarce. This study aimed at describing results at 5 years post-surgery using validated outcome measures. Patients admitted for surgical treatment of pelvic ring injuries were prospectively included and asked to report their outcome at 1, 2 and 5 years post-surgery using two patient-reported outcome measures: the generic Short-Form 36 and the condition-specific pelvic discomfort index. Data were evaluated using mixed-effects linear models. There were 108 patients (68 males and 40 females), mean age 38 years. Injury type according to the AO/OTA-classification was B-type in 68 patients and C-type in 40 patients. No domain of the Short-Form 36 reached norm values at 5 years post-surgery. Females reported a worse outcome than males concerning general health (p < 0.01) at 5 years. Recovery of physical function (p < 0.01), mental health (p = 0.04), and pain (p = 0.01) was observed for males at 5 years compared to earlier assessments, while females on the contrary described more pain at this time-point (p = 0.03). Mean pelvic discomfort index at 5 years was 27, indicating moderate residual pelvic discomfort overall. Males reported less pelvic discomfort than females at 5 years (p = 0.02) and improved when compared to results at 2 years (p = 0.02), while females did not. Influence of age, fracture type, and presence of associated injuries on patient-reported outcome was limited. Surgically treated pelvic ring injuries are associated with long-standing negative effects on patient-reported outcome. Males report a better outcome than females at 5 years post-surgery.

Imaging of Pelvic and Femoral Fixation Hardware: Normal Findings and Hardware Failure.

Good outcomes following treatment of pelvic ring injuries, acetabular fractures, and femur fractures rely on restoration of native pelvic or limb alignment, anatomical reduction and rigid stability of articular fractures, and early postoperative mobilization. Multiple surgical approaches, reduction aids, and orthopaedic implants are available to stabilize these fractures. Despite best practices, complications including hardware failure, nonunions, malunions, and infections occur. This article discusses common fracture classification systems, implants, and imaging findings associated with unwanted complications in fractures of the pelvis, acetabulum, and femur.

Robot-assisted Minimally-invasive Internal Fixation of Pelvic Ring Injuries: A Single-center Experience.

ObjectiveTo investigate the indications, surgical strategy and techniques, safety, and efficacy of robot‐assisted minimally‐invasive internal fixation of pelvic ring injuries.MethodsThe clinical data of 86 patients with anterior and posterior pelvic ring injuries who underwent robot‐assisted minimally‐invasive internal fixation were retrospectively analyzed. The patients included 57 men and 29 women aged between 22 and 75 years, with an average age of (40.2 ± 13.6) years. According to the Tile classification, there were 5 (5.8%) type A2, 48 (55.8%) type B, and 33 (38.4%) type C fractures. The surgical plans were formulated based on the injury type of the pelvic ring, the effectiveness of the reduction, and the integrity of the osseous channel. Posterior pelvic ring injuries were treated with robot‐assisted percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of the sacroiliac joint. Anterior pelvic ring injuries were treated with robot‐assisted percutaneous cannulated screw fixation of the pubic ramus, INFIX fixation, or a “hybrid” fixation. The surgical complications and the efficacy of the surgical treatments were analyzed.ResultsA total of 274 screws were inserted with robotic assistance, of which 262 screws were successfully inserted to a satisfactory position on the first attempt. The number of screws placed per person was 3.2 on average, and the average operation time was 175 min (35–280 min). Fluoroscopies were performed an average of 29.1 times (range, 9–63 times), and it took 6.1 s to place each screw. There were 13 unsatisfactory guiding needle placements during the surgeries, among 7 of which cutting or penetration of the cortex was re‐planned until satisfactory insertions; 1 penetrated the pubic cortex, causing hemorrhage of the “crown of death,” and was changed to “hybrid surgery”. The robot‐assisted surgical wounds all healed by primary intention with satisfactory position and precision of screw insertions. All patients were followed up for 3–6 months, with an average of 4.2 months. There were two postoperative fixation failures, in which both patients had separated symphysis pubes after hybrid surgery. The average Majeed score at the last follow‐up was 92.4 points.ConclusionsRobot‐assisted surgery is accurate and minimally invasive, with a high success rate for one‐time screw placement and satisfactory clinical results. The indications and surgical strategy should be rigorously selected, the level of surgical techniques mastered, and the operating procedures standardized, all of which may help to prevent surgical complications. Robot‐assisted surgery provides a novel modality for the minimally‐invasive treatment of pelvic ring injuries.

