Comparison between posterior sacral plate stabilization versus minimally invasive transiliac-transsacral lag-screw fixation in fractures of sacrum: a single-centre experience

[Translated article] Spinopelvic dissociation: Current concepts

INTRODUCTION

Spinopelvic dissociation is an uncommon injury, but, at the same time, very serious, since it can associate important complications with high morbidity and mortality. Its low frequency means that the experience of the specialists who have to deal with it is often very limited.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the treatment indications based in classifications and surgery techniques.

METHOD

A search for scientific articles from high-impact journals was performed through international databases, such as Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Science Direct and OVID.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of the injury we are analyzing represents a challenge. The diagnosis is carried out through a meticulous anamnesis and physical examination, supported by imaging tests, where tomography acquires special relevance. The treatment is fundamentally surgical, reserved the conservative option for a few cases. Triangular fixation is nowadays considered the treatment of choice.

Spinopelvic dissociation: Current concepts

INTRODUCTION

Spinopelvic dissociation is an uncommon injury, but, at the same time, very serious, since it can associate important complications with high morbidity and mortality. Its low frequency means that the experience of the specialists who have to deal with it is often very limited.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the treatment indications based in classifications and surgery techniques.

METHOD

A search for scientific articles from high-impact journals was performed through international databases, such as Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Science Direct and OVID.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of the injury we are analyzing represents a challenge. The diagnosis is carried out through a meticulous anamnesis and physical examination, supported by imaging tests, where tomography acquires special relevance. The treatment is fundamentally surgical, reserved the conservative option for a few cases. Triangular fixation is nowadays considered the treatment of choice.

Critical distance of the sacroiliac joint for open reduction using screw fixation for traumatic sacroiliac joint diastasis: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Osteosynthesis for sacroiliac joint (SIJ) diastasis using an iliosacral screw (ISS) and a trans-iliac-trans-sacral screw (TITSS) can be performed using a closed or an open method. However, no clear indication for open reduction has been established.

METHODS

Data on patients with unilateral traumatic SIJ diastasis who underwent ISS and TITSS fixation were retrospectively collected and separated into groups according to the reduction method: closed reduction group (C group) and open reduction group (O group). Demographic data and perioperative image assessments were compared between the groups. The critical distance of the SIJ was identified to elucidate the indication for open reduction of the diastatic SIJ.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients met the inclusion criteria over a 3-year period. There was no significant difference in the reduction quality of pelvic ring injuries between the groups, according to Matta's and Lefaivre's criteria. The improvement in the SIJ distance was significantly greater in the O group than in the C group in the axial plane on multiplanar computed tomography (p = 0.021). This model predicted that a difference of > 3.71 mm between the injured and healthy SIJ was a recommended indication for open reduction, with an area under the curve of 0.791 (95% confidence interval 0.627-0.955, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Open reduction for SIJ diastasis might achieve better reduction quality than does closed reduction in the axial plane in selected cases. When the difference between the injured and healthy SIJ was wider than 3.71 mm, open reduction was recommended for satisfactory radiological outcomes.

Percutaneous Ilioilial Fixator Versus Percutaneous Iliosacral Screw in Managing Unstable Sacral Fractures: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Study

INTRODUCTION

Unstable sacral fractures with pelvic fractures are challenging to both surgeons and patients, particularly in the immediate post-injury phase and later when definitive fixation is undertaken. Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is widely regarded as the gold standard treatment for unstable sacral fractures without spinopelvic dissociation. Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation using iliosacral screws for sacral fractures provide early stabilisation without the need for extensive surgical exposure, thereby mitigating major complications associated with open surgical procedures. A new technique for stabilising unstable sacral fractures is the minimally invasive ilioilial fixator, also called a transiliac internal fixator (TIIF), which has gained more attention for its ability to address challenges associated with sacroiliac screw fixation. The objective of this study is to compare the functional, radiological, and surgical outcomes between the percutaneous iliosacral screw and the ilioilial fixator.

METHODS

A total of 51 patients with sacral fracture injuries sustained between August 2019 and November 2021 were included in this study, with 25 patients in Group A and 26 patients in Group B. Patient randomization was done using computer-generated randomization facilitated by Random Allocation Software (Mahmood Saghaei, Isfahan, Iran). All patients underwent the chosen intervention within 10 days of the trauma. Patients had follow-up at two weeks, six weeks, and 12 months post-treatment. The results of fixation were evaluated radiologically based on the Matta and Tornetta grading system and clinically using the Majeed pelvic scoring system. Complications were detected in both groups during follow-up visits.

