Anterior subcutaneous internal fixation of unstable pelvic ring fracture / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the curative effect of stabilizing unstable pelvic ring fracture using the anterior subcutaneous internal fixator (INFIX).Methods From July 2013 to June 2014,15 cases who suffered from anterior pelvic ring fracture were treated with the device.There were 11 males and 4 females,with mean age of 38.5 years (range,23-65 years).Eight cases sustained fracture in traffic accidents,4 in high falls,and 3 in crush injury.According to the Young-Burgess and AO/OTA classification systems,type APC2 or 61-B1 was noted in one case,LC1 or 61-B2.1 in 4 cases,LC2 or 61-B2.2/61-B2.3 in 6 cases,and VS or 61-C1/61-C2 in 4 cases.Basic method in anterior ring fixation was one pedicle screw was respectively inserted into the area between the anterior superior iliac spine and anterior inferior iliac spine of both sides.The precontoured rod was then tunneled subcutaneously from one screw to the other.For the stable posterior injury in pelvic ring fracture,the anterior pelvic ring was stabilized only using the technique.For the unstable posterior injury in pelvic ring fracture,the anterior and posterior ring were both fixed using the technique.During follow-up visits,patients' tolerance to the device,wound infection,myositis ossificans,internal fixation lessening,and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury were evaluated.Results Follow-up ranged from 6-12 months (mean,7.5 months).The device was well tolerated by the patients for comfort.None had surgical site infection and internal fixation loosening.Injuries healed without loss of reduction at the 3-month follow-up.Injury of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve at the both side was reported in 4 cases and at one side in 2 cases,but all restored 3 month after operation.Conclusion The reported technique is minimally invasive with few complications and reliable results,hinting an ideal method to stabilize the anterior pelvic ring fracture.