骶骨骨折的诊断与治疗方法选择

目的探讨骶骨骨折的临床表现特点及治疗方法的选择。方法３９例骶骨骨折,３７例行保守治疗,２例行手术治疗。结果除１例死于多发伤外,其余３８例随访３个月－１９年,有３３例已恢复正常,４例功能明显改善,１例无改善,结论骶骨骨折治疗方案的选择主要考虑两个因素,即骨盆的稳定性和神经系统受累程度。对于骨盆稳定性受到严重破坏,存在神经系统损害的患者应施行积极的治疗以使移位的骨折获得复位,并重建骨盆的稳定性。而对于     

脊柱骨盆固定术治疗不稳定骨盆骨折合并骶骨骨折

目的探讨脊柱骨盆固定术对骨盆骨折合并骶骨骨折的治疗效果。方法回顾性分析2007年1月～2010年12月,经治疗有完整资料及获得随访的骨盆骨折合并骶骨骨折患者16例。均采用骨盆前环开放复位内固定,骶骨后路脊柱骨盆固定术。结果 2例出现前侧切口脂肪液化,1例出现后侧切口部分浅表坏死,经换药后愈合。术后随访6～72个月,按Mjeed疗效评价标准:优9例,良4例,可2例,差1例。结论脊柱骨盆固定术能有效复位、固定骶骨骨折;骨盆前后环联合固定能提高骨折复位、固定的质量;若发现腰骶神经根损伤,宜早期手术减压治疗。     

不稳定型骨盆骨折的手术治疗（附23例报告）

目的：探讨不稳定同盆骨折手术治疗方法选择。方法：23例不稳定骨盆骨折,18例行方螺钉固定,5例行前方钢板螺钉固定,结果：随访8－62个月（平均37个月）,所有骨折半年内均愈合,18例X线评价满意,20例功能评价为优,结论：不稳定型骨盆骨折均应手术,较保守治疗有许多优点;当前后骨盆环均有损伤时,应重点强调后方损伤的准确复位;针对骶髂关节不稳定损伤,优称经后方入路。     

重建钢板内固定治疗不稳定性骶骨骨折

目的 介绍重建钢板内固定治疗骶骨不稳定性骨折。方法 22例骶骨骨折在大重量骨牵引纠正骶骨垂直移位的情况下，采用2块重建钢板并排内固定治疗，对合并骨盆前环骨折同时前路内固定稳定骨盆，有骶神经损伤的病例进行神经探查减压。结果 随访12～36个月，骶骨骨折均骨性愈合，骨盆无明显畸形发生，双下肢等长。合并骶丛神经损伤的10例中，9例神经功能完全恢复，仅1例功能恢复欠满意。结论 应用重建钢板内固定治疗骶骨骨折是目前较为理想的一种方法。     

骨盆骨折微创手术治疗的可行性研究

目的：探讨应用微创手术治疗骨盆骨折的可行性。方法：微创手术治疗26例骨盆骨折患者，男15例，女11例；年龄20—62岁，平均40岁。均为闭合性骨折，单侧骨盆环破坏17例，双侧骨盆环破坏9例。骨盆后环损伤类型：骶髂关节脱位8例，骶骨外侧纵形骨折12例；骨盆前环损伤类型：单侧耻骨坐骨支骨折9例，双侧耻骨坐骨支骨折7例，耻骨联合分离6例；合并休克6例。前环应用经皮耻骨上支拉力螺钉固定术，耻骨联合拉力螺钉固定术；后环采用经皮骶髂关节拉力螺钉固定术或骶骨棒固定术。术前摄骨盆CR片，骨盆螺旋CT检查，了解骨折表面及内部的细节，明确骨折情况。采用体表定位结合C形臂引导手术。结果：术中失血10-50ml，平均30ml；手术时间30-50min。CR观察骨折愈合时间8-12周，平均11周。无伤口感染、骨折不愈合、神经损伤等。结论：在掌握好手术适应证的前提下，微创手术具有创伤小、手术时间短、效果好、恢复快、并发症少等优点。     

腰髂联合外支架固定对骨盆前环伴经骶骨Denis-II骨折的治疗

【摘要】〓目的〓探讨腰髂固定联合外固定支架对经骶骨骨折骨盆前后环损伤的手术治疗方法和疗效。方法〓采用后路切开复位腰髂固定联合前路外固定支架治疗经骶骨骨折骨盆前后环损伤病人11例,骨盆骨折tile分型均为Tile-C型,C1型8例,C2型2例,C3型1例。经骶骨骨折Denis分型Ⅱ型。结果〓随访时间11~64月,平均36.4月。均获骨性愈合,Majeed评分平均84分。优6例,良4例,优良率90.9%。术后切口感染1例,外固定架钉道感染1例,清创拆除支架换药后愈合。结论〓腰髂固定联合外固定支架可有效稳定骨盆环,手术创伤小,效果可靠。是治疗经骶骨骨折骨盆前后环损伤的可靠方法。     

