Unstable Pelvic Ring Fractures Research Articles

Pediatric-Specific Lesions in Unstable Pelvic Ring Fractures of Skeletally Immature Children: Impact on Diagnosis and Management Decisions.

Surgical fixation of pediatric pelvic ring injuries is gaining popularity to avoid the poor long-term outcomes of pelvic asymmetry. The surgical techniques and fixation choices depend on the individual injuries affecting the anterior and posterior pelvic ring areas. The immature bony pelvis of young children has anatomic differences including soft bones, elastic ligaments, and the presence of growth centers. Understanding the unique pediatric lesions with unstable pelvic fractures is essential for treatment decisions. Anterior lesions include pubic symphysis disruption through the pubic apophysis, single ramus fractures, pubic rami fractures through the triradiate cartilage, and/or the ischiopubic synchondrosis; ischiopubic ramus infolding injury; or the unstable superior and inferior quadrant lesions. Posterior pelvic lesions include iliac wing infolding and sacroiliac joint dislocation or transiliac (crescent) fracture/dislocations through the iliac apophysis growth plate. Pubic symphysis and sacroiliac disruptions are physeal injuries in children, and they have excellent healing potential. External fixation is an ideal choice for anterior ring fixation including bony and pubic symphysis injuries. Posterior lesions are mostly sacroiliac joint disruptions with iliac apophysis separation that can serve as a landmark for vertical displacement correction. Posterior lesions can be treated by percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation or open reduction techniques.

Rate of Skin and Nerve Complications as a Result of Cutaneous Traction with Modern Foam Boots

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Functional outcome and analysis of factors affecting health-related quality of life of surgically managed pelvic ring fractures: a cross-sectional study.

Pelvic ring fractures, particularly those involving the posterior pelvis, pose significant challenges due to their inherent instability. The posterior pelvic ring is critical in providing structural support and stability to the pelvis. This study evaluates the functional outcomes and health-related Quality of life (HRQOL) of patients who underwent internal fixation for unstable pelvic fractures. Various factors influencing the outcomes are also investigated. A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with unstable sacral fractures treated with posterior tension band plate or sacroiliac plating with or without symphyseal plating between 2016 and 2020. Patient demographics, injury mechanisms, associated injuries, surgical details, complications, and return-to-work data were collected. HRQOL was assessed using specific pelvic fracture instruments and general HRQOL questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with lower SF-12 and SF-36 scores RESULTS: The study included 54 patients, predominantly males (55.6%), aged 18-70 years, with high-energy trauma mechanisms, such as road traffic accidents and occupational injuries. The majority of patients had lateral compression pelvic fractures. Overall, the functional outcomes were favorable, with excellent or good outcomes observed in 86.1% of cases. Patients with associated injuries, such as abdominal, chest, or head injuries, were likelier to have lower SF-12 physical component scores. Sexual satisfaction scores remained stable for most patients post-surgery. This study highlights the favorable functional outcomes and HRQOL for patients undergoing fixation for unstable pelvic ring fractures. Younger, working-age males were the most commonly affected demographic. Associated injuries significantly affected physical HRQOL scores. Despite high-energy trauma, patients generally reported satisfactory sexual function post-surgery.

Long-Term Follow-Up after Iliosacral Screw Fixation of Unstable Pelvic Ring Fractures.

(1) Background: High-energy injuries of the pelvic ring are rare. The wide application of iliosacral screw fixation of the posterior pelvic ring is relatively new. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term quality of life. (2) Methods: All patients treated with an iliosacral screw for a posterior pelvic ring stabilization after high-energy trauma at a level 1 trauma center between 2005 and 2015 were included. Pelvic ring injuries were classified according to the Tile classification adapted by AO/ASIF. The clinical evaluation included the patient-oriented questionnaires surveys of the Majeed Score, Iowa Pelvic Score (IPS), Work Ability Index (WAI), SF-36, EQ5D-5L. (3) Results: A total of 84 patients were included with a median follow-up of 130.1 months (IQR 95.0-162.0 months). The median ISS was 22.5 (IQR 16.0-29.0), mean Majeed Score 83.32 (SD ± 19.26), IPS 77.88 (SD ± 13.96), WAI 32.71 (SD ± 11.31), SF-36 PF 71.25 (SD ± 29.61) and EQ5D-5L 0.83 (SD ± 0.21). There was a notably difference between uni- and bilateral pelvic fractures (p = 0.033) as well as a correlation with the ISS (p = 0.043) with inferior functional outcome measured by IPS. (4) Conclusions: Long-term follow-up of iliosacral screw fixation of unstable pelvic ring fractures showed a good quality of life and functional outcome with equal EQ5D-5L results and inferior SF-36 physical functioning compared to the German population.

