Supraacetabular External Fixation for Pelvic Ring Fractures

Abstract Objective: Closed reduction and maintenance of pelvic ring injuries by external stabilization. Indications: Emergency management of unstable type B and type C pelvic ring fractures. Definitive treatment of type B injuries. Definitive treatment of the anterior pelvic ring in type C injuries with transpubic instability after posterior internal stabilization. Adjunct stabilization of internal fixation. Stabilization of pelvic ring fractures in children. Contraindications: Poor general condition. Local soft-tissue damage. Local infection. Surgical Technique: Bilateral percutaneous insertion of Schanz screws into the supraacetabular area of iliac bone. Closed reduction and stabilization of the pelvic ring by compression and application of a connecting rod under image intensification. Postoperative Management: Depending on the patient’s condition and the degree of pelvic instability, a change to an open procedure may become necessary. Mobilization of the patient with partial weight bearing (one fifth of body weight) on the side of the injured posterior pelvic ring using forearm crutches, irrespective of the degree of stability of the pelvis. Results: Retrospective analysis of 64 supraacetabular external fixator applications to stabilize the anterior pelvic ring in 20 type B and 44 type C injuries. Iatrogenic lesions of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve: 4.5%; all sensory disturbances completely reversed within 1 year. No pin site infection. In two patients (3%) primary perforation of the Schanz screw into the small pelvis not necessitating any treatment. No secondary displacements of the anterior or posterior pelvic ring in type B injuries nor for type C injuries, sacral fractures associated with fractures of the pubic ramus. One pseudarthrosis of the pubic and ischial rami requiring surgical treatment. The following is a reprint from Operat Orthop Traumatol 2005;17:296–312 and continues the new series of articles at providing continuing education on operative techniques to the European trauma community. Reprint from: Operat Orthop Traumatol 2005;17:296–312 DOI 10.1007/s00064-005-1134-2     

骨科机器人联合Starr骨盆复位架治疗Tile C型骨盆环骨折

目的：探讨骨科机器人联合Starr骨盆复位架治疗Tile C型骨盆环骨折的临床疗效。方法：2019年10月至2021年5月采用机器人联合Starr骨盆复位架治疗14例Tile C型骨盆环骨折患者,男9例,女5例;年龄33~69 岁。14例患者均为新鲜闭合骨折且不合并股骨、胫腓骨骨折等损伤。入院后4~7 d完成手术,术中在可透视碳素床,通过Starr骨盆复位架牵引复位骨盆环,联合骨科机器人治疗C型骨盆环骨折。观察手术时间、出血量、单枚螺钉置入透视次数、骨折复位质量、患肢功能及并发症等。采用Matta评分标准进行放射学复位评价,末次随访采用Majeed骨盆功能评分系统进行临床疗效评价。结果：14例患者均顺利完成手术,手术时间84~141 min,手术出血量20~50 ml,单枚螺钉置入透视次数4~9次。14例患者均获得随访,随访时间12~24个月。术后所有骨折获得骨性愈合,愈合时间3~7个月,未发现内固定断裂、螺钉松动、感染、神经损伤等并发症。依据Matta影像学复位评估标准:优9例,良4例,可1例。末次随访采用Majeed骨盆功能评分系统:优10例,良4例。结论：机器人联合Starr骨盆复位架治疗C型骨盆环新鲜骨折操作简单、缩短了手术和麻醉时间、并发症少,降低了手术风险,实现了骨盆骨折的微创治疗。但对于陈旧性骨折,因骨折复位困难,该技术并不适用。对于螺钉进钉点区域粉碎的骨折,通道螺钉置入困难,建议采用其他方式固定。对于伴有骨盆外伤史或骨盆发育异常者,术前需仔细评估有无经皮螺钉通道,避免损伤神经、血管。     

Significance of physical examination and radiography of the pelvis during treatment in the shock emergency room