经皮骶髂螺钉固定技术治疗不稳定骨盆骨折的疗效评价

目的评价经皮骶髂螺钉技术在不稳定骨盆骨折治疗中的安全性及疗效。方法2003年3月-2007年1月，收治15例Tile C型骨盆骨折患者。男6例，女9例；年龄21～56岁。车祸伤8例，高处坠落伤6例，压砸伤1例。伤后至就诊时间4h～3d。耻骨骨折合并骶骨骨折7例，髂骨骨折合并骶骨骨折2例，耻骨骨折合并骶髂关节脱位4例，前环耻骨骨折、后环骶骨骨折合并骶髂关节脱位2例。采用经皮骶髂螺钉技术固定骨盆后环，合并的前环损伤中7例采用外固定支架固定，3例钢板固定，5例钢板联合外固定支架固定。结果15例住院16～33d，平均22．4d。除4例同时行髋臼骨折固定患者术中失血量1000～1500mL，余失血约50mL。手术时间60～305min，平均153．6min。15例均获随访6个月～3年，平均18个月。根据Matta评分标准，优14例，良1例。最后1次随访时，X线片示患者骨折均愈合，平均28．8个月。1例骨折愈合后骶髂螺钉松动，3例腰骶部劳累后疼痛，2例轻度跛行，均未作特殊处理。9例恢复原工作，3例改变工作，3例仍未工作。Majeed功能评分，优11例，良4例，优良率100％。结论经皮骶髂螺钉固定技术可重建骨盆后环的稳定性，可获得良好的功能康复，同时手术并发症发生率低及创伤小，是不稳定骨盆骨折后环稳定性重建的良好方法之一。     

骨盆环重建内固定治疗不稳定骨盆骨折

[目的]探讨切开复位骨盆环重建内固定治疗不稳定性骨盆骨折的效果。[方法]17例骨盆骨折按Tile分类确定为不稳定性，对前、后环严重损伤者行前路、后路或联合入路复位固定重建骨盆环，合并脏器损伤Ⅰ期修补处理。[结果]随访13例，平均随访15个月。骨折愈合骨盆环无畸形，下地行走，无腰腿痛及步态异常。[结论]不稳定性骨盆骨折手术内固定，重建骨盆环方法恢复解剖关系，合并内脏损伤，Ⅰ期处理，疗效满意。     

经骶骨骨折骨盆环前后联合损伤的手术治疗

目的探讨经骶骨骨折骨盆环前后联合损伤的治疗方法和效果。方法19例经骶骨骨折骨盆环前后联合损伤患者均行前后路切开复位骨盆重建板固定。结果所有患者随访6～25个月（平均16个月），骨折均愈合。根据Matta评分标准，优16例，良2例，可1例。优良率94．7％。结论经骶骨骨折骨盆环前后联合损伤，手术治疗较非手术治疗有许多优点。对于有神经损伤患者，术中可行探查减压，重点强调前后路同时手术固定。     

DenisⅢ型骶骨骨折合并神经损伤的外科治疗

目的探讨髂骨螺钉联合椎弓根螺钉重建骨盆环的稳定性治疗Denis噩型骶骨骨折合并神经损伤。方法回顾性分析自2002年2月至2006年3月期间来我院治疗的14例DenisⅢ型骶骨骨折合并神经损伤的患者，所有患者均为外伤所致，其中车祸伤6例，坠落伤4例，重物压伤4例。在该组患者中，9例仅伴有坐骨神经损伤，而不伴有马尾神经损伤的症状，另外5例既有坐骨神经损伤，也有马尾神经损伤的临床表现。所有患者均采用后路减压，髂骨螺钉联合椎弓根螺钉重建骨盆环稳定性，术前术后以及随访时按照Majeed骨盆骨折评价标准进行评分。结果14例患者中，男9例，女5例，年龄23-48岁，平均37岁。随访时间12～52个月，平均35个月。所有14例患者均重新获得了骨性愈合，在合并有马尾神经损伤的5例患者中，有3例完全恢复正常，Majeed评分大于85分；另外2例获得部分恢复，Majeed评分分别为71分和78分；在9例仅伴有坐骨神经损伤的患者中，有7例完全恢复正常，Majeed评分大于85分；另外2例仅获得部分恢复，Majeed评分分别为67分和64分。结论对于骨盆稳定性受到破坏，合并有神经受损的DenisⅢ型骶骨骨折，应在神经探查的同时采用髂骨螺钉联合椎弓根螺钉重建骨盆的稳定性，能保留骶髂关节的功能，获得优良的预后。     

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.     