Imposter or knight in shining armor? Pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCD) for severe pelvic injuries in patients with multiple trauma: a trauma-registry analysis

BackgroundPelvic Circumferential Compression Devices (PCCD) are standard in hemorrhage-control of unstable pelvic ring fractures (UPF). Controversial data on their usefulness exists. Aim of the study was to investigate whether prehospital application of PCCD can reduce mortality and transfusion requirements in UPF.MethodsRetrospective cohort study. From 2016 until 2021, 63,371 adult severely injured patients were included into TraumaRegister DGU® of the German Trauma Society (TR-DGU). We analyzed PCCD use over time and compared patients with multiple trauma patients and UPF, who received prehospital PCCD to those who did not (noPCCD). Groups were adjusted for risk of prehospital PCCD application by propensity score matching. Primary endpoints were hospital mortality, standardized mortality rate (SMR) and transfusion requirements.ResultsOverall UPF incidence was 9% (N = 5880) and PCCD use increased over time (7.5% to 20.4%). Of all cases with UPF, 40.2% received PCCD and of all cases with PCCD application, 61% had no pelvic injury at all. PCCD patients were more severely injured and had higher rates of shock or transfusion. 24-h.-mortality and hospital mortality were higher with PCCD (10.9% vs. 9.3%; p = 0.033; 17.9% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.070). Hospital mortality with PCCD was 1% lower than predicted. SMR was in favor of PCCD but failed statistical significance (0.95 vs. 1.04, p = 0.101). 1,860 propensity score matched pairs were analyzed: NoPCCD-patients received more often catecholamines (19.6% vs. 18.5%, p = 0.043) but required less surgical pelvic stabilization in the emergency room (28.6% vs. 36.8%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in mortality or transfusion requirements.ConclusionWe observed PCCD overuse in general and underuse in UPF. Prehospital PCCD appears to be more a marker of injury severity and less triggered by presence of UPF. We found no salutary effect on survival or transfusion requirements. Inappropriate indication and technical flaw may have biased our results. TR-DGU does not contain data on these aspects. Further studies are necessary. Modular add-on questioners to the registry could offer one possible solution to overcome this limitation. We are concerned that PCCD use may be unfairly discredited by misinterpretation of the available evidence and strongly vote for a prospective trial.

Internal fixator vs external fixator in the management of unstable pelvic ring injuries: A prospective comparative cohort study.

Reconstruction of the pelvic ring anatomy in unstable anterior pelvic ring injuries is a significant step to reduce the mortality rate associated with these injuries efficiently. There is a debate on using either an anterior subcutaneous pelvis internal fixator (INFIX) or an anterior supra-acetabular external fixator (EXFIX) to manage an unstable anterior pelvic ring fracture. To compare the functional and radiological outcomes and complications of INFIX vs EXFIX in managing unstable pelvic ring injuries. A prospective cohort study included 54 patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures. The patients were divided into two groups; the INFIX group, in which 30 cases were fixed by INFIX, and the EXFIX group, in which 24 patients were treated by EXFIX. The average age in the EXFIX group was 31.17 years (16-57 years), while in the INFIX group, it was 34.5 years (17-53 years). The study included 20 (66.7%) males and 10 (33.3%) females in the INFIX group and 10 (41.7%) males and 14 (58.3%) females in the EXFIX group. The radiological outcomes were evaluated using Matta and Tornetta's score, and the functional outcomes using the Majeed score. The results revealed a statistically significant difference between both groups (P = 0.013) regarding radiological outcomes, according to Matta and Tornetta's score in favor of the INFIX group. Sitting, standing, and walking abilities were measured at a 3-mo follow-up visit using Majeed score modules. It was significantly better among the INFIX group than the EXFIX group in all three modules. At the final follow-up, both groups had no statistically significant difference according to the Majeed score; 92.35 in the INFIX group and 90.99 in the EXFIX group (P = 0.513). A lower surgical site infection rate was noticed in the INFIX group (P = 0.007). Anterior subcutaneous pelvis INFIX is associated with better radiological outcomes and a lower infection rate than anterior supra-acetabular EXFIX in managing patients with unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures.