AIM. Physical examination and radiography of the pelvis is part of most routine protocols in the emergency room (ER) management of blunt trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of these diagnostic tests with respect to diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic consequences, and prognosis in severely injured patients. METHOD. In a prospective study including all trauma patients admitted to the ER, physical examination and clinical management were evaluated. All patients underwent physical examination of the pelvis and were grouped into two categories: patients without (group I) and with (group II) clinical pelvic instability. A comparison between these two groups was made for standard demographic data, indices of shock, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and results. RESULTS. During a 45-month period a total of 1160 patients were enrolled: 979 subjects (ISS 21+/-16) with blunt trauma were included in this analysis. Of these, 929 patients had negative (group I) and 51 (group II) positive examination results for clinical stability of the pelvis. When comparing these two groups, group II patients had a higher injury severity score, higher incidence of shock with a lower initial systolic blood pressure, a lower initial hemoglobin, and a higher rate of associated severe chest and abdominal injuries (AIS > or = 3). Among the 51 patients with abnormal pelvis instability, there were 6 type A, 16 type B, and 27 type C fractures, whereas in two cases no pelvic fracture could be found. Of the 928 patients without positive clinical signs, 866 (93%) had no pelvic fracture. There were 40 type A, 19 type B, and 3 type C fractures missed on clinical examination. The physical examination had a sensitivity of 44% and specificity of 99% for detecting pelvic fracture. A comparison between groups I and II showed the patients with positive physical pelvic examination to have greater transfusion requirements and a higher rate of surgical intervention for pelvic stabilization and blood control. CONCLUSION. The clinical diagnosis of pelvic instability should result in an immediate order for blood products, taking surgical intervention into account. Pelvic radiographs in the ER are required for early surgical management. In patients with negative pelvis examination results, a routine pelvic radiograph is recommended because clinical examination cannot reliably rule out surgically significant pelvic fractures (20%) in the severely injured and intubated blunt trauma patient.     

Critical review of the classification and treatment of pediatric pelvic fractures

BackgroundHistorically most pediatric pelvic fractures were treated non-operatively because of the presumed potential of the pediatric pelvis to remodel and the subsequent increased fracture stability. Currently a wide variety of classifications in pediatric pelvic fractures is used to assess fracture stability and guide treatment, yet none have proven to be ideal since the structural behavior of the pediatric pelvis differs greatly from the adult pelvis. The aim of this review is to critically appraise the use of these different classification systems, fracture (in)stability, the treatment of pediatric pelvic fractures and how it reflects on long-term complications such as pelvic asymmetry and functional outcome.MethodsA literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar and references of the selected articles. Studies that reported on pain, leg length discrepancy (LLD), abnormal gait (GA), pelvic asymmetry, and functional outcomes of pediatric pelvic fractures were included.ResultsA total of six different classification systems were used, the most common were Tile (n= 9, 45%) and Torode and Zieg (n= 8, 40%). There was great disparity in treatment choice for the same type of fracture pattern, resulting in several pelvic ring fractures that were defined as unstable being treated non-operatively. Pelvic asymmetry is seen in rates up to 48% in non-operatively treated patients. In contrast, pelvic asymmetry in surgically fixated unstable pelvic fractures was rare, and these patients often showed excellent functional outcomes during follow-up.ConclusionThere is a substantial heterogeneity in which fracture patterns are considered to be unstable or in need of surgical fixation. Functional outcomes seem to be correlated with the frequency of pelvic asymmetry and are likely due to an underestimation of the stability of the pelvic fracture. Taking into consideration the force that is necessary to cause a facture in the pediatric pelvis, a fracture of the pelvic ring alone could be suggestive for instability. The results of this review imply that the field of pediatric pelvic surgery is currently not grasping the full scope of the complexity of these fractures, and that there is a need for a pediatric pelvic classification system and evidence-based treatment guideline.     