The relationship between injury mechanism and sexual dysfunction in surgically treated pelvic fractures.

The aim of the study was to identify the incidence of new sexual dysfunction reported by the patient in surgical treatment of pelvic ring injuries, and to describe the relationship between new sexual dysfunction and type of fracture. Ninety-five patients who were operated for pelvic fracture were included in the study. Patients were evaluated according to age, gender, marital status, body mass index, trauma mechanism, fracture classification, genitourinary injury, accompanying injury, injury severity score, surgical technique, fixation material, duration of operation, functional outcomes, blood loss, complications, and sexual dysfunction. Functional outcomes were assessed with Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI), International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF5), Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), and Modified Majeed's pelvic outcomes grading scale (MPS). Genitourinary symptoms were erectile dysfunction (ED) in 13 men, ejaculatory dysfunction in 9 men, and dyspareunia in 23 women. Urethral stricture developed in 4 males and 1 female with the urethral injury. FSFI score, ASEX score, and MPS score showed the statistically significant difference between the fracture types (p = 0.021, p = 0.032 and p = 0.020, respectively). There were no significant difference between fracture types in terms of the IIEF5 score, and no significant relationship between fracture type and ED development (p = 0.141). Anteroposterior compression (APC) is the most common cause of sexual dysfunction in both sexes, independent of surgery. In addition, the most common cause of ED in men is vertical shear (VS). Especially patients with APC and VS injuries should be multidisciplinary evaluated with gynecology, urology, and psychiatry departments.

Surgical treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures

Background/Aim. Pelvic ring fractures are complex injuries and are often associated with internal organs injuries. These injuries require rapid and accurate diagnosis and in some cases one or more surgical interventions. The aim of this retrospective study is to describe the indications and outcomes of surgical treatment of pelvic ring injuries with the emphasis on anatomical reconstruction and stable osteosynthesis as a prerequisite for early mobilization and more favorable functional outcomes. Methods. In the period from 2006 to 2012, fifty-five patients with pelvic ring injuries with or without acetabular fractures were analyzed. The average age of all patients was 36 years. Forty-one patients were treated with operational open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) while nine of them were treated nonoperatively (bed rest, skeletal traction and external fixation). Results. All operated patients were treated within 3- 24 days with ORIF, stable osteosynthesis and early mobilization which resulted in avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head in two cases. AVN of the femoral head was noted in five cases in combined and isolated pelvic ring injuries and acetabulum which were treated with skeletal traction. Neurological deficit was recorded in three patients treated with conservative methods while two patients underwent ORIF. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was noted in two patients and pulmonary thromboembolism appeared in one patient 23 days after surgical intervention. Two infections occurred around Steinman pins in the patients who had the definitive treatment performed with external fixator. In one patient treated with ORIF a superficial infection occurred and was treated with antibiotics. The functional results were evaluated based on Merle d'Aubign? score. The results of the radiography treatment were analyzed according to Slatis. Conclusion. Strict application of rational criteria and surgical technique with stable internal fixation with early mobilization provide significantly better outcomes of these injuries in relation to non surgical treatment or treatment with definitive external fixation.

The use of anterior subcutaneous internal fixation (INFIX) for treatment of pelvic ring injuries in major trauma patients, complications and outcomes.

Purpose: Pelvic anterior internal fixators (INFIX) are a relatively new alternative in the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures. The authors wanted to review the use of complications and outcomes of this method of pelvic fixation at our institution.Method: Patients over the age of 18 who had an INFIX used in treatment of their pelvic ring injury were identified. Patient demographics, fracture type, injury severity score, morbidity, complications and time until removal were recorded. All available patients were followed up following the removal of the INFIX and completed an Iowa Pelvic Score (IPS) at this time.Results and Discussion: 24 patients (19 male) with a mean age of 38.5 (range 18–71) met the inclusion criteria with an average injury severity score of 29.8 (10–66). The most common complication following insertion was a lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury, which occurred in 11 patients (bilaterally in two), 6 patients (25%) had ongoing numbness 6 months post removal. Two patients had an infection, one of which prompted the removal of the INFIX. One INFIX was removed for implant failure. All other removals were planned electively. Heterotopic ossification was noted to have occurred in five cases. The mean IPS following removal of the INFIX was 79.2 (52–100). INFIX is a safe and successful treatment for unstable pelvic ring injuries. Overall, patients tolerate the INFIX well with good outcome scores. The main concern being the high rate of LFCN injuries, although many resolved after removal of the INFIX.