RESULTS

The study found no statistically significant differences between the two patient groups in terms of final clinical assessment (p=0.79), radiological assessment (p=0.78), or the need for another operation (p=1.0). Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to complication rates (p=0.63) or the time of union (p=0.14). No differences were noted in terms of intraoperative blood loss (p=0.93) or operative time (p=0.34) but for longer incision length in the ilioilial fixator group (p<0.001) and an increased risk of intraoperative radiation exposure in the iliosacral screw group (p<00.1).

DISCUSSION

Although the iliosacral screw is considered a gold standard for unstable sacral fracture, a TIIF is a good alternative with a very satisfactory outcome.

CONCLUSION

Although the iliosacral screw still remains the gold standard for the management of sacral fractures, the ilioilial fixator emerges as a good alternative with comparable functional and radiological outcomes.

Complications of conventional percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation of traumatic pelvic ring injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to present a thorough overview of the complications associated with conventional percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation to identify areas for improvement in surgical technique and patient selection.

METHODS

PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for original human studies reporting on complications of conventional percutaneous sacroiliac fixation in traumatic pelvic ring injuries from January 1, 2000, to April 30, 2022. The main meta-analysis was based on the random effect model to pool all complications reported in the included studies. The results were reported as weighted proportions with 95% confidence intervals. This review was conducted in line with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 56 studies with 3644 screws (2871 procedures) met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 40.5 years. The most frequently reported complications were screw malposition with a weighted proportion of 6% (95% CI: 5-9%) and involved 189 out of 3644 screws, persistent pain following the procedure with a weighted proportion of 3% (95% CI: 2-4%) and affected 98 out of 2871 patients, and nerve injury, which had a weighted proportion of 2% (95% CI: 1-3%) and was observed in 41 out of 2871 procedures. The L5 and S1 nerve roots were more frequently affected. Revision surgery was required for 184 out of 2871 patients with a weighted proportion of 5% (95% CI: 3-7%). The primary reason for the revision was persistent pain after the initial procedure, which affected 74 out of 184 patients, with a weighted proportion of 2.0% (95% CI: 1.2-2.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that screw malposition, the need for revision surgery, persistent pain, and nerve injuries were the most frequent complications following conventional percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation. However, these results must be interpreted in context due to confounding factors, including the lack of high-quality studies and the absence of uniformity in defining some complications across studies.

Causes of Increased Use of Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation for High-Energy-Related Traumatic Sacral Fractures

BACKGROUND

Reasons for the increased use of closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) for traumatic sacral fractures (SFs) are unclear in the literature. Therefore, we aimed to report the annual changes in the number of patients, mechanisms of injury, fracture patterns, and fixation methods.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we extracted data of 271 patients (mean age, 37.5 years) from the trauma register over an 8-year period. Annual records regarding the number of patients, injury mechanisms, fracture types, and treatment options were statistically analyzed to examine the interactions among these factors.

RESULTS

The number of patients with SFs increased significantly each year. The rate of admission to the intensive care unit after resuscitation was high (64.9%). Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type C pelvic ring injury (PRI), Dennis zone II injury, Roy-Camille type 2 injury, and U/H-type injury were the most common fracture types. Trans-iliac trans-sacral screws were mainly used in AO type B PRI, and their use significantly increased each year. For AO type C PRI, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with rigid fixation was the main treatment, and the use of CRIF with iliosacral screws decreased each year. Stepwise statistical analysis revealed that the increase in AO type B PRI and ORIF for anterior PRI were the factors contributing to the increased use of CRIF for SFs.

CONCLUSIONS

While the use of osteosynthesis for SFs is increasing, an increased use of CRIF for traumatic SFs has also been observed in clinical practice. This increase can be attributed to the increase in AO type B PRIs and ORIF for anterior PRIs.