Stabilization of fatigue fractures of the dorsal pelvis with a trans-sacral bar. Operative technique and outcome

IntroductionDue to ageing of our population the number of fatigue fractures of the pelvic ring is steadily growing. These fractures are often treated with bed rest but may result in a disabling immobility with severe pain. An operative treatment is an option in these cases. The aim of operative treatment is bony healing obtained by stable fixation giving back to the patient's previous mobility. Optimal surgical treatment is currently under debate. Sacroiliac screw fixation and sacroplasty are used for stabilization of the dorsal pelvis. Due to the technique and the low density of spongious sacral bone, no or only low compression in the fracture site is obtained, which may inhibit bony healing. The trans-sacral bar compression osteosynthesis is presented as an alternative procedure. We present the outcome of 11 patients, who were treated with this method.MethodsThe patient is placed in prone position on the operation table. Under image intensifier control, a 5 mm threaded sacral bar is inserted through the body of S1 from the left to the right dorsal ilium. Nuts are placed over the bar achieving fracture compression. When anterior pelvic instability is present, an anterior osteosynthesis is also performed. Clinical and radiological outcome were evaluated one year after index surgery with different scoring systems.ResultsEleven patients (9 F and 2 M) were treated between 2005 and 2010. The mean age of the patients was 73 years at time of operation. There were no mechanical complications. Postoperatively there was a temporary nerve palsy of L5 in one case. The mean follow-up was 14 months. In all patients, a bony healing of the dorsal pelvic ring was achieved. Seven patients showed a major clinical improvement, in four patients a moderate.ConclusionsTrans-sacral bar osteosynthesis is a promising method for stabilization of fatigue fractures of the pelvic ring. Only with this method, a high interfragmentary compression is achieved, independent of the quality of the spongious bone of the sacral body.     

Emergency Stabilization of Pelvic Instabilities with the Pelvic C-Clamp

Abstract Objective: Emergency stabilization of translationally unstable injuries/fractures of the pelvic ring (type C injuries). Temporary, rarely definitive, restoration of form and function of the posterior pelvis. Indications: Emergency stabilization of sacroiliac disruptions and fractures of the sacrum in type C pelvic injuries. Type B injuries with clinically apparent instability (rotational instability) and type C injuries (disruption of sacroiliac joint, fractured sacrum) with associated circulatory instability. Contraindications: Pelvic type A fractures. Pelvic fractures involving the iliac wing(s). Rotational instability of the pelvis without associated circulatory instability (type B). Surgical Technique: Closed reduction applying traction, pressure and rotation to the affected hemipelvis. Stab incisions and bilateral percutaneous introduction of the pins. Compression of the C-clamp under fluoroscopic monitoring stabilizes the posterior pelvic ring. Depending upon the patients general condition, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) will often be performed at a later time. Results: 39 patients with type C pelvic injuries underwent primary stabilization with the pelvic C-clamp. The patients average age was 36 years (11–89 years), 29 were men, ten woman. With the exception of two, all patients had sustained either multiple injuries, or polytrauma. The mean Hannover Polytrauma Score (HPS) was 39.9 points (11–79 points). Ten patients had a disrupted sacroiliac joint, 29 an unstable fracture of the sacrum. On admission, all patients with the exception of four were considered hemodynamically unstable. The initial hemoglobin count was 6.7 g/dl (3.1–12.3 g/dl) on average, the average base excess amounted to –8.7 mmol/l (+2 to –28.0 mmol/l), average systolic blood pressure on admission was 82 mmHg (0–130 mmHg), corresponding to marked findings of shock. At the time of C-clamp application, the indication for the C-clamp was a pelvic instability in 13 patients alone, and in 26 patients the pelvic instability was associated with a circulatory instability. In 15 patients the circulatory situation stabilized after application of the C-clamp. Complications occurred in seven patients (excessive compression of sacral fractures in three patients, one pin malpositioning, two bleeders from pin channels, one perforation of the ilium). This reflects a steep learning curve.The following is a reprint from Operat Orthop Traumatol 2004;16:192–204 and continues the new series of articles at providing continuing education on operative techniques to the European trauma community.Reprint from: Operat Orthop Traumatol 2004;16:192–204 DOI 10.1007/s00064-004-1101-3.     

Beckenringinstabilitäten

Background

Pelvic ring injuries occur in patients aged 20–30 years old after high energy trauma and also in patients over the age of 65 years predominantly after low energy trauma. The latter have greatly increased. The necessity for treatment depends on the degree of instability and on the accompanying injuries and comorbidities.

