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.     

Detection of posterior pelvic injuries in fractures of the pubic rami

BackgroundFractures of the pubic rami are associated with prolonged pain, bed rest and increased morbidity and mortality. Often no further diagnostic work-up is undertaken and the pubic rami fractures are classified as stable injuries. However, fractured pubic rami seem to be only part of the picture and are often associated with posterior pelvic ring injury.This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the posterior ring for undetected injury in patients diagnosed with pubic rami fractures.MethodsAll patients (n = 233) with diagnosed fractures of the pubic rami were retrospectively retrieved. All patients with a CT scan available at time of admission (n = 177) were included in the study.ResultsIn 28.8% of the cases a fracture of the acetabulum was found additionally to the pubic rami. In cases without obvious other injury of the ap radiograph, an injury of the posterior pelvic ring was found on CT scans in 96.8% of the patients. Most lesions represented transforaminal sacral fractures, avulsion fractures of ligaments or compression fractures of the lateral mass. All patients with dorsal injuries could initially be treated conservatively, nevertheless 30% of them needed operative treatment in the course.ConclusionNearly all cases with fractures of the pubic rami do have a lesion elsewhere within the pelvic ring. In patients with prolonged pain and immobility following ‘pubic rami fractures’ one should be aware that they probably represent an undiagnosed pelvic ring injury and further diagnostic work-up – sometimes even surgery – is warranted.     

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

IntroductionOperative 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.Patients and MethodsWe 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.ResultsTwenty-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.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that both gender and the method of posterior fixation are associated with hardware failure or displacement.     

Häufigkeit hinterer Läsionen bei vorderen Beckenringfrakturen

To investigate the incidence of occult posterior injuries of the pelvic ring in patients with isolated fractures of the pubic rami, additional computed tomography (CT) was performed. Data from 70 patients were collected within a prolective study. Solitary fractures of the anterior pelvic ring based on conventional radiographic diagnosis were included. Spiral CT, slice thickness 5 mm, was carried out in all patients. In only 47% of cases was the diagnosis of isolated fractures of the pubic rami confirmed. A further 35 fractures of the sacrum and two partial disruptions of the sacroiliac joint were diagnosed using CT. All sacral fractures were incomplete, most were found at the anterior part of the bone. Furthermore, CT revealed three acetabular fractures. Dorsal injuries were significantly more frequent after high energy accidents. Clinical examination did not assist in the prediction of posterior injuries of the pelvic ring. There was no correlation between the extent of the anterior injuries in conventional x-ray and incidence of the posterior injuries in CT. None of the patients with dorsal injuries underwent operative treatment. In conclusion, CT is not required for the routine diagnosis of supposed isolated fractures of the pubic rami.     

A protocol for angiographic embolization in exsanguinating pelvic trauma: a report on 31 patients

Background The indication for acquiring angiographic embolization in the initial treatment of severe pelvic fractures is controversial. We describe the characteristics and outcome of 31 patients with traumatic pelvic bleeding who underwent percutaneous angiography with embolization according to a standardized protocol.

Patients and methods During an 8.5-year period, 1,260 patients were treated for pelvic trauma. We performed a prospective registration of the 46 patients who underwent angiography, and report the 31 patients who had signs of significant arterial injury on angiography, necessitating embolization.

Results The rate of significant arterial injury after pelvic trauma was 2.5%. All patients had been subjected to high-energy injuries and all were severely injured as measured by the Injury Severity Score: 41 (17-66). Pelvic arterial injury was observed with all types of pelvic trauma, including isolated acetabular (4/31) and sacral fractures (3/31). The internal iliac artery or its branches was injured in 28 of 31 patients. Survival rate after embolization was 84%, and correlated inversely with increasing patient age. None of the patients died of bleeding.

Interpretation Our findings show that significant pelvic arterial injuries occur in a minority of patients after pelvic trauma, and predominantly affect patients with multiple high-energy injuries regardless of fracture type. The effect of angiographic embolization was good.     