Minimally Invasive 360° Fusion Using a Combination of INFIX and Minimally Invasive Spinopelvic Fixation by Intraoperative Computed Tomography Navigation for Unstable Pelvic Ring Fracture: A Technical Note

Fluoroscopy is often used in the surgery of unstable pelvic ring fractures, and improved safety in implant placement is an issue. An anterior subcutaneous pelvic fixator (INFIX) combined with a percutaneous screw has been reported to be a minimally invasive and effective surgical technique for unstable pelvic ring injuries. However, although percutaneous screw fixation is minimally invasive, its indications for fracture fixation and fractures with large fragment displacements in the vertical plane remain controversial. Therefore, this technical note aims to describe a new technique for unstable pelvic ring fractures. We describe a 360° fusion of the pelvic ring to treat unstable pelvic ring fractures, including vertical shear pelvic ring fractures, using an intraoperative CT navigation system. Seven patients were treated with 360° fusion for type C pelvic ring fractures. In surgery, after reducing the fracture with external fixation, intraoperative CT navigation is used to perform a 360° fusion with INFIX and minimally invasive surgical spinopelvic fixation (MIS-SPF). We will introduce a typical case and explain the procedure. A 360° fixation was performed, and no perioperative complications were noted. The mean blood loss was 253.2 ± 141.0 mL, and the mean operative time was 224.3 ± 67.4min. In a typical case, bone union was obtained 1 year after surgery, and we removed all implants. MIS-SPF has a strong fixation force and helps reduce fractures' horizontal and vertical planes. In addition, 360° fusion with intraoperative CT navigation may help treat unstable pelvic ring fractures.

Chirurgie mini-invasive pour le traitement des fractures instables en cisaillement de l’anneau pelvien avec déplacement vertical important : une étude rétrospective

BackgroundUnstable pelvic fractures, especially vertical shear fractures, require surgery for correct reduction, rigid fixation, and improved postoperative outcomes. Herein, we assess the effectiveness of our minimally invasive procedure for the management of unstable pelvic fractures. HypothesisWe hypothesized that this procedure would be useful for the management of unstable pelvic fractures. Patients and methodsThis study included 28 patients with unstable pelvic fractures (vertical shear injuries; AO types C1–3) treated using minimally invasive surgery for spinopelvic fixation (MIS-SP) between 2014 and 2020 (mean follow-up time, 15 months). The MIS-SP requires four percutaneous pedicle screws and four iliac screw insertions. Subsequently, reduction and fixation are performed. ResultsThe mean preoperative displacement of the posterior pelvic elements in craniocaudal correction was 17.6 (range: 9.0–32.2) mm. The mean length of the craniocaudal reduction was 16.5 (8.1–30.1 mm), with a mean reduction rate of 93.5% (78–100%). The mean length of the mediolateral reduction was 11.3 (3.9–19.6 mm), with a mean reduction rate of 87.3% (76–100%). DiscussionOur novel reduction and fixation procedure is a powerful, minimally invasive option for the treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures. Level of evidenceIII.