Emergency treatment

Despite following effective treatment algorithms, pelvic ring injuries caused by high energy force still have a high mortality rate. The differentiation between pelvic ring fractures with or without life-threatening bleeding is extremely important in the initial phase of treatment of these patients. The emergency treatment of life-threatening pelvic ring fractures should be embedded in a standardized protocol for the treatment of severely injured patients. Among the first measures are external stabilization, such as pelvic ferrules and external fixators as well as surgical hemostasis of the lesser pelvis. The final osteosynthesis should be performed in the secondary phase when the patient shows stable vital signs.

Elective treatment

A pelvic ring fracture without relevant circulatory instability can be electively treated after completion of clinical diagnostics. Type A injuries are predominantly conservatively treated. In type B injuries stabilization of the anterior pelvic ring via osteosynthesis of the symphysis or external fixator is sufficient. The restoration of stability of the dorsal pelvic ring is the main task in type C injuries. Sacral fractures are a special feature. In cases of neurological disorders these fractures need immediate osteosynthesis after decompression of the neural structures. Highly unstable injuries require spinopelvic stabilization.

Results

The outcome of patients depends on the extent of the injuries suffered and on the quality of repositioning and stabilization. The results of radiological investigations were better than the functional outcome.

     

Emergency Treatment of Multiply Injured Patients with Unstable Disruption of the Posterior Pelvic Ring by Using the “C–Clamp”

Abstract Purpose: Evaluation of the therapeutic usefulness of the “pelvic C–clamp” (PCC) during emergency treatment of multiply injured patients with unstable disruption of the posterior pelvic ring. Patients and Methods: The data of 28 patients with polytrauma in combination with an unstable fracture of the posterior pelvic ring (average Injury Severity Score [ISS]: 49 points; average Polytrauma Score [PTS]: 41 points) were retrospectively analyzed from the moment they were admitted to the emergency room until 48 h after admittance. The PCC was used immediately for primary stabilization of the pelvis after clinical diagnosis of the unstable pelvic fracture. Main outcome measurements: development of mean blood pressure, development of oxygenation level, period of time until the PCC was placed, number of blood units needed, period of time until circulatory stabilization occurred. Results: The PCC was applied in all cases within an average of 64.7 min after trauma. Seven patients (25%) died within the first 45 min after admission. The surviving patients showed:• an increase in mean blood pressure of 25% 20 min after application of the PCC,• a hemodynamic stabilization 6 h after application of the PCC,• a stabilization of the oxygenation level 6 h after application of the PCC,• a decrease in the number of required blood units 6 h after application of the PCC. Conclusion: The present study shows, that the application of the PCC to critically injured patients with unstable pelvic fractures leads to stabilization of the vital parameters within a short period of time.     

Treatment options in non-unions of the pelvis: A retrospective analysis of a single center experience over 12 years

BackgroundNon-unions and chronic instability of the pelvis remain rare complications after complex high velocity injuries with vertical and rotational instability of the pelvis. Treatment options are insufficiently supported by data evidence due to the rareness of this condition.Patients and methodswe conducted a single center, retrospective study of all non-unions and pelvic instabilities between 1.1.2008 and 1.1.2019, excluding fragility fractures. Patients’ characteristics, fracture patterns, procedures and outcomes with regard to developing treatment options and successful union in the follow-up were obtained.Results26 patients were included in this retrospective analysis. The mean age was 55 years (range 34–78 years). Seventy-seven percent of the patients were male. The standard procedure consisted of radical debridement of the non-union, interposition of autologous bone graft and rigid stabilization systems. Three patients were lost to follow up. In the remaining n = 23 patients (88%) consolidation of the non-union was achieved. The mean follow up was 31.3 months (range 6–144). Follow up showed that an iliolumbar fixation seems to be favorable regarding outcome and complications.DiscussionNon-union and remaining instability of the pelvic ring represent a rare complication after high grade pelvic trauma. There are only limited data regarding the incidence and the treatment regimen is based on small study populations only. Based on our findings we recommend to combine autologous bone grafts with rigid fixation systems especially for non-union of the pelvis to restore the posterior sacroiliac arch.     