Fehleinschätzung bei vorderer Beckenringfraktur im höheren Lebensalter

Clinical outcome following pelvic ring fractures of AO/OTA type-A in the elderly is often unsatisfying because the posterior pelvic ring fracture is underdiagnosed and patients with type B fractures were conservatively treated like patients with type A fractures. This so-called "A-B" problem was systematically analyzed in our patients with pelvic ring fractures. 183 patients were treated with pelvic ring fractures. Primarily, the injuries were classified as follows: 81 type A, 38 type B, and 64 type C. The diagnosis was changed from type A to type B injury in seven patients. Parameters of investigation included fracture type, duration of symptoms, treatment, and outcome score according to the German Multicenter Study Group Pelvis. Persistent pain in the sacral area over an average of 2 (1-6) weeks was found in all patients. The CT scan revealed in all patients a transalar sacral impression fracture in the sense of an internal rotationally unstable injury of type AO/OTA B 2.1. The treatment consisted in a supra-acetabular external fixator for an average of 3 weeks. After 4 weeks the mean pelvis outcome score was 9 (7-10) points. In cases of persistent pain for more than 2 weeks after transpubic pelvic ring fractures in the elderly further investigation by CT scan should be recommended to exclude a concomitant sacral fracture, which then could be safely treated by a supra-acetabular external fixator.     

Occult injuries of the pelvic ring

With major trauma to the pelvis, injuries at more than one site within the pelvic ring are common. However, minor injuries seem to result in isolated fractures most frequently of the pubic rami. By means of the bone scan we have demonstrated in 6 consecutive cases that these apparent isolated injuries are associated with disruptions elsewhere within the ring, usually the acetabulum or sacroiliac joints. This finding may explain the complaints of pain in the sacral region or about the hip in some patients following isolated fractures of the pubic rami.     

A clinical and experimental investigation of occult injuries of the pelvic ring

Apparently isolated fractures of the pubic rami must be associated with damage elsewhere in the pelvic ring. In a clinical review of 20 patients it was demonstrated that radiographic evidence of isolated fractures of the pubic rami was associated with the increased uptake of technetium polyphosphate on bone scans in either the sacroiliac joints or the acetabulum.The nature of the injury causing increased uptake was evaluated by means of an experimental study creating pelvic injuries in rabbits. Radiographs, bone scans, autoradiographs and histological sections of the pelves of these animals all showed evidence of microavulsion fractures of the subchondral bone mediated through the sacroiliac ligaments and Sharpey's fibres. The associated injuries account for the clinical picture in patients who complain of pain in the hip and sacroiliac region following fractures of the pubic rami.The clinical and radiographic evidence presented clearly demonstrates that an injury at one site in the pelvic ring must be associated with another on the other side of the ring. Furthermore, the technique developed for autoradiography of the animal pelves provides a new and useful tool for further study of injury to bones and ligaments.     

Femoral Neck Fractures in Young Adults

A total of 110 fractures of the neck of femur were studied in 108 patients 17 to 50 years old. The aims were to analyze why these fractures occur in young adults, and what results can be expected after internal fixation.

Severe trauma caused about half of the fractures. In the remaining group chronic and disabling disorders were usually present at the time of injury. Seventeen patients were known to abuse alcohol. Aseptic necrosis with late segmental collapse occurred in 41 per cent of the hips (45/110), comparatively more often in patients who were 45 years or younger. Only 16 of the 73 patients who were seen at follow-up (22 per cent) had a perfect result.

It is concluded that femoral neck fractures in patients younger than 45 years occur because of significant trauma in a healthy subject, or minor trauma in a subject with predisposing disease. The incidence of late segmental collapse is greater than in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures. A less satisfactory result can therefore be expected.     

Outcome of operatively treated type-C injuries of the pelvic ring

BACKGROUND: Internal fixation has become the preferred treatment for type-C pelvic ring injuries, but controversies persist regarding surgical approach and surgical technique. PATIENTS: We evaluated 101 consecutive patients with type C1-C3 pelvic ring injuries who had been treated with standardized reduction and internal fixation techniques. RESULTS: Our findings suggest a correlation between excellent reduction followed by sufficient fixation of the pelvic ring and functional outcome. Unsatisfactory reduction (displacement > 5 mm), failure of fixation, loss of reduction and a permanent lumbosacral plexus injury were the commonest reasons for an unsatisfactory functional result. All 40 patients with an associated lumbosacral plexus injury showed at least some evidence of neurological recovery. 14 underwent complete neurologic recovery. 8 had only sensory deficits and the remaining 18 also had motor deficits at the final followup. Complications were rare, but some of them were severe: loss of reduction in 8%, malunion in 10%, deep wound infection in 2%, and a lesion of the L5 nerve root in 1%. INTERPRETATION: Our results suggest that special attention should be paid to preoperative planning, reduction of the fracture, decompression of the nerve roots, and fixation of the most severe sacral fractures. Our results seem to favor internal fixation of displaced (> 10 mm) and unstable rami fractures and symphyseal disruptions in conjunction with posterior fixation, to achieve better stability of the whole pelvic ring.     

