Clinical outcome of surgically treated type C pelvic fracture

Abstract text (incl. references and figure legends)

INTRODUCTION: Unstable pelvic ring disruptions result from high-energy trauma and are often associated with multiple injuries. Biomechanical studies have shown that the best stability in type C pelvic ring fractures is achieved by internal fixation of the anterior and posterior pelvic ring injuries. The aim of the present study is to confirm these findings in the clinical setting.

MATERIALS & METHODS: 36 patients with type C unstable pelvic injuries were surgically treated from January 2011 to December 2020 with a minimum follow-up of one year. There were 31 men and 5 women with a mean age of 43 years (range 21-65 years). According to Tile"s (AO) classification (1) there were 7 type C1-1, 10 type C1-2, 12 type C1-3 and 7 type C2 fractures. In all cases, we performed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Plates were used for traumas involving the anterior arch of the pelvic ring. Both screws (7 cases) and plates (29 cases) were used for cases involving the posterior arch. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and yearly thereafter. Clinical outcome was evaluated using Majeed score (2).

RESULTS: Outcomes were excellent in 14 (38.8%) patients, good in 16 (44.4%) patients and fair in 6 (16.6%) patients. Neurological injury, deep wound infection, hardware failure and urogenital complications were the most common reasons for unsatisfactory functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: Rotational and vertically unstable injuries to the pelvic ring require stabilization of both anterior and posterior arches of the pelvic ring. ORIF leads to good results in treatment of these injuries.

REFERENCES:

Tile M. Pelvic ring fractures: should they be fixed? J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1988 Jan;70(1):1–12.

Majeed SA. Grading the outcome of pelvic fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1989 Mar;71(2):304-

Disclosure: Do you have a significant financial interest, consultancy or other relationship with products, manufacturer(s) of products or providers of services related to this abstract? (If not, please enter "No" in the text field.)

No