A prospective evaluation of the clinical presentation of pediatric pelvic fractures

BACKGROUND: We sought to describe pediatric, blunt trauma patients with pelvic fracture (PF) and to evaluate pelvis examination sensitivity and specificity. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of blunt trauma patients at a Level I pediatric trauma center. A pediatric emergency medicine physician attempted to diagnose a PF, solely on the basis of the history and pelvis examination. Patients with blunt trauma but no pelvic fracture (NPF) were used as controls. RESULTS: We enrolled 140 patients (16 PF, 124 NPF), and no significant differences were found regarding median age, gender, injury mechanism, acuity, and medical outcome. Approximately 25% of PF patients had iliac-wing fractures; 37%, single pelvic ring; 25%, double pelvic ring; and 13%, acetabular fractures. Eleven patients with PF had an abnormal pelvis examination (69% sensitivity), compared with six NPF patients (95% specificity, negative predictive value 0.91). CONCLUSION: Pediatric patients with PF have low mortality and few complex fractures. The pelvis examination appears to have both high specificity and negative predictive value.     

Displaced inferior ramus fractures as a marker of posterior pelvic injury

Introduction

Injuries to the anterior or posterior pelvic ring rarely occur in isolation. Disruption to the anterior pelvic ring, indicated by a fracture of the superior or inferior pubic ramus, or injury to the pubic symphysis, may be indicative of additional pelvic ring disruption. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine whether displaced inferior pubic ramus fractures warrant a more detailed investigation of the posterior ring in an effort to predict unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries.

Materials and methods

All patients with a displaced inferior ramus fracture on AP pelvic radiograph were identified at a single level I trauma center over a 5-year period. Complete pelvic radiographs and computed tomography scans were then evaluated for additional pelvic ring injuries. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test to determine the association between inferior ramus fractures and posterior pelvic ring injury.

Results

Sixty-three of the 93 patients with a fracture of the inferior ramus (68 %) were found to have a posterior ring injury; 60 % of these injuries were unstable. Patients with concurrent superior ramus fractures were more likely to have a posterior ring injury (p < 0.001) and an unstable pelvis (p = 0.018). Of those with a displaced unilateral inferior ramus fracture, parasymphyseal involvement was associated with higher incidence of posterior ring injury (p = 0.047) and pelvic instability (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

The anterior pelvic ring can be used to help identify unstable injuries to the posterior pelvis. Patients with displaced inferior pubic ramus fractures warrant a detailed examination of their posterior ring to identify additional injuries and instability.     

Surgical management of osteoporotic pelvic fractures: a new challenge

The number and variety of osteoporotic fractures of the pelvis are rapidly growing around the world. Such fractures are the result of low-impact trauma. The patients have no signs of hemodynamic instability and do not require urgent stabilization. The clinical picture is dominated by immobilizing pain in the pelvic region. Fractures may be located in both the ventral and the dorsal pelvic ring. The current well-established classification of pelvic ring lesions in younger adults does not fully reflect the criteria for osteoporotic and insufficiency fractures of the pelvic ring. Most osteoporotic fractures are minimally displaced and do not require surgical therapy. However, in some patients, an insidious progress of bone damage leads to complex displacement and instability. Therefore, vertical sacral ala fractures, fracture dislocations of the sacroiliac joint, and spinopelvic dissociations are best treated with operative stabilization. Angular stable bridge plating, the insertion of a transsacral positioning bar, and iliolumbar fixation are operative techniques that have been adapted to the low bone mineral density of the pelvic ring and the high forces acting on it.     