Functional and radiological outcome of operative treatment for unstable pelvic ring fractures: A 2 year prospective observational study

Functional and radiological outcome of operative treatment for unstable pelvic ring fractures: A 2 year prospective observational study

Minimally invasive surgery technique for unstable pelvic ring fractures with severe vertical shear displacement: A retrospective study

BackgroundUnstable pelvic fractures, especially vertical shear fractures, require surgery for correct reduction, rigid fixation, and improved postoperative outcomes. Herein, we assess the effectiveness of our minimally invasive procedure for the management of unstable pelvic fractures. HypothesisWe hypothesized that this procedure would be useful for the management of unstable pelvic fractures. Patients and methodsThis study included 28 patients with unstable pelvic fractures (vertical shear injuries; AO types C1–3) treated using minimally invasive surgery for spinopelvic fixation (MIS-SP) between 2014 and 2020 (mean follow-up time, 15 months). The MIS-SP requires four percutaneous pedicle screws and four iliac screw insertions. Subsequently, reduction and fixation are performed. ResultsThe mean preoperative displacement of the posterior pelvic elements in craniocaudal correction was 17.6 (range, 9.0–32.2) mm. The mean length of the craniocaudal reduction was 16.5 (8.1–30.1) mm, with a mean reduction rate of 93.5% (78%–100%). The mean length of the mediolateral reduction was 11.3 (3.9–19.6) mm, with a mean reduction rate of 87.3% (76%–100%). DiscussionOur novel reduction and fixation procedure is a powerful, minimally invasive option for the treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures. Level of evidenceIII.

Prospective Characterization of Pain and Function in Patients With Unstable Pelvic Fractures Treated With Posterior Screw Fixation.

Describe patient-reported pain and function within 24 months of a pelvic fracture treated with posterior screw fixation and identify factors associated with increased pain. Prospective case series. Academic trauma center. Eighty-eight patients with adult pelvic fracture treated with sacroiliac or transiliac screws. Average pain measured with the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI); function measured with the Majeed Pelvic Outcome Score from 6 to 24 months postinjury. The mean pain from 6 to 24 months postinjury was 2.22 on the 10-point BPI scale (95% CI, 0.64-3.81). Sixty-nine patients (78.4%) reported mild to no pain at 6 months; 12 (13.6%) patients had severe pain. Two years after injury, 71 patients (80.6%) exhibited mild to no pain. Within 24 months of injury, the mean pelvic function was 71 on the 100-point Majeed scale (95% CI, 60-82). Half of the sample (n = 44) had good to excellent pelvis function by 6 months postinjury; 55 patients (62.5%) attained this level of function by 24 months. A history of chronic pain (1.31; 95% CI, 0.26-2.37; P = 0.02), initial fracture displacement (≥5 mm) (0.99; 95% CI, 0.23-1.69; P = 0.01), and socioeconomic deprivation (0.28; 95% CI, 0.11-0.44; P < 0.01) were significantly associated with increased pain. Our findings suggest that most patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures treated with posterior screw fixation achieve minimal to no pelvis pain and good to excellent pelvic function 6-24 months after injury. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clinical utility of minimally invasive posterior internal fixation within the pelvic ring using S2 alar iliac screws for unstable pelvic ring fracture

IntroductionPosterior internal fixation for unstable pelvic ring fractures is often associated with complications, including pelvic hemorrhage and gluteal necrosis. Pelvic ring fixation using the S2 alar iliac screw (SAIS) without fixation of the lumbosacral vertebrae may have potential as a novel, minimally invasive technique for treating unstable pelvic ring fractures. The present study compared clinical outcomes in patients who underwent SAIS fixation within the pelvic ring with a historical control group of patients who underwent conventional trans-iliac plate fixation for the treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures. Materials and methodsThirty-two patients diagnosed with unstable pelvic fractures with sacral fracture or sacroiliac joint fracture dislocation were retrospectively evaluated. Eight consecutive patients underwent trans-iliac plate fixation from April 2012 to March 2015, and 24 consecutive patients underwent SAIS fixation from April 2015 to February 2020. Rates of soft tissue complications, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative blood transfusion volume were compared in these two groups. ResultsMean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in patients who underwent SAIS fixation than in those who underwent trans-iliac plate fixation (141.0 ml vs 315.0 ml; P = 0.027), although there were no between-group differences in intraoperative blood transfusion volume (0.0 ml vs 140 ml; P = 0.105), incidence rate of soft tissue complications (4.2% vs 0%; P = 1.000), and operation time (88.5 min vs 93.0 min; P = 0.862). Bone healing was confirmed in all patients who underwent SAIS fixation without dislocation of the fracture site, whereas one patient who underwent trans-iliac plate fixation experienced a dislocation of the fracture site during follow-up (0% vs 12.5%; P = 0.250). ConclusionsSAIS fixation reduces intraoperative blood loss and ensures bone healing without major complications, including dislocation of the fracture site. SAIS fixation may therefore be an alternative, minimally invasive method of treating unstable pelvic fractures.