Midline sagittal sacral fractures in anterior-posterior compression pelvic ring injuries

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of an uncommon variant of the anterior-posterior compression pelvic injury, in which the posterior ring injury is a midline sagittal sacral fracture extending into the spinal canal. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive series.SETTING Two regional trauma centers. PATIENTS: A consecutive series of 10 patients with rotationally displaced, vertically stable anterior-posterior compression pelvic ring fractures (OTA type 61-B1) in which the posterior ring injury is a midline sagittally oriented sacral fracture involving the spinal canal (Denis zone III). This injury pattern comprised 0.6% of pelvic fractures and 1.4% of sacral fractures treated at these two institutions during a 10-year period. INTERVENTION: Patients were treated according to the same principles used in more commonly seen types of anterior-posterior compression pelvic ring injuries. Nine patients were treated with reduction and anterior pelvic stabilization at an average of 5 days after injury, 8 of whom were treated with open reduction and internal fixation and 1 with external fixation. No posterior pelvic fixation was used. One patient with nondisplaced bilateral pubic ramus fractures was treated nonoperatively. Immediate weight bearing was allowed as tolerated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Prospectively collected clinical follow-up data emphasized a detailed neurologic examination, whereas radiographic evaluation involved anteroposterior, inlet, and outlet plain radiographic views of the pelvis. RESULTS: An anatomical or near-anatomical reduction of the pelvis was achieved and maintained in all patients. Fractures healed at an average of 10 weeks. At an average follow-up of 31 months (range 20-46 months), there were no objective neurologic deficits that could be attributed to sacral root injury and no significant residual pain or gait disturbance related to the pelvic fracture. Loss of bowel or bladder function, loss of perianal sensation or sphincter tone, and lumbosacral radicular pain or sensorimotor deficit were specifically absent in all patients. Three patients, however, complained of sexual dysfunction at final follow-up. None of these patients had clinical evidence of sacral root/plexus injury secondary to the fracture. One additional patient, who sustained a urethral tear, required a chronic suprapubic catheter because of stricture. Six patients, one of whom had needed repair of a retroperitoneal bladder tear, had no urogenital sequelae. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Patients who sustain sagittally oriented midline fractures of the sacrum that extend into the spinal canal (Denis zone III) as part of displaced, vertically stable anterior-posterior compression pelvic injuries, have a low incidence of neurologic deficit attributable to sacral root or plexus injury. This is in contrast to the high rate of neurologic deficit (>50%) otherwise reported in zone III sacral fractures, particularly in those associated with a displaced transverse component. In the midline sagittal fracture variant, simultaneous lateral displacement of both bony and neural elements through the midline may protect the sacral roots and plexi from significant traction or shear injury by maintaining the spatial orientation between the sacral foramina and sciatic notch. Long-term sequelae were related to urogenital complaints rather than to musculoskeletal problems, as 4 of the 10 patients in this series had either sexual or urologic dysfunction.     

切开复位内固定治疗不稳定骨盆骨折

目的：总结不稳定骨盆骨折手术方法和疗效。方法：入路：前环采用横切口或髂腹股沟切门，后环用骶髂前入路或后入路。固定方法：对于髂骨骨折、耻骨联合分离或耻骨上支骨折，采用钢板固定于髂骨内板、耻骨联合上方或前方和耻骨支上方；对于髂骨后部骨折、骶髂关节分离或骶骨骨折采用前路钢板、后路骶骨棒和骶髂关节螺钉固定。结果：87例病人，随访3个月～5年，97％的病人满意。结论：切开复位内固定是不稳定骨盆骨折的可靠治疗方法，术前应特别重视纠正骨盆骨折内出血。     

Pelvic ring injuries: Emergency assessment and management

Pelvic ring injuries are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding the anatomy of the pelvic ring is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. A systematic approach taking into account the mechanism of injury, physical examination, and radiographic assessment is important to quickly identify unstable pelvic disruptions and associated injuries. Because the pelvis is a ring structure, isolated pubic rami fractures on plain radiographs are unusual and should warrant careful evaluation for posterior pelvic disruption with computed tomography. Hemorrhagic shock can occur in about 10% of pelvic ring injuries. Immediate recognition and treatment of this life-threatening condition is critical in emergency management. In addition to fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion, circumferential wrapping, angiographic embolization, laparotomy with pelvic packing, and external fixation can be important life-saving adjuncts in the setting of hemodynamic instability.     

