The FFP-classification: From eminence to evidence

[Robotically assisted placement of a pubic ramus screw and an SI-S1 screw]

OBJECTIVE OF SURGERY

The aim of this operation is to stabilize the anterior pelvic ring fractures on both sides and the sacral fracture on the right using robotically assisted screw osteosynthesis and to restore the mobility of the patient.

INDICATIONS

The indications arise from the patient's very severe pain, resulting immobility under conservative treatment measures and a fragility fracture of the pelvis grade II (FFP II).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Typical contraindications for this type of operation are the same as for conventional techniques (mainly infection and swelling).

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Performed in the 3D navigation hybrid operating theatre Robotic Suite with the following components: navigation unit "Curve Navigation System", movable robotic 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) "Loop‑X", robotic arm "Cirq Arm System" and wall monitor "BUZZ" (Brainlab, Munich, Germany). The individual surgical steps are explained in the video online (English).

FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT

Full weight bearing, pain medication according to the World Health Organization (WHO) stage scheme, physiotherapy after the first postoperative day.

EVIDENCE

Navigated and robotically assisted techniques are mainly used on the spine. These techniques are also increasingly being used on the pelvis, whereby very high levels of accuracy can also be achieved.

Fragility Fractures of the Pelvic Ring: Analysis of Epidemiology, Treatment Concepts, and Surgical Strategies from the Registry of the German Pelvic Multicenter Study Group

Background: Fragility fractures of the pelvic ring (FFPs) represent a fast-growing entity in geriatric traumatology with increasing incidence worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology, treatment concepts, and surgical strategies for FFPs based on data collected by the German Pelvic Multicenter Study Group documented in the German Pelvic Fracture Registry. It is the largest cohort study of its kind. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients aged 65 years or older after FFPs, as classified according to the Rommens and Hofmann classification. Data were collected from July 2018 onward and analyzed for demographics; fracture classifications; treatment modalities (operative vs. non-operative); and details of surgery, including timing and choice of implants. Patients after high-energy trauma were excluded. Statistical analyses included descriptive metrics and subgroup comparisons. Results: Among 1242 patients (84% female; median age 83.4 years), FFP Type II was the most common fracture type (50.8%), followed by Type IV (21.1%). Non-operative management was employed in 68.8% of cases, while 30.9% underwent surgery. Surgical intervention was more frequent in higher-grade FFPs (e.g., 72.1% in Type IV). The most common surgical technique for the posterior pelvic ring was percutaneous screw fixation (61.3%), with navigation used in 47.4% of cases. Conclusions: This study highlights the variability in treatment strategies for FFPs, with conservative management predominating in lower-grade fractures and surgical approaches increasingly utilized for more complex cases. The findings underscore the need for standardized, evidence-based guidelines and further research to optimize treatment and long-term outcomes for geriatric patients with FFPs.

Classifications and treatment management of fragility fracture of the pelvis: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) present a growing challenge in aging populations. However, standardized classifications and treatment guidelines remain scarce.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review examines the application of fracture classifications, treatment strategies, and outcome evaluations for FFP, identifying gaps in the literature, and suggesting directions for future research.

METHODS

A systematic search of multiple electronic databases yielded 117 studies discussing FFP names, classifications, treatment approaches, and outcomes. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, classification systems, treatment details, outcomes, and follow-up periods. Residual analysis using the Chi-square test assessed statistical associations and underrepresentation.

RESULTS

The FFP classification was the most common (51.3%), with additional treatment indicators focused on immobility (44.4%) and pain assessment (using the Visual Analog Scale [VAS] or Numeric Rating Scale [NRS], 37.6%), consistent with existing guidelines. In contrast, the sacral insufficient fractures were statistically associated with pain indications but lacked corresponding classification application. Initial management typically involved conservative or observation period. Regarding the management indications and outcomes, surgical interventions were categorized into osteosynthesis and sacroplasty. Outcome evaluations often incorporated mobility and functional status (59.0%), hospitalization length (49.6%), mortality rates (41.0%), and post-treatment living conditions (41.0%). Patient recovery was assessed through VAS scores (59.0%) and Activities of Daily Living Patient-Reported Outcomes (ADL-PROs, 34.2%). However, inconsistencies in standardized outcomes, particularly in sacroplasty studies, hinder comparative analysis.

