ABSTRACT
Objective To study the clinical efficacy of external fixator and combined screwing at iliac crests and pubic symphysis for the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures.Methods From January 2013 to February 2014,12 cases of unstable pelvic fracture were treated at our department.They were 8 men and 4 women,from 32 to 57 years of age (average,42.5 years).Seven cases were caused by a traffic accident,and 5 by falling from a height.By Tile classification,8 cases were type B (including type B1 in 3 cases,type B2 in 3 and type B3 in 2),and 4 cases type C1.Associated injury included shock in 7 cases,bladder injury in one,limb long bone fracture in 6,joint injury in 3,and thoracic and lumbar injury in 4.The interval from injury to operation averaged 4 days,ranging from 12 hours to 7 days.The type B fractures were treated with an external fixator and combined screwing at iliac crests and pubic symphysis while the type C1 fractures with internal fixation with percutaneous S1 sacroiliac screws in addition to what was used for the type B fractures.Results The 12 patients were followed up for 5 to 12 months(average,9 months).No one died in this group.The fractures healed after 8 to 13 weeks (average,11.3 weeks).All the patients recovered normal walking.Superficial infection at the pin hole occurred in 7 cases,but there was no deep infection.Screw loosening was observed in only one case,and no reduction loss,injury to nerves or urinary canal was observed.According to the Majeed criteria,the efficacy was evaluated as excellent in 10 cases,good in one,and moderate in one.Conclusion External fixator and combined screwing at iliac crests and pubic symphysis can restore the stability of anterior pelvic ring,leading to good clinical outcomes.