Safety and efficacy of two ilioiliac tension band plates osteosynthesis of fragility fractures of the pelvis

The study retrospectively determined the efficacy and safety of fixation of the pelvis (FFP) fragility fractures type IV using two tension band ilioiliac locking compression plates. Forty-one patients with FFP were treated in 2017-2020. 16 patients with FFP type IV, unable to walk weight-bearing, were treated by fixation using two tension band ilioiliac locking compression plates without fixing the anterior ring. Preoperatively and one year postoperatively, the functional outcome and performance were assessed using Pelvic Discomfort Index (PDI) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Pre- and postoperative hemoglobin level was evaluated. Operation time and intra-and postoperative complications were documented. One year postoperatively, an X-ray was taken. The arithmetic mean (x) and standard deviations (±) of quantitative variables were calculated. T-test for dependent samples was used for pre-and postoperative results comparison. The PDI improved (p < 0.001) from x = 81.42 ± 4.04 to x = 36.19 ± 15.58. Preoperatively none of the patients was able to perform the TUG test. Postoperatively, the result exceeded x = 13.13 ± 3.99 s. The operation lasted x = 42.80 ± 8.90 min. Hemoglobin decreased (p < 0.001) from 11.63 ± 1.11 to 9.07 ± 1.21 g/dL. No complications nor fixation loosening were noted. The study support fixation using two tension band ilioiliac locking compression plates as an efficient and safe treatment of the FFP type IV.

Clinical utility of minimally invasive posterior internal fixation within the pelvic ring using S2 alar iliac screws for unstable pelvic ring fracture

INTRODUCTION

Posterior internal fixation for unstable pelvic ring fractures is often associated with complications, including pelvic hemorrhage and gluteal necrosis. Pelvic ring fixation using the S2 alar iliac screw (SAIS) without fixation of the lumbosacral vertebrae may have potential as a novel, minimally invasive technique for treating unstable pelvic ring fractures. The present study compared clinical outcomes in patients who underwent SAIS fixation within the pelvic ring with a historical control group of patients who underwent conventional trans-iliac plate fixation for the treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients diagnosed with unstable pelvic fractures with sacral fracture or sacroiliac joint fracture dislocation were retrospectively evaluated. Eight consecutive patients underwent trans-iliac plate fixation from April 2012 to March 2015, and 24 consecutive patients underwent SAIS fixation from April 2015 to February 2020. Rates of soft tissue complications, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative blood transfusion volume were compared in these two groups.

RESULTS

Mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in patients who underwent SAIS fixation than in those who underwent trans-iliac plate fixation (141.0 ml vs 315.0 ml; P = 0.027), although there were no between-group differences in intraoperative blood transfusion volume (0.0 ml vs 140 ml; P = 0.105), incidence rate of soft tissue complications (4.2% vs 0%; P = 1.000), and operation time (88.5 min vs 93.0 min; P = 0.862). Bone healing was confirmed in all patients who underwent SAIS fixation without dislocation of the fracture site, whereas one patient who underwent trans-iliac plate fixation experienced a dislocation of the fracture site during follow-up (0% vs 12.5%; P = 0.250).

CONCLUSIONS

SAIS fixation reduces intraoperative blood loss and ensures bone healing without major complications, including dislocation of the fracture site. SAIS fixation may therefore be an alternative, minimally invasive method of treating unstable pelvic fractures.

Percutaneous posterior transiliac plate versus iliosacral screw fixation for posterior fixation of Tile C-type pelvic fractures: a retrospective comparative study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complications between two minimally invasive surgical techniques: percutaneous transiliac plate fixation and iliosacral (IS) screw fixation for the treatment of Tile C-type pelvic bone fractures.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 77 consecutive patients with Tile C pelvic ring injuries who underwent either percutaneous transiliac plate fixation or IS screw fixation in a single academic center between November 2007 and January 2018. We recorded patients' demographics, surgery-related data, and postoperative surgical outcomes and compared the incidence of complications and revision surgery rates between the two groups.