Sakrumfrakturen und lumbopelvine Instabilitäten bei Beckenringverletzungen

Multiplanar posterior pelvic ring instabilities are severe injuries and typically occur in the os ilium, the sacroiliac joint, the sacrum and/or in a combination of these sites. They pose challenges to the orthopedic trauma surgeon during reconstruction, particularly when these injuries are associated with multiplanar sacral fractures and involvement of the lumbosacral junction. Due to the multidirectional forces affecting the pelvic ring, one has to have basic knowledge about the mechanism of injury, its biomechanics, and the various treatment options. In the following we give an overview on injury classifications, biomechanical aspects of the injuries and various types of operative treatments and osteosynthesis techniques.     

Outcome of operatively treated type-C injuries of the pelvic ring

Background?Internal fixation has become the preferred treatment for type-C pelvic ring injuries, but controversies persist regarding surgical approach and surgical technique.

Patients?We evaluated 101 consecutive patients with type C1-C3 pelvic ring injuries who had been treated with standardized reduction and internal fixation techniques.

Results?Our findings suggest a correlation between excellent reduction followed by sufficient fixation of the pelvic ring and functional outcome. Unsatisfactory reduction (displacement > 5 mm), failure of fixation, loss of reduction and a permanent lumbosacral plexus injury were the commonest reasons for an unsatisfactory functional result. All 40 patients with an associated lumbosacral plexus injury showed at least some evidence of neurological recovery. 14 underwent complete neurologic recovery. 8 had only sensory deficits and the remaining 18 also had motor deficits at the final followup. Complications were rare, but some of them were severe: loss of reduction in 8%, malunion in 10%, deep wound infection in 2%, and a lesion of the L5 nerve root in 1%.

Interpretation?Our results suggest that special attention should be paid to preoperative planning, reduction of the fracture, decompression of the nerve roots, and fixation of the most severe sacral fractures. Our results seem to favor internal fixation of displaced (> 10 mm) and unstable rami fractures and symphyseal disruptions in conjunction with posterior fixation, to achieve better stability of the whole pelvic ring.     

Computerized axial tomography of pelvic ring fractures

The radiographs of all patients admitted to the Naval Hospital, Oakland with the diagnosis of pelvic trauma from 1981 through 1985 were reviewed. Thirty-one patients sustained single or double vertical ring fractures. Fifteen of these patients underwent both plain radiography and Computerized Axial Tomographic (CAT) scans in the evaluation of their pelvic injuries. The CAT scans of these pelvic injuries aided in detecting occult sacroiliac disruptions, determining the extent of posterior ring comminution, evaluating possible extension of the pelvic fractures into the acetabulum, assessing pelvic ring stability, and demonstrating soft-tissue injuries within the pelvis. Six pelvic injuries were diagnosed as single vertical breaks in the pelvic ring and nine were diagnosed as double vertical breaks in the pelvic ring by plain radiographs. CAT scanning demonstrated occult posterior ring disruptions in four patients which led to the reclassification of their injuries to double vertical fractures. CAT scanning also demonstrated significant degrees of sacral comminution in five patients which altered surgical treatment plans in all five patients. Two fractures were classified as unstable based on marked sacral comminution demonstrated on CAT scan. Extension of the pelvic ring fractures into the acetabulum was suggested on plain radiographs in three patients and was excluded by review of the CAT scans in these patients. Significant intrapelvic hematomas were demonstrated in three patients and urine extravasation into the hip joint from a bladder laceration was seen in one patient with the CAT scan.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Aktueller Stand der Versorgung vorderer Beckenringfrakturen

The incidence of pelvic injury is increasing. In addition to high-speed trauma among younger patients, low-speed injuries among mainly older people (osteoporotic age-related fractures) play an important role. Pelvic ring stability is the most important consideration in the indication for conservative or surgical therapy. Unstable pelvic ring injuries are combined with severe concomitant injuries in >80% of cases and their primary treatment is usual in the context of multiple trauma management. In the case of anterior pelvic ring injuries (undisplaced/minimally displaced anterior pelvic ring fractures, pelvic rim breaks, type A avulsion fractures), fractures are usually stable and can be treated conservatively. Unstable pelvic ring fractures are generally treated surgically, enabling early functional aftercare in addition to anatomical reconstruction. Established osteosynthesis procedures for the anterior pelvic ring include external fixation, plate osteosynthesis and pubic rami screw. It is too early to say whether, and to what extent, new fixed-angle plate systems can improve the clinical results of surgically treated anterior pelvic ring injuries.     