Transiliac Cerclage in Unstable Pelvic Ring Fractures.

To evaluate the outcomes of transiliac cerclage with Dall-Miles cable in the internal fixation of the posterior complex in unstable pelvic ring fractures between January 1995 and December 2014. A study of 42 men injured at work with an average age of 35.2 years (range, 23 to 61) was conducted. The mechanisms of injury were traffic accidents in 25 cases (59.5%), crushing accidents in 12 cases (28.6%), and fall from height in 5 cases (11.9%). Thirty-six cases were polytraumatized patients (85.7%). The patients were evaluated using Majeeds functional score and Mattas radiological criteria. The average follow-up time was 135.8 45.6 months. The clinical outcomes were excellent in 17 cases (40.5%), good in 19 cases (45.2%), fair in 5 cases (11.9%), and poor in 1 case (2.4%). The radiological outcomes were satisfactory in 32 cases (76.2%) and unsatisfactory in 10 cases (23.8%). All fractures were healed. The sequelae were 3 cases (7.2%) of lower limb dysmetria and 3 cases (7.2%) of chronic neuropathic pain. The internal fixation of the sacroiliac complex by Dall-Miles cable cerclage reinforced with small fragment plates should be considered as an alternative method for minimally invasive osteosynthesis in selected cases of unstable pelvic ring fractures.

Generation of hemipelvis surface geometry based on statistical shape modelling and contralateral mirroring

Personalised fracture plates manufactured using 3D printing offer an improved treatment option for unstable pelvic ring fractures that may not be adequately secured using off-the-shelf components. To design fracture plates that secure the bone fragments in their pre-fracture positions, the fractures must be reduced virtually using medical imaging-based reconstructions, a time-consuming process involving segmentation and repositioning of fragments until surface congruency is achieved. This study compared statistical shape models (SSMs) and contralateral mirroring as automated methods to reconstruct the hemipelvis using varying amounts of bone surface geometry. The training set for the geometries was obtained from pelvis CT scans of 33 females. The root-mean-squared error (RMSE) was quantified across the entire surface of the hemipelvis and within specific regions, and deviations of pelvic landmarks were computed from their positions in the intact hemipelvis. The reconstruction of the entire hemipelvis surfaced based on contralateral mirroring had an RMSE of 1.21 ± 0.29 mm, whereas for SSMs based on the entire hemipelvis surface, the RMSE was 1.11 ± 0.29 mm, a difference that was not significant (p = 0.32). Moreover, all hemipelvis reconstructions based on the full or partial bone geometries had RMSEs and landmark deviations from contralateral mirroring that were significantly lower (p < 0.05) or statistically equivalent to the SSMs. These results indicate that contralateral mirroring tends to be more accurate than SSMs for reconstructing unilateral pelvic fractures. SSMs may still be a viable method for hemipelvis fracture reconstruction in situations where contralateral geometries are not available, such as bilateral pelvic factures, or for highly asymmetric pelvic anatomies.

Minimally Invasive Percutaneous TightRope® System Fixation for an Unstable Posterior Pelvic Ring: Clinical Follow‐up and Biomechanical Studies