RESULTS

Overall, 14 patients were included in the plate group, while 63 were included in the IS screw fixation group. No significant differences were observed in the patients' demographics between the two groups except for a longer interval from injury to surgery (13.5 days vs. 5.4 days, P = 0.001). Both groups acquired fracture union in all cases. There was one case of infection requiring surgical debridement in the plating group. Notably, nerve injury (n = 3) and implant loosening (n = 5) occurred in the IS screw group, but the difference was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Both percutaneous posterior transiliac plating and IS screw fixation in patients with Tile C-type pelvic bone fractures showed good results. We recommend IS screw fixation as the primary treatment and propose posterior plating as treatment for sacral dysmorphism and bilateral sacral alar fractures in patients with spinopelvic dissociation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Posterior INFIX for Treating Unilateral Unstable Sacral Fractures

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of the treatment of unilateral unstable sacral fractures by fixation with the posterior INFIX (posterior pelvic ring screw‐rod internal fxation).

Methods

Data of 60 patients with unilateral unstable sacral fractures who underwent surgery from March 2013 to March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed according to the selection criteria. All patients were associated with anterior pelvic ring injuries, and the operations were performed by the same team of surgeons. According to the different types of internal fixation, the patients were divided into two groups, which both included 30 patients: the posterior INFIX group and iliosacral screw fixation group. The demographic and clinical data of the two patient groups, such as age, sex, sacral fracture types based on the Denis classification, operation time, amount of intraoperative bleeding, intraoperative fluoros copy time, Majeed pelvic score at final follow‐up, and quality of fracture reduction based on Mears and Velyvis's imaging classification criteria were collected by the same researcher and compared statistically.

Results

All patients were continuously followed up for 23.17 ± 3.34 months (range, 12 to 46 months). All sacral fractures healed with an average healing time of 9.3 ± 2.24 months (range, 6 to 18 months). None of the patients had re‐displacement of the fracture or fixation failure. Compared to the iliosacral screw group, the posterior INFIX group patients had more intraoperative bleeding (t = 3.59, P < 0.001), shorter operation time (t = 4.49, P < 0.001), and shorter intraoperative fluoroscopy time (t = 6.26, P < 0.001). There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of age, sex, fracture type, Majeed score, and quality of fracture reduction (P > 0.05). In the posterior INFIX group, one patient had a superficial wound infection and one patient complained of discomfort due to a prominent fixation. In the iliosacral screw fixation group, one patient had intraoperative iatrogenic S1 nerve injury and vessel injury. The posterior INFIX fixation was a simpler manipulation with higher safety, shorter time of operation and intraoperative fluoroscopy, and similar clinical outcomes compared to iliosacral screw fixation.

Conclusion

For the treatment of unilateral unstable sacral fractures, the posterior INFIX fixation can be recommended in clinic application.

Percutaneous iliosacral screw and trans-iliac trans-sacral screw with single C-arm fluoroscope intensifier is a safe treatment for pelvic ring injuries

To elucidate the accuracy, efficacy, and safety of percutaneous iliosacral screw (ISS) and trans-iliac trans-sacral screw (TITS) insertion using a single C-arm fluoroscopy intensifier. Additionally, the potential risk factors that might cause mal-positioned screws were identified. Patients with pelvic ring injuries who underwent percutaneous screw fixation in a single medical institute were divided into an ISS group (n = 59) and a TITS group (n = 62) and assessed. The angles deviated from ideal orientation (ADIO) of the implanted screw were measured, and potential risk factors for mal-positioned screws were analyzed. Overall, the reduction quality of the pelvic ring was good or excellent in 70 patients (82.4%) by Matta’s criteria and in 48 patients (56.5%) by Lefaivre’s criteria. ADIO measurements of the ISS and TITS groups via multi-planar computed tomography were 9.16° ± 6.97° and 3.09° ± 2.8° in the axial view, respectively, and 5.92° ± 3.65° and 2.10° ± 2.01° in the coronal view, respectively. Univariate statistical analysis revealed body mass index as the single potential risk factor of mal-positioned screws. With careful preoperative planning and intraoperative preparations, placing ISS and TITS under the guidance of single C-arm fluoroscopy intensifier is a reliable and safe technique. Caution should be exercised when performing this procedure in patients with a high body mass index.

