Research progress in diagnosis and minimal invasive treatment of pelvic fragility fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Pelvic fragility fractures are increasing with the aging population in China, characterized by high incidence, high mortality and high morbidity just as geriatric hip fractures. In diagnosis of a pelvic fragility fracture in the elderly, the patient＇s age, comorbidities, osteogenic factors, clinical manifestations and imaging examinations should be taken into consideration, as well as the special anatomical features and morphologies resulted from degenerative anatomy of the pelvis in the aged. Standard pelvic X-rays and CT scans may confirm the diagnosis in most cases, but MRI may prevent missing a fracture of malfunctioning pelvis or an insidious fracture line on the posterior ring. Fragility fractures of pelvis (FFP) classification, base on X-ray and CT checks, is a common guiding system in current clinic. Usually, conservative treatment is indicated for fractures of FFP types Ⅰ-Ⅱ while surgery for those of FFP types Ⅲ-Ⅳ. As far as possible, minimally invasive reduction and simultaneous fixation of the anterior and posterior rings are recommended. This article intends to review the characteristics, classification and development of minimally invasive techniques concerning pelvic fragility fractures in recent years, and to discuss the future trends in treatment of geriatric pelvic fractures.