A novel hybrid fixation (percutaneous anterior pelvic bridge with K-wire) for the treatment of traumatic pelvic ring injury: A prospective study

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to introduce a novel percutaneous technique for the treatment of pelvic ring injuries using a percutaneous anterior pelvic bridge (PAPB) with K-wire. MethodsFrom December 2010 to November 2016, a prospective study of 86 patients with anterior pelvic ring fracture (42 utilizing PAPB with K-wire and 44 utilizing PAPB). Patient data was retrieved from electronic charts. Radiological results were assessed based on the Matta criteria system to evaluate the quality of the reduction and time to union. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Majeed scoring system. Postoperative complications were also recorded. ResultsAge, sex, cause of injury, type of fracture, functional recovery, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, union time, Majeed scoring and complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. The quality of the reduction and pain scoring differed between groups (all p-values < 0.05). Group A got better reduction and less pain scoring. ConclusionsThe novel percutaneous technique with hybrid fixation using PAPB with K-wire is a successful alternative for the treatment of pelvic ring injuries, which results in better quality of reduction and less pain scoring outcomes comparing to PAPB. May the PAPB + K-wire could provide more stability.

Intraoperative Imaging in Pelvic Surgery.

Pelvic fractures may range from highly severe, life-threatening injuries to less acute clinical entities. There are several sub-entities that are summed up as pelvic injuries. Anatomically, there are fractures of the anterior or posterior pelvic ring. Apart from these, there are fractures of the acetabulum that make up about one fifth of all pelvic injuries. The indication for surgical treatment of pelvic ring injuries depends on the type of injury, involvement of anterior and/or posterior elements of the pelvic ring, demands and the general condition of the patient. In acetabular fractures, indications depend on the dislocation of the fracture and of course also the needs of the patient and his general condition. An intraarticular step-off of more than 2 mm is usually considered as an indication for open reduction and osteosynthesis. Usually in all these injuries, a preoperative CT scan is mandatory to allow precise planning of the operative approach and technique. Intraoperatively, the surgeon should be familiar with the acquisition of the 2D standard views, including 2D imaging of the pelvic ring and the acetabulum. These consist of the anteroposterior view for both pelvic ring and acetabular osteosyntheses. For further assessment of pelvic ring treatments, inlet and outlet views are achievable by angulating the C-arm cranially and caudally. To assess aspects of the anterior and posterior column of the acetabulum, iliac oblique views are used. Here, the C-arm is rotated laterally. As evaluation of 2D views can be limited due to anatomy and superposing structures, intraoperative 3D imaging has become common in the last decade. Special C-arms allow the automatic acquisition of large numbers of projections and create CT-like views of the central volume. Although this method has significantly widened the possibilities of intraoperative imaging, some issues remain. Depending on the amount of implants placed in the imaging field, assessment can be seriously impaired due to artefacts caused by the implants. Intraoperative CT imaging promises enhanced image quality for artefacts and allows a considerably larger field of view. The use of radiation-free navigation facilitates implant placement in minimally invasive procedures like screw placement in the sacroiliacal joint or the acetabulum by visualisation of instruments and implants in a pre- or intraoperative 3D data set.

Clinical Application of Navigation in the Surgical Treatment of a Pelvic Ring Injury and Acetabular Fracture.

The purpose of this chapter is to review current evidence on indications, techniques, and outcomes of computer-navigated surgical treatment of pelvic ring injuries and acetabular fractures, particularly computer-navigated screw fixation.Iliosacral screw fixation of pelvic ring injury using navigation is attracting attention because the biomechanical stabilization of posterior pelvic ring disruption is of primary importance and is widely indicated because it does not require complete reduction of the fracture site. A cadaver study with a simulated zone II sacral fracture demonstrated a substantial compromise in the space available for iliosacral screws with displacements greater than 10 mm. It is possible to reduce the fracture fragment prior to intraoperative imaging in 2D or 3D fluoroscopic navigation. The use of 3D fluoroscopic navigation reportedly results in lower rates of iliosacral screw malpositioning than the use of the conventional technique or 2D fluoroscopic navigation. Moreover, compared with the conventional technique, it reduces radiation exposure and lowers revision rates. However, the malposition rate associated with 3D fluoroscopic navigation ranges from 0% to 31%, demonstrating that there is still room to improve the navigation performance.Conversely, complete articular surface reduction is required when treating a displaced acetabular fracture to prevent residual hip pain and subsequent osteoarthritic changes. Treating a severely displaced acetabular fracture by screw fixation is very challenging, even with the use of 3D fluoroscopic navigation, because of the difficulty in performing closed anatomical reduction. The indication for percutaneous screw fixation is limited to cases with a small articular displacement. Using 3D fluoroscopic navigation for open surgeries reportedly improves the quality of radiographic fracture reduction, limits the need for an extended approach, and lowers the complication rate.In conclusion, percutaneous screw fixation for pelvic ring injuries is widely indicated, and navigation makes these procedures safe and reliable. The indication for percutaneous screw fixation of acetabular fractures is limited to cases with a small articular displacement. Using 3D fluoroscopic navigation when performing open surgeries is reported to be useful in evaluating fracture reduction and screw position.