Clinical Analysis of Single and Double Sacroiliac Screws in the Treatment of Tile C1 Pelvic Fracture

We investigated the difference between fixation of single and double sacroiliac screws in the treatment of Tile C1 pelvic fractures. The data of 54 patients with Tile C1 pelvic fractures who were admitted to the trauma center of the Red Society Hospital Affiliated to Xi’an Jiaotong University between August 2016 and August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients with posterior pelvic ring injuries underwent fixation with sacroiliac screws assisted by a percutaneous robotic navigation system. The operative time, amount of intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative follow-up time between the two groups (single sacroiliac and double sacroiliac screw groups) were compared. The Matta and Majeed scores at the last follow-up were compared between the groups to evaluate fracture reduction and functional recovery. Forty-nine patients were followed up for 17.2 (±4.5) months and 16.2 (±3.4) months in the single and double sacroiliac screw groups, respectively. All patients had excellent fracture reduction immediately after surgery, according to the Matta score. All fractures healed without complications. There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative general information, amount intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative anterior ring fixation method, and postoperative follow-up time between the two groups ( $P>0.05$ ). The operative time of the single sacroiliac screw group was shorter than that of the double sacroiliac screw group ( $P<0.05$ ). At the last follow-up, the Matta score of the double sacroiliac screw group was significantly better than that of the single sacroiliac screw group ( $P<0.05$ ), and there was no statistically significant difference in the Majeed functional scores ( $P>0.05$ ). For Tile C1 pelvic fractures, double sacroiliac screw fixation of posterior ring injuries can provide a more stable treatment with no statistically significant difference in functional recovery.

Anterior intrapelvic approach and suprapectineal quadrilateral surface plate for acetabular fractures with anterior involvement: a retrospective study of 34 patients

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the use of the suprapectineal quadrilateral surface (QLS) plates associated with the anterior intrapelvic approach (AIP) to the acetabulum in the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures with anterior involvement.

METHODS

We did a retrospective study of patients surgically treated with QLS plates and AIP for acetabular fractures with the involvement of the anterior column, between February 2018 and February 2020, in our Hospital. The following data were recorded: mechanism of injury, the pattern of fracture, presence of other associated injuries, the time before performing the surgery, surgical approach, position on operating table, time of surgery, intraoperative bleeding, hospitalization time, intraoperative and postoperative complications. Follow-ups were performed at 1, 3, 6, 12 months, then annually. The clinical-functional outcome was assessed with the Merle d'Aubigne Postel score (MAP) modified by Matta; while the radiological outcome with the Matta Radiological Scoring System (MRSS). A Chi-square test was utilized to examine associations between parametric variables.

RESULTS

We included 34 patients, mean age 62.1, with an average follow-up of 20.7 months. The most frequent traumatic mechanism was road trauma. There were 15 isolated anterior columns and 19 associated patterns. There were 5 cases of associated visceral injuries, and 10 cases of other associated skeletal fractures. All patients were in the supine position. The surgical approach used was the AIP in all cases, with the addition of the first window of the ilioinguinal approach in 16 cases and of the Kocher-Langenbeck approach in 2 cases. The average time before performing the surgery was 8.5 days. The mean time of the surgery and the mean length of stay after surgery were 227.9 min and 8.2 days, respectively. There weren't cases of intra-operative complications, while there were postoperative complications in 5 patients. The MRSS was judged anatomical in 26 cases, imperfect in 7 cases and poor in 1 case. The average MAP value was 15.2. We observed a significant relationship between the radiological outcome and the clinical outcome (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The QLS plates in association with the AIP approach represent an effective treatment strategy for the treatment of acetabular fractures with anterior involvement.

Epidemiology and aetiology of male and female sexual dysfunctions related to pelvic ring injuries: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic ring injuries, frequently caused by high energy trauma, are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality (5-33%), often due to significant blood loss and disruption of the lumbosacral plexus, genitourinary system, and gastrointestinal system. The aim of the present study is to perform a systematic literature review on male and female sexual dysfunctions related to traumatic lesions of the pelvic ring.

METHODS

Scopus, Cochrane Library MEDLINE via PubMed, and Embase were searched using the keywords: "Pelvic fracture," "Pelvic Ring Fracture," "Pelvic Ring Trauma," "Pelvic Ring injury," "Sexual dysfunction," "Erectile dysfunction," "dyspareunia," and their MeSH terms in any possible combination. The following questions were formulated according to the PICO (population (P), intervention (I), comparison (C), and outcome (O)) scheme: Do patients suffering from pelvic fracture (P) report worse clinical outcomes (C), in terms of sexual function (O), when urological injury occurs (I)? Is the sexual function (O) influenced by the type of fracture (I)?