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.     

Percutaneous stabilization of U-shaped sacral fractures using iliosacral screws: technique and early results

PURPOSE: To present the technique and early results of percutaneous stabilization of U-shaped sacral fractures with attention to neurologic recovery and maintenance of fracture reduction of the sacrum. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: During a thirty-eight-month period, 442 patients with pelvic ring disruptions were treated at a Level I trauma center. Thirteen (2.9 percent) of these patients had displaced U-shaped sacral fractures treated with percutaneous stabilization. INTERVENTION: Fracture stabilization was accomplished using fluoroscopically guided iliosacral screws inserted percutaneously with the patient positioned supine. Neurodiagnostic monitoring was not used during screw insertions. This technique was limited to patients with sacral kyphotic deformities, which allowed in situ fixation. Sacral neurologic decompression was not performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fracture healing and the stability of fixation were assessed on inlet and outlet radiographs and a lateral sacral view. Detailed neurologic examinations were performed at injury and at follow-up. RESULTS: The sacral fractures were classified based on plain pelvic radiographs and computed tomography scans and included one Type 1, eight Type 2, and four Type 3 fracture patterns. Twenty-five fully threaded cancellous 7.0-millimeter cannulated screws were used. Eleven patients had bilateral screw fixations; one patient had unilateral double screw fixation; and one patient had unilateral single screw fixation. Operative time for screw insertion averaged forty-eight minutes, with 2.1 minutes of fluoroscopy per screw. Accurate screw insertions without neuroforaminal or sacral spinal canal violations were confirmed in all patients with postoperative pelvic plain radiographs and computed tomography scans. A paradoxical inlet view of the upper sacral segments on the injury anteroposterior pelvis was seen in twelve of thirteen patients (92.3 percent), and the diagnosis was confirmed with the lateral sacral view in all thirteen (100 percent) patients. Preoperatively, sacral kyphosis averaged 29 degrees, whereas postoperative sacral kyphosis averaged 28 degrees. Screw disengagement occurred without a change in position of the sacral fracture in the only patient treated with a single unilateral screw. All fractures healed clinically and radiographically. Of the nine patients with preoperative neurologic abnormalities, two (22 percent) patients had residual neurologic deficits. Both patients had associated multiple level lumbar burst fractures, which required decompression and instrumented stabilization. CONCLUSIONS: These sacral fractures are rare and occur after significant spinal axial loading. A paradoxic inlet view of the upper sacrum on the anteroposterior plain pelvic radiograph heralds the diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis is avoided by a high clinical suspicion, early lateral sacral radiographs, and pelvic computed tomography scans. Surgical stabilization may assist in early mobilization of the patient from recumbency and prevents progressive deformity with associated nerve root injury. Percutaneous fixation diminishes potential blood loss and operative times, yet still allows subsequent sacral decompression of the local neural elements using open techniques when necessary. Early percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is effective treatment for these injuries.     

The problem of the sacrum fracture. Clinical analysis of 377 cases]

Sacral fractures are rare injuries that are often neglected because of the general severity of the patient's injuries. They are typical injuries in patients with polytraumata. A "hidden" injury, they are often diagnosed late or are even missed. In a well-documented consecutive series of 1,350 patients with pelvic fractures treated in the trauma department of the Hannover Medical School between 1972 and 1991, a total of 377 sacrum fractures were evaluated in a retrospective study. The cause of the accident, mechanism of injury, concomitant injuries, diagnostic procedures, classification of the pelvic injury (TILE), as well as the classification of the sacrum injury (DENIS), treatment and outcome were analyzed in all cases. Observed complications with special attention to injuries to the lumbosacral plexus were correlated with the classification of the sacrum and pelvis, as well as with a detailed analysis of the fracture pattern and fracture characteristics. In 89.4% at least one additional body region was injured in these patients. PTS (Hannover Polytrauma Score) groups III and IV included 42.5% of the patients. With an improved diagnostic protocol (radiological a.p. views, oblique views and CT scan), the observed rate of sacrum fractures was 33%. Neurological deficits occurred in 15.1% of the patients. In contrast to the literature, the rate of neurological deficits was related more to the degree of pelvic instability (TILE) than to the specific fracture pattern in the sacrum. In stable injuries (TILE A) neurological deficits were only seen in exceptions. In type B injuries the maximum rate was 10%, whereas in unstable fractures (TILE C) the rate of neurological deficits was 32.6% in transalar fractures (DENIS zone I), 42.9% in transforaminal fractures (DENIS zone II), and 63.6% in central fracture types (DENIS zone III). Additional risk indicators for neurological impairment are avulsion fractures of the sacrum, comminuted and bilateral fracture lines. The fracture classification should thus be modified. Our own experience with operative therapy for sacral fractures (open revision of the sacral plexus together with internal stabilization of the fracture) is still limited, but based on the experience presented, further development of the treatment protocol for sacrum fractures should be considered.     