Midterm Radiographic and Functional Outcomes of the Anterior Subcutaneous Internal Pelvic Fixator (INFIX) for Pelvic Ring Injuries.

To describe our experience using the anterior internal pelvic fixator (INFIX) for treating pelvic ring injuries. Case Series. Level 1 Trauma Center. Eighty-three patients with pelvic ring injuries were treated with INFIX. Follow-up average was 35 months (range 12-80.33). Surgical treatment of pelvic ring injuries included reduction, appropriate posterior fixation, and INFIX placement. Reduction using the pelvic deformity index and pubic symphysis widening, Majeed functional scores, complications; infection, implant failure, heterotopic ossification (HO), nerve injury, and pain. All patients healed in an appropriate time frame (full weight bearing 12 weeks postoperation). The average pelvic deformity index reduction (injury = 0.0420 ± 0.0412, latest FU = 0.0254 ± 0.0243) was 39.58%. The average reduction of pubic symphysis injuries was 56.92%. The average Majeed score of patients at latest follow-up was 78.77 (range 47-100). Complications were 3 infections, 1 case of implant failure, 2 cases implantation too deep, 7 cases of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation, and 3 cases of pain associated with the device. HO was seen in >50% of the patients, correlated with increased age (P < 0.007), injury severity score (P < 0.05) but only 1 case was symptomatic. The pelvic injuries had good functional and radiological outcomes with INFIX and the appropriate posterior fixation. The downside is removal requiring a second anesthetic, there is a learning curve, HO often occurs, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve may get irritated which often resolves once the implants are removed. Surgery-specific implants need to be developed. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The role of interventional angiography and embolisation in the management of high-energy pelvic ring injuries with uncontrolled haemorrhage

BACKGROUND: The availability of and advances in interventional angiography and embolisation for the management of high-energy pelvic ring injuries with uncontrolled haemorrhage have expanded considerably during the last decade. Its routine use, however, still remains controversial. The delay in performing angiography is often cited as a major limitation for this intervention. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We aim to determine the mean time to interventional angiography and embolisation and report on the success rate thereof in patients with pelvic ring injuries and associated haemorrhage in a Level 1 Trauma Unit. METHODOLOGY: Between 1997 and 2012, we identified a total of seven patients who were managed with interventional angiography for the treatment of pelvic ring injuries associated with massive haemorrhage that did not respond to fluids and blood products resuscitation alone. Data was collected retrospectively, with respect to the injury pattern, resuscitative parameters, survival rates and efficacy of the angiography. RESULTS: All seven patients presented with high energy injuries and had rotationally as well as vertically unstable pelvic fractures. The average systolic blood pressure on admission was 80 mmHg (range 60-140). On average 8.75 (range 2-21) units of packed red blood cells were transfused per patient. Three patients required a laparotomy for associated intra-abdominal injuries. The time from admission to an emergency laparotomy was 4.5 h (range 2-12). The time from admission to angiography was 14 h (range 4-24). Three of the seven patients had a successful pelvic angio-embolisation. Six patients survived until discharge and one patient demised due to multi-organ failure on day 14 after embolisation. DISCUSSION: Only seven patients with pelvic ring injuries were managed with angiography and embolisation in a period of 15 years, suggesting that we seldom use this modality for haemorrhage control. The delay from admission to angiography was 14 hours (range 4-24). An arterial bleed was successfully identified and embolised in three patients (43%). CONCLUSION: While it is used with greater frequency in other centres, in our hospital setting angiography in the management of haemorrhage in pelvic ring injuries is rarely used. Our success rate with this intervention is fair.