The utility of clinical examination in screening for pelvic fractures in blunt trauma

BACKGROUND: Current recommendations of the American College of Surgeons Advanced Trauma Life Support course is routine radiographic screening of the pelvis for all patients who suffer blunt torso trauma. The purpose of this study is to evaluate in a prospective manner the sensitivity of clinical examination as a screening modality for pelvic fractures in awake and alert blunt trauma patients. STUDY DESIGN: During a 32-month period, 2,176 consecutive blunt trauma patients who presented with Glasgow Coma Scores of 14 or 15 were evaluated at an urban Level I trauma center. Clinical examination of all patients was prospectively performed by trauma resident housestaff. The clinical examination of each patient was documented in a study form before performance of a standard anterior-posterior (A-P) pelvic x-ray. RESULTS: We evaluated 2,176 blunt trauma patients, 97 (4.5%) of whom were diagnosed with pelvic fracture. There were seven missed injuries on clinical examination (sensitivity 93%). None of the missed injuries on clinical examination required surgical intervention. The sensitivity of A-P pelvic x-ray was 87%, with 13 missed injuries. There were 463 patients who entered with ethanol levels equal or greater than 100 mg/dL (range 100 to 480 mg/dL). There were 20 pelvic fractures diagnosed in this group, with only 1 missed injury on clinical examination (sensitivity 95%). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Clinical examination of the pelvis can reliably rule out significant pelvic fracture in the awake and alert blunt trauma patient. 2) The addition of routine A-P pelvic x-ray does not improve the sensitivity in diagnosis of surgically significant pelvic fractures nor does it have significant impact on outcomes of pelvic fracture patients. 3) Elevated ethanol level is not a contraindication to use of clinical examination as a screening modality for pelvic fractures in the awake and alert blunt trauma patient.     

隐匿性骨盆后环损伤的影像学表现及临床意义

目的：探讨临床容易忽视的隐匿性骨盆后环损伤的影像学表现及其临床意义。方法：调阅2003年1月至2008年1月我院影像学资料完整的178例骨盆创伤病历，发现21例骨盆CR正位片显示后环正常或疑似损伤，调阅其骨盆螺旋CT发现其中17例均有骨盆后环损伤，其中男11例，女6例；年龄19-71岁，平均34．7岁。螺旋CT检查方法：平描层厚3mm，同时做冠状面、矢状面及骶骨曲面重建。对CR片及CT图像进行横向对照，结合患者临床情况进行分析研究。结果：17例中CR正位片显示骨盆前环耻、坐骨支骨折或耻骨联合损伤。CT多维重建显示后环骶骨骨折DenisⅠ型5例、Ⅱ型5例、Ⅲ型2例，骶髂关节分离移位1例，骶骨合并髂骨后部骨折4例。按受伤机制分析，17例漏诊患者中15例属于侧方挤压暴力导致的内旋损伤，2例属于前后挤压暴力导致的外旋损伤，按Young—Burgess分型：LCⅠ型11例、Ⅱ型4例和APCⅠ型2例；按Tlie和AO分型均为B型旋转不稳定。资料CR正位片骨盆后环骨折确诊率为89％。螺旋CT横断面、冠状面、矢状面和骶骨曲面4个面的重建同时应用，对微细骨折检出率为100％。结论：螺旋CT4个面的重建同时应用是确诊骨盆后环骨折的“金标准”，为更精确的诊断提供科学依据，降低并发症，减少漏诊率。     

Operative Versorgungsstrategien beim Polytrauma mit Beckenfraktur

Objective

In the management of multiply injured patients the question of the optimal time point for surgical treatment of individual injuries still remains open. Especially in severely injured patients with pelvic fractures, this decision differs between rapid surgical interventions in life-threatening situations or time-consuming reconstructive surgery. Besides the “early” operative treatment, i.e., within the first 24 h after trauma, the “late,” i.e., definitive or secondary surgical fracture stabilization, exists. The following study represents a review of the current recommendations in the literature concerning the optimal time and fracture management of multiply injured patients with pelvic fracture.

Methods

Clinical trials were systematically collected (MEDLINE, Cochrane, and hand searches), reviewed, and classified into evidence levels (1 to 5 according to the Oxford system).

Results

According to the literature there is consensus on “early” operative stabilization of multiply injured patients with hemodynamically and mechanically unstable pelvic fractures, open pelvic fractures, or complex pelvic trauma. External fixation and the pelvic C-clamp are the methods of choice in emergency situations, whereas currently internal fracture fixation is only proposed in exceptional circumstances. In contrast, the point in time for the secondary definitive fracture stabilization remains controversially discussed. This discussion ranges from the postulation that extensive definitive fracture treatment be avoided during days 2–4 after trauma to the recommendation that definitive internal fixation of pelvic fractures be undertaken early, i.e., within the 1st week after trauma.