RESULTS

After screening 268 articles by title and abstract, 77 were considered eligible for the full-text analysis. Finally 17 studies that met inclusion criteria were included in the review. Overall, 1364 patients (902 males and 462 females, M/F ratio: 1.9) suffering from pelvic fractures were collected.

DISCUSSION

Pelvic fractures represent challenging entities, often concomitant with systemic injuries and subsequent morbidity. Anatomical consideration, etiology, correlation between sexual dysfunction and genitourinary lesions, or pelvic fracture type were investigated.

CONCLUSION

There are evidences in the literature that the gravity and frequency of SD are related with the pelvic ring fracture type. In fact, patients with APC, VS (according Young-Burgess), or C (according Tile) fracture pattern reported higher incidence and gravity of SD. Only a week association could be found between GUI and incidence and gravity of SD, and relationship between surgical treatment and SD. Electrophysiological tests should be routinely used in patient suffering from SD after pelvic ring injuries.

The traditional experience strategy (TES) and combined ultrasonography examination (CUE) for the treatment of lateral compression type 1 pelvic fractures: a historical control study

BACKGROUND

It is difficult to judge the stability of lateral compression type-1 (LC-1) pelvic fracture, as it is often based on static images of the pelvis. Compared with the traditional experience strategy, ultrasonography examination may be able to distinguish operative and conservative patients before definitive treatment. However, in previous studies, we have not compared the outcomes between traditional experience strategy (TES group) and combined ultrasonography examination (CUE group). Thus, the aim of the study is comparing the differences between TES and CUE strategy, to identify the value of ultrasonography examination.

METHODS

Medical records system for patients with LC-1 pelvic fractures who were treated with TES and CUE strategy were included. Patients' baseline characteristics, treatment strategy, and function were recorded at follow-up. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Majeed grading system.

RESULTS

In total, 77 patients with LC-1 pelvic fractures were included in the study. There were 42 and 35 patients in TES and CUE group, respectively. Compared to TES group (69 %), there were less proportion patients chosen the operative treatment in CUE group (43 %, P = 0.021). The volume of intraoperative blood loss in CUE operative group was more than TES operative group (P = 0.037). There were more patients with complete sacral fracture in CUE operative group than TES operative group (P = 0.002). The Majeed scores in CUE conservative group was higher than TES conservative group (P = 0.008). The overall Majeed scores in CUE group was higher than that in TES group (P = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

The ultrasonography examination could relatively accurately identify the unstable LC-1 pelvis than the traditional experience strategy, the operative rate could be reduced and the overall function of LC-1 patients could be improved under the ultrasonography examination.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Plate versus sacroiliac screw fixation for treating posterior pelvic ring fracture: a Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether plate fixation or sacroiliac (SI) screw fixation is the better treatment for posterior pelvic ring disruption is controversial. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the two fixation methods.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for studies comparing plate and SI screw fixations in posterior pelvic ring injuries. Intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, and clinical/radiological scores were compared between the techniques.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and nine in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 202 patients who underwent plate fixation and 258 patients who underwent SI screw fixation. The incision length and mean blood loss were greater in the plate group than in the SI screw group (standard mean difference (SMD) = 7.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.18-11.40; SMD = 5.09, 95% CI: 2.08-8.09, respectively). Patients in the SI screw group had more X-ray exposure than those in the plate group (SMD = -5.96, 95% CI: -7.95-3.97). There were no differences in operation time and intraoperative complications (SMD = -1.42, 95% CI: -3.90-1.05; OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.05-18.60, respectively). The duration of hospital stay was longer in the plate group (SMD = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.74-2.68). There were no differences in postoperative neurological complications, infection rate, and nonunion rate (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 0.20-13.21; OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 0.74-5.94; OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.26-4.87, respectively), but implant loosening was more common in the SI screw group (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.04-0.87). There was no difference in revision surgery (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.02-2.14). The total excellent rating according to the postoperative Majeed functional and Matta scores was higher in the SI screw group (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20-0.91; OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08-0.74, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

SI screw fixation was superior to plate fixation in the functional and radiological scores, but implant loosening was more common for the treatment posterior pelvic ring injuries.