Triangular Osteosynthesis for Unstable Sacral Fractures

Objective Stable internal fixation of sacral fractures after anatomic reduction of the vertical displacement. Decompression of nerve roots. Early return to pain-free function. Indications All vertically unstable sacral fractures of type C pelvic ring disruptions. Sacroiliac dislocations. Contraindications Compound fractures. Soft tissue detachment of posterior pelvic ring or fractures associated with considerable soft tissue trauma constitute a contraindication limited to the immediate post-injury phase given the rist of infection and soft tissue complications. Surgical Technique Curvilinear or paravertebral posterior approach. Reduction of the fracture, stabilization between pedicle of L4 or L5 and posterior aspect of the iliac bone or the sacral wing lateral to the sacral fracture. Thereafter, iliosacral screw fixation (unilateral fractures with little displacement) or transsacral plate fixation (bilateral fractures or unilateral fractures with marked displacement). If a stabilization of the anterior pelvic ring has been performed, 1 iliosacral screw is sufficient, otherwise 2 screws should be used. Stabilization of the anterior pelvic ring is only indicated in the presence of disruption of the symphysis, marked displacement of fragments, or if associated injuries necessitate an anterior approach. Results Since April 1992, vertically unstable sacral fractures were treated with this stabilization in 48 patients (average age 34 years, range 15 to 72 years). Since 1994, the start of postoperative full weight-bearing was gradually advanced. Despite the immediate postoperative full weight-bearing, a loss of reduction was not observed in properly performed triangular internal fixation. An incomplete reduction associated with an inadequate stabilization led to a loss of correction in 3 patients. Prominent heads of pedicle screws at the level of the posterior iliac crest may cause soft tissue problems. All fractures consolidated. Implant removal was performed in 23 patients, in 1 patient on accound of deep infection and in 22 after consolidation of the fracture. Out of 25 patients with preoperative neurologic deficit, 4 showed a complete and 3 a partial recovery.     

Scintimetric Evaluation of Nailed Femoral Neck Fractures with Special Reference to Type of Osteosynthesis

With the aid of Tc-MDP-scintimetry 1-2 weeks after nailing of femoral neck fractures, it is possible to distinguish fractures liable to complications. Due to the suspicion that frequent peroperative vascular damage was caused by the four-flanged nail (Rydell), a less traumatizing cylindric nail (Hansson) with an insertion instrument was used.

In a prospective investigation in January 1981-February 1982, which included all intracapsular femoral neck fractures, the two above-mentioned methods of osteosynthesis were used randomly.

Intravital staining with tetracycline showed the peroperative circulation equivalent in Rydell and Hansson groups.

A significant difference in postoperative isotope uptake could be noted between the two groups in 37 patients with undisplaced fractures.

In 34 of 45 displaced fractures in the Rydell group evidence of circulatory deficiency appeared in the postoperative scintimetry but in onjy 23 of 52 of the displaced fractures in the Hansson group, a statistically significant difference. the latter figure corresponds well to the incidence of peroperatively registered severe vascular injury evaluated by tetracycline labelling.     

Sequelae from clavicular fractures are common: a prospective study of 222 patients

Background Nonoperative treatment is preferred for clavicular fractures irrespective of fracture and patient characteristics. However, recent studies indicate that long term results are not as favourable as previously considered.

Methods We have identified predictive risk factors associated with demographic and baseline data on clavicular fractures. In particular, the following symptoms were investigated: pain at rest, pain during activity, cosmetic defects, reduction in strength, paresthesia and nonunion until 6 months after injury. We followed 222 patients with a radiographically verified fracture of the clavicle, and who were at least 15 years of age, for 6 months.

Results Nonunion occurred in 15 patients (7%). 93 patients (42%) still had sequelae at 6 months. Displacement of more than one bone width was the strongest radiographic risk factor for symptoms and sequelae. Both radiographic projections used in this study (0° and 45° tilted view) provided important information. A comminute fracture and higher age were associated with an increased risk of symptoms remaining at 6 months. Shortening was not predictive of functional outcome; nor was the site of the fracture in the clavicle.

Interpretation The risk for persistent symptoms following nonoperative treatment of clavicular fractures was far higher than expected. Based on these findings it seems reasonable to explore the possibly use of alternative treatment options including surgery for certain clavicular fracture types.