Conclusion

Basically, the principles of trauma management of multiply injured patients with life-threatening hemorrhage from mechanically unstable pelvic fractures are divided into two main time periods. On the one hand, there is the emergency stabilization of the pelvic ring as the most important goal within the acute period to control the bleeding, at least with extraperitoneal tamponade if necessary. On the other hand, once the hemorrhaging has been stopped, the “late” and definitive internal fracture stabilization of the pelvis should be performed depending on the fracture pattern.     

Tile C型骨盆骨折的后路手术治疗

目的：探讨经后入路手术内固定治疗TileC型骨盆骨折的疗效。方法：2005年1月至2009年6月采用单纯后侧入路治疗12例TileC型骨盆骨折患者,其中男8例,女4例;年龄25～58岁,平均39.5岁。伤后至手术时间7～10d,平均9.5d。入院后均行X线及CT三维立体成像检查,按照Tile分型标准：C1型5例,C2型2例,C1＋C2型4例,C3型1例。经抗休克处理,全身情况稳定后,重建钢板固定后环,前环不予内固定。术后常规患侧下肢行3～4kg皮肤牵引3周。结果：所有患者均获得随访,随访时间6～24个月,平均12.6个月,伤口愈合良好,骨折均愈合,无骨盆畸形愈合、腰骶部疼痛、下肢不等长等并发症。按照Majeed的疗效评定标准：总分（91.50±6.95）分;优10例,良2例。结论：采用单纯后侧入路固定后环治疗TileC型骨盆骨折,可矫正畸形,重建骨盆环的稳定性,效果满意。     

Pelvic ramus fractures in the elderly

Background Whilst it is well known that fractures of the pelvic rami in the elderly are frequently associated with posterior ring injuries, the extent of this second injury is less well known. We evaluated this question by MRI scanning a group of elderly patients presenting at our unit with pelvic rami fractures.

Patients and methods We investigated 50 consecutive elderly patients (45 women) with fractures of the pelvic rami using an MRI scan of the pelvis in order to assess the competency of the pelvic ring.

Results On MRI, 45 (95% CI 42–48) patients had a sacral fracture. At 5-month follow-up, 39 (of 41 reviewed) still complained of posterior sacral tenderness.

Interpretation Pelvic rami fractures in the elderly are nearly always associated with posterior ring injuries. This probably explains why these patients take longer to rehabilitate than might be expected if only the anterior injury is considered, and it also explains why they experience long-term back pain.     

Standardized osteosynthesis techniques for the pelvic ring. Analysis of a patient sample and surgical technique]

A total of 1566 patients with fractures of the pelvis were treated at the Department of Traumatology at the Hannover Medical School between 1972 and 1990. Of these, 1350 patients had fractures of the pelvic ring, 216 isolated acetabulum fractures, and 398 combinations of pelvic ring fractures and acetabular involvement. Of these patients, 718 were admitted with severe polytrauma. For 1254 patients complete files were available for clinical and radiological evaluation of fracture distribution, classification (Tile and anatomical location) and concomitant injuries. A significant increase in the severity of trauma, the severity of the pelvic fractures and the rate of internal stabilization, especially of the posterior pelvic ring, was observed during the observation period. The overall mortality after pelvic fracture was 18.1%. This mortality was correlated to the Hannover Polytrauma Score (PTS) and the associated extrapelvic blunt trauma. Internal fixation of pelvic fractures was performed in 195 patients. Our experience led to standardized procedures for the different fracture locations. In fractures type Tile B, an anterior procedure led in all cases to anatomic or near anatomic healing. In unstable pelvic ring fractures (Tile C), external fixation led to a significantly higher rate of posterior dislocations (over 1 cm) than did internal fixation. In these situations a combined posterior and anterior internal fixation procedure improved the result compared to posterior internal stabilizations alone. As a result, internal stabilization using a standardized technique for every fracture location is recommended for all unstable pelvic ring fractures.     