ObjectiveTo evaluate the mechanical stability and clinical efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous TightRope® systems applied via gun‐shaped reduction forceps for unstable posterior pelvic ring fractures.Materials and methodsThis study consists of two parts: a clinical retrospective study and a randomized controlled biomechanical test. For the clinical study, a retrospective analysis of posterior pelvic ring fractures was performed between June 2015 and May 2020. Eighteen patients underwent surgery using two TightRope® systems to fix a broken posterior pelvic ring because of unstable AO type C1 and C2 pelvic ring fractures. The patients were followed up for at least 2 years, and all patients were evaluated using the Majeed scoring system and vertical displacement. In the biomechanical tests, six embalmed adult pelvic specimens were used. The fractures were subjected to TightRope®, IS screw, and TBP fixation in a randomized block design. The specimens were placed in a biomechanical testing machine in a standing neutral posture. A cyclic vertical load of up to 500 N was applied, and the displacement of the specimens was recorded by the testing machine. The ultimate load in each group of specimens was recorded. The displacement and ultimate load were compared and analyzed by statistical methods.ResultsAt a mean follow‐up of 38.89 ± 8.72 months, the functional Majeed score was excellent in 14 patients and good in four patients. The final radiological examinations showed that the outcome was excellent in 14 patients and good in four patients. In these patients, no serious clinical complications were found. Weight‐bearing was delayed in four patients. In biomechanical tests, the displacement of the specimens fixed with TightRope® was significantly lower than that of the specimens fixed with TBP (P < 0.05) when the load ranged from 300 to 500 N. The displacement in the IS screw group was significantly lower than that in either the TBP or TightRope® group (P < 0.05) when the load ranged from 0 to 500 N. The ultimate load in the IS screw group (1798 ± 83.53 N) was significantly greater than that in the TBP group (1352 ± 74.41 N) (t = 9.78, P < 0.0001) and the TightRope® group (1347 ± 54.28 N) (t = 11.11, P < 0.0001). However, no significant difference was observed between the TightRope® and TBP groups (t = 0.13, P = 0.90).ConclusionPercutaneous posterior TightRope® system shows strong stability in mechanical experiments and shows good results in clinical follow‐up while this system has certain advantages in lower surgical requirements and lower risk of related nerve and vascular structural damage.

Fixation of anterior pelvic ring fracture with long reconstruction plate combined with MIPPO technique

To evaluate the efficacy of long reconstruction plate combined with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis(MIPPO) technique in the treatment of unstable pelvic anterior ring fractures. From January 2013 to February 2019, 16 patients with unstable pelvic fracture were treated, including 12 males and 4 females, aged from 20 to 60 years(mean 46.5 years). According to Tile classification, there were 4 cases of type B1, 6 cases of type B2, 4 cases of type C1 and 2 cases of type C2. The fracture of all patients was closed, and the time from injury to operation was 7 to 10 days with an average of 6.2 days. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, complications and limb function during the final follow-up were evaluated in 16 patients. All 16 patients were followed up for 12 to 23 months (mean 19.1 months). The operation time was 60 to 180 min (mean 107.8 min). The intraoperative blood loss was 120 to 600 ml (mean 368.1 ml). The fracture healing time was 12 to 20 weeks (mean 16.3 weeks). According to Matta criteria, the fracture reduction was excellent in 6 cases, good in 8 cases and fair in 2 cases. One patient suffered from lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury during the operation, and the lateral thigh sensation decreased after operation, which recovered after 6 months. One patient had pain stimulated by internal fixation at the iliac fossa. The symptoms were improved after the internal fixation was removed. The fractures of 16 patients were healed satisfactorily and there was no internal fixation loosening. Majeed score at the final follow-up was 67 to 95, excellent in 10 cases, good in 4 cases and fair in 2 cases. Closed reduction and fixation of pelvic anterior ring fracture with long reconstruction plate combined with MIPPO technique through anterior approach has the advantages of less injury, less bleeding time during operation, saving operation time, high intraoperative safety, high fracture healing rate, early functional exercise after operation, and effective treatment of pelvic anterior ring fracture.

Surgical treatment of ruptures of the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joint in multiple and concomitant trauma

Experience in operative treatment of severe unstable fracture of pelvic ring is presented. There were 91 patients with polytrauma. Biomechanical characteristics of pelvic bones and joints of different injury severity was given. Priorities of main diagnostic and curative management were defined in patients with concomitant pelvic injury. Efficacy of AO type external fixation device for the pelvic fracture stabilization in acute period was shown. In pubic symphisis rupture with diastasis over 3 sm. the method of internal fixation by modified plate was used. In old fractures osteosynthesis with alloplasty was carried out. In 79 patients follow up ranged from 1 to 10 years. Good results were achieved in 62 patients (78.5%), satisfactory results in 11 patients (13.9%)).