Sacral fractures: issues, challenges, solutions

Sacral fractures are a heterogeneous group of fractures occurring in young people following road traffic accidents and falls from height, or in the elderly with osteoporosis following trivial trauma.This heterogeneity, combined with the low incidence of sacral fractures, determines a lack of experience amongst physicians, often leading to misdiagnosis, underestimation and inadequate treatment. The diagnosis should be made by assessing specific features during the clinical presentation, while computed tomography (CT) scan continues to be the choice of investigation.Sacral fractures can be treated non-operatively or surgically. Non-operative treatment is based on rest, pain relief therapy and early mobilization as tolerated. Surgical techniques can be split into two main groups: posterior pelvic fixation techniques and lumbopelvic fixation techniques. Anterior pelvic fixation techniques should be considered when sacral fractures are associated with anterior pelvic ring injuries, in order to increase stability and reduce the risk of posterior implant failure. To improve fracture reduction, different solutions could be adopted, including special positioning of the patient, manipulation techniques and use of specific reduction tools. Patients suffering from spinopelvic dissociation with associated neurologic lesions hardly ever recover completely, with residual lower-limb neurologic sequelae, urinary problems and sexual disfunction.Herein, we present issues, challenges and solutions related to the management of sacral fractures. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:299-311. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190064.

Comparison of Biomechanical Performance of Five Different Treatment Approaches for Fixing Posterior Pelvic Ring Injury

Background

A large number of pelvic injuries are seriously unstable, with mortality rates reaching 19%. Approximately 60% of pelvic injuries are related to the posterior pelvic ring. However, the selection of a fixation method for a posterior pelvic ring injury remains a challenging problem for orthopedic surgeons. The aim of the present study is to investigate the biomechanical performance of five different fixation approaches for posterior pelvic ring injury and thus provide guidance on the choice of treatment approach in a clinical setting.

Methods

A finite element (FE) model, including the L3-L5 lumbar vertebrae, sacrum, and full pelvis, was created from CT images of a healthy adult. Tile B and Tile C types of pelvic fractures were created in the model. Five different fixation methods for fixing the posterior ring injury (PRI) were simulated: TA1 (conservative treatment), TA2 (S1 screw fixation), TA3 (S1 + S2 screw fixation), TA4 (plate fixation), and TA5 (modified triangular osteosynthesis). Based on the fixation status (fixed or nonfixed) of the anterior ring and the fixation method for PRI, 20 different FE models were created. An upright standing loading scenario was simulated, and the resultant displacements at the sacroiliac joint were compared between different models.

Results

When TA5 was applied, the resultant displacements at the sacroiliac joint were the smallest (1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.6 mm, and 1.7 mm) for all the injury cases. The displacements induced by TA3 and TA2 were similar to those induced by TA5. TA4 led to larger displacements at the sacroiliac joint (2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 4.8 mm, and 4.9 mm), and TA1 was the worst case (3.1 mm, 3.2 mm, 6.3 mm, and 6.5 mm).

Conclusions

The best internal fixation method for PRI is the triangular osteosynthesis approach (TA5), followed by S1 + S2 screw fixation (TA3), S1 screw fixation (TA2), and plate fixation (TA4).

Comparison of Efficacy between 3D Navigation-Assisted Percutaneous Iliosacral Screw and Minimally Invasive Reconstruction Plate in Treating Sacroiliac Complex Injury

The clinical efficacy was compared between 3D navigation-assisted percutaneous iliosacral screw (3DPS) and minimally invasive reconstruction plate (MIRP) in treating sacroiliac complex injury and the surgical procedures of 3DPS were introduced. A retrospective analysis was performed on 49 patients with sacroiliac complex injury from March 2013 to May 2017. Twenty-one cases were treated by 3DPS, and 28 cases by MIRP. Intraoperative indexes as operative time, blood loss, incision length, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications were respectively documented. Quality of reduction was postoperatively evaluated by Matta radiological criteria, and clinical effect was assessed by Majeed scoring criteria at the last follow-up. Operative time and hospital stay were significantly shortened, and blood loss, and incision length were significantly reduced in 3DPS group as compared with those in MIRP group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between 3DPS group and MIRP group in the assessment of reduction and function (P>0.05). It was concluded that both 3DPS and MIRP can effectively treat the sacroiliac complex injury, and 3DPS can provide an accurate, safe and minimally invasive fixation with shorter operative time and hospital stay.