Management of Acute Hemorrhage in Pelvic Trauma: An Overview

Pelvic disruption is a combination of fractures or dislocations of the pelvic ring with trauma of the soft tissues on the inside and outside of this ring. Hemodynamic instability is the result of blood loss out of the fracture fragments, the posterior venous plexus, ruptured pelvic organs, or arterial lesions. In the resuscitation phase, different measures are possible to reduce the volume of the disrupted pelvis and to restore mechanical stability. They are not competitive but complementary. Pelvic binders should be used in the prehospital phase before and during transport. Application of a pelvic C-clamp is restricted to inhospital patients with C-type pelvic ring lesions and with severe and ongoing hemodynamic instability. External fixation is most useful in B-type but also has limited value in C-type injuries. The prerequisite for pelvic packing is the restoration of mechanical stability by pelvic C-clamping or external fixation. It is effective in severe venous bleeding in the small pelvis. Pelvic angiography and selective embolization is performed in patients with active arterial bleeding. These patients can be identified by a convincing clinical picture, by early multislice computed tomography (CT) with contrast- enhanced angiographic technique, or by the persistent need for volume replacement after C-clamping, external fixation, or pelvic packing.     

External fixation or arteriogram in bleeding pelvic fracture: initial therapy guided by markers of arterial hemorrhage

BACKGROUND: Bleeding pelvic fractures (BPF) carry mortality as high as 60%, yet controversy remains over optimal initial management. Some base initial intervention on fracture pattern, with immediate external fixation (EX FIX) in amenable fractures aimed at controlling venous bleeding. Others feel ongoing hemodynamic instability indicates arterial bleeding, and prefer early angiography (ANGIO) before EX-FIX. Our aim was to evaluate markers of arterial bleeding in patients with BPF, thus identifying patients requiring early ANGIO regardless of fracture pattern. METHODS: Patients with pelvis fracture were identified from a Level I trauma center registry over a 7-year period and records reviewed. From this group, two subsets were analyzed: those with initial hypotension related to pelvic fracture, and those without hypotension who underwent pelvic ANGIO. Data included hemodynamics, response to resuscitation, presence of contrast blush on CT, fracture treatment and outcome. Adequate response to initial resuscitation (R) was defined as a sustained (>2 hours) improvement of systolic blood pressure to >90 mm Hg systolic after the administration of < or = 2 units packed red blood cells. Those with repeated episodes of hypotension despite resuscitation were classified as non-responders (NR) RESULTS: From 1/94-1/01, 1171 patients were admitted with pelvic ring fracture. Thirty-five (0.3%) had hypotension attributable to pelvis fracture. 28 fell into the NR group, and 26 of these underwent ANGIO. Nineteen (73%) showed arterial bleeding while 3 resuscitation response patients underwent ANGIO with none demonstrating bleeding (p = 0.03). Sensitivity and specificity of inadequate response to initial resuscitation for predicting the presence of arterial bleeding on ANGIO were 100% and 30% respectively while negative and positive predictive value were 100% and 73%. In patients with fractures amenable to external fixation (n = 16), 44% had arterial bleeding on ANGIO, and all were in the NR group. An additional 17 patients without hypotension also underwent ANGIO. Contrast blush on admission CT was seen in 4, 3 of which had arterial bleeding seen on ANGIO (75%). Sensitivity and specificity for contrast blush in predicting bleeding on ANGIO were 60% and 92% with positive and negative predictive value being 75% and 85%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with hypotension and pelvic fracture, therapy selection based on initial response to resuscitation in BPF yields a 73% positive ANGIO rate in NR patients. Delay in ANGIO for EX FIX in patients with amenable fractures would have delayed embolization in the face of ongoing arterial bleeding in 44% of patients. In stable patients with pelvic fracture, contrast blush also indicates a high likelihood of arterial injury and ANGIO is indicated. Optimal therapy in the face of BPF requires early determination of the presence of arterial bleeding so that ANGIO can be rapidly obtained, and response to initial resuscitation as well as the presence of contrast blush aid in this decision.