Determining indications and osteosynthesis techniques for the pelvic girdle]

1566 patients with fractures of the pelvis were treated at the Department of Traumatology of the Hannover Medical School between 1972 and 1990: 1350 patients had fractures of the pelvic ring, 216 isolated acetabulum fractures, 398 combinations of pelvic ring fractures and acetabular involvement; 718 of these patients were admitted with severe polytrauma. For 1254 patients a complete file was available for clinical and radiological evaluation of fracture distribution, classification (Tile and anatomical location) and concomitant injuries. During the observation period, significant increase in the severity of the trauma, the severity of the pelvic fractures and the rate of internal stabilization, especially of the posterior pelvic ring was observed. The overall mortality after pelvic fractures was 18.1%. This mortality depended significantly on the Hannover Polytrauma Score (PTS) and the associated pelvic and extrapelvic blunt trauma. Internal fixation of pelvic fractures was performed in 195 patients. This experience has now led to standardized procedures for the different fracture locations. With the task of minimizing soft tissue trauma and reducing the implant size, more differentiated treatment of sacral fractures is now applied. Adapted small fragment implants ("local osteosyntheses") can be applied, with an unilateral longitudinal dorsal incision providing an excellent overview over the fracture line. For internal fixation of sacral fractures, involvement (penetration by screws, transfixation) of the sacroiliac joint is avoided whenever possible. In our experience early open reduction and internal fixation of pelvic fractures facilitates the management of these severely injured patients.     

Begleitverletzungen beim schweren Beckentrauma

There has been a marked increase in the incidence of pelvic fractures over the last few years. Associated injuries to the urogenital and vascular system as well as nerve injuries worsen the prognosis. Over a five year period 126 patients with severe pelvic trauma were treated. Out of these 39 (30.9%) sustained additional peripelvic injuries and represent the study sample. Type B injuries according to the AO classification occurred in 16 (41%) patients, type C fractures in 23 (59%) patients. The spleen, liver and kidney were the most frequently injured organs (58.9%), followed by urogenital lesions (46.6%), nerve injuries (25.6%) and vascular lesions (15.3%). The most common extrapelvic lesions were thoracic injuries in 56.4% and severe head injuries (GCS < 8) in 33.3%. The mean Hannover Polytrauma score was 35.6 points, the mean Injury Severity Score 27.6 points. Osteosynthesis was performed in 21 pelvic ring fractures (53%), eight procedures (50%) in type B fractures and 13 (56%) in type C fractures. In type B injuries the anterior pelvic ring was stabilized with a tension band wiring in four cases, in two patients with an external fixator and with plate osteosynthesis in one case. In type C injuries the external fixator was applied as the only stabilizing procedure in six patients. In four cases the anterior ring was fixed with tension band wiring or plates and the dorsal aspect of the pelvic ring with sacral bars. Three patients had their additional acetabular fracture plated through a anterior approach. All surviving 28 patients were followed up for an average of 18 months (range 7-59 months) after the trauma. The patients were classified using the pelvic outcome score proposed by the German Society of Trauma Surgery. 53.4% of the type B fractures showed a good clinical outcome, 47.6% a poor outcome. 15.4% with type C fractures presented with a good outcome, 84.6% with a poor outcome. 80% of the type B and 23% of the type C fractures had a good radiological outcome. 20% of type B and 77% of type C injuries had a poor radiological outcome. Five patients (12.8%) sustained persistent urological symptoms. Three of these had urinary dysfunction, two used permanent cystotomies due to their severe neurological deficit after a head injury. Ten patients with nerve injuries at the time of trauma suffered long term neurological dysfunction of the lumbosacral plexus. The mortality rate was 28%. Seven patients died in the emergency room due to uncontrollable bleeding, four in the intensive care unit from multi-organ failure. The management of complex pelvic trauma consists of fracture treatment and interdisciplinary treatment of the associated injury. Lesions of the abdominal organs or of major vessels must be addressed first if hemodynamic instability is present. Injuries to smaller vessels can be embolized percutaneously. Urinary bladder ruptures are treated as an emergency, urethral lesions electively after four to six weeks. We recommend external fixation of the pelvis in the acute phase for control of both the osseous instability and control of haemorrhage through external compression. The treatment of choice for the anterior pelvic ring is tension band wiring or plating. If this is contraindicated due to an open fracture external fixation is the treatment of choice. Type C fractures require posterior ring stabilization which should be postponed until four days post admission.     

Vertically unstable pelvic fractures fixed with percutaneous iliosacral screws: does posterior injury pattern predict fixation failure?

OBJECTIVE: To measure the failure rate of percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation of vertically unstable pelvic fractures and particularly to test the hypothesis that fixations in which the posterior injury is a vertical fracture of the sacrum are more likely to fail than fixations with dislocations or fracture-dislocations of the sacroiliac joint. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. METHODS: All patients with pelvic fractures admitted between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 1998, were identified from the trauma registry. Hospital records were used to identify patients treated with iliosacral screws. Radiologic studies were examined to identify patients who had unequivocally vertically unstable pelvic fractures. Immediate postoperative and follow-up anteroposterior, inlet, and outlet radiographs from a minimum of 12 months postinjury were examined. Position, length, and numbers of iliosacral screws and any evidence of screw failure (eg, bending or breakage) were recorded. Residual postoperative displacement and late displacement of the posterior pelvis were measured. The main outcome measure was failure, defined as at least 1cm of combined vertical displacement of the posterior pelvis compared with immediate postoperative position. The main analysis was for association between fracture pattern and failure. Patient demographic data, iliosacral screw position, and anterior pelvic fixation method also were studied. RESULTS: The study group comprised 62 patients with unequivocally vertically unstable pelvic fractures in whom the posterior injury was treated with closed reduction and percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation. Of patients, 32 had dislocations or fracture-dislocations of the sacroiliac joint, and 30 had vertical fractures of the sacrum. Fixation failed in four patients, all with vertical sacral fractures and all within the first 3 weeks after surgery. These four patients required revision fixation. In two further cases with vertical sacral fractures, there was evidence that the fracture had only barely been held by the fixation, but these fractures healed, and follow-up radiographs did not meet the displacement criteria for failure. A vertical sacral fracture pattern was associated significantly with failure (Fisher exact test, P = 0.04); the excess risk of failure compared with sacroiliac joint injury was 13% (95% confidence interval 1% to 25%). There was no significant association between failure and anterior fixation method, iliosacral screw arrangement or length, or any demographic or injury variable. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is a useful technique in the management of vertically unstable pelvic fractures, but a vertical sacral fracture should make the surgeon more wary of fixation failure and loss of reduction.     

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.     

Beckenfrakturen in der unfallchirurgischen Klinik Kiel

48 injuries to the pelvis were treated from January 1991 through December 1991. We found 45 fractures of the pelvic ring with associated acetabular fractures in 15 cases and three isolated acetabular lesions. 19 injuries were caused by car accidents, 18 fractures resulted from a fall, especially in older patients. Isolated fractures of the pelvis occurred in 18 cases. The average total severity of the injuries was 19.7 points according to the Hannover Polytrauma Score (PTS). Every fracture was classified using the Tile-classification. There were 15 (33%) Tile A lesions, 18 (40%) Tile B fractures and twelve (27%) type C pelvic ring injuries. In 18 cases surgery was the method of treatment. Seven out of 18 injuries to the acetabulum were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. In ten patients the unstable pelvic ring was fixed by means of an external fixator. To do so, a pair of 6 mm diameter pins were placed on both sides in the supraacetabular region of the iliac bone directed towards the sacroiliac joints. We used a triangular form of external fixation. An open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was necessary in five cases, one injury required a combination of external and internal procedures. There were 14 cases in which we found sacral fractures as an additional dorsal lesions. Nine of 14 sacral fractures were recognized only by CT examination. In elevent cases the conventional radiographs showed simple anterior pelvic ring fractures while the CT examination revealed an additional lesion of the sacroiliac joint in nine of these cases. A CT examination of every pelvic fracture is therefore indispensable. Complications occurred in eight of 18 patients treated surgically, a further operation was necessary in three of these cases.