CONCLUSION

FFP classifications, along with pain and mobility assessments, were frequently applied as management indicators for FFP. Standardizing treatment indications and establishing consistent outcome measures, including the evidenced gap treatments (sacral insufficient fracture and cement augmentation), could significantly improve comparability across studies.

Dual-energy CT in diagnosing sacral fractures: assessment of diagnostic accuracy and intra- and inter-rater reliabilities

PURPOSE

Evaluating sacral fractures is crucial in fragility fractures of the pelvis. Dual-energy CT (DECT) is considered useful for diagnosing unclear fractures on single-energy CT (SECT). This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of DECT in diagnosing sacral fractures.

METHODS

Thirty cases with suspected sacral fractures underwent SECT, DECT, and MRI. The exams were evaluated by two groups: three inexperienced surgeons (Group I) and three experienced surgeons (Group E). Diagnoses were made initially using SECT (pre-DECT) and then reassessed including DECT (post-DECT). This process was repeated twice. Presence of fractures was determined based on MRI. Sensitivity, specificity, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated. Diagnostic accuracy was statistically compared between two groups.

RESULTS

Sensitivity was 0.73 in pre-DECT and 0.9 in post-DECT, while specificity was 0.83 in pre-DECT and 0.91 in post-DECT. Sensitivity significantly improved with the addition of DECT (McNemar test: p < 0.001). Intra-rater reliability (Fleiss' kappa coefficient) was 0.44 in pre-DECT and 0.76 in post-DECT. Inter-rater reliability (Cohen's kappa coefficient) was 0.6 in pre-DECT and 0.81 in post-DECT. Diagnostic accuracy was significantly lower in group I than group E in pre-DECT (P = 0.019, 0.048), but there was no significant difference between two groups in post-DECT.

CONCLUSION

Combined use of DECT with SECT improved the detection rate of sacral fractures and enhanced intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. High diagnostic accuracy was achieved regardless of the observer's experience. These results indicate that DECT is a useful imaging modality for diagnosing sacral fractures.

Augmented ilio-sacral screws for the treatment of fragility pelvic fractures: review of literature, presentation of a novel low-cost technique, and clinical results of a case series

PURPOSE

Fragility pelvic fractures are an increasingly entity due to increase in life expectancy. A large proportion of these fractures require surgical treatment with stabilization of the posterior ring with ilio-sacral screws. Due to the poor bone quality of these patients, cement augmentation of the ilio-sacral screws can be performed and thus avoid treatment failures. The purpose of this review is to make a revision of the literature and present a novel cementation technique with clinical examples of patients treated with this surgical technique.

METHOD

Review of current literature on fragility pelvic fractures and modern treatment alternatives. We also describe a novel, easy to perform and low-cost technique for cement augmentation of ilio-sacral screws that we find useful when not having specific commercial instruments for this purpose. Additionally, we present a case series of five patients operated between 2017 and 2024 with augmented ilio-sacral screws due to fragility pelvic fracture.

CONCLUSION

The surgical technique presented is easy to perform, has a low training curve and requires standard instruments easy to find in a trauma center. Further clinical studies are required to demonstrate superiority of cement augmentation over the standard technique without augmentation.

Lumbopelvic Stabilization with Two Methods of Triangular Osteosynthesis: A Biomechanical Study

(1) Background: Pelvic fractures, and particularly instabilities of the dorsal pelvic ring, are becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly in orthogeriatric patients. Spino-pelvic triangular osteosynthesis is an effective approach to achieve sufficient stabilization in vertically unstable fractures. This study compares two types of osteosynthesis: the conventional one and a novel instrumentation where the iliosacral screw is placed through a fenestrated iliac screw. (2) Methods: Sixteen artificial osteoporotic L5+pelvis models with an unstable sacral fracture have been instrumented with either an iliac screw connected with a rod to a L5 pedicle screw and an iliosacral screw (TF) or a fenestrated ilium screw connected with a rod to a L5 pedicle screw and an iliosacral screw passing through the fenestra of the iliac screw (TFS). Biomechanical testing was performed using cyclic loading until failure. (3) Results: Both configurations yielded comparable results with regard to initial stiffness, implant loosening, and cycles to failure. The TFS exhibited markedly higher values for cycles to failure and markedly lower values for loosening. However, due to the characteristics of the artificial bone model, these findings were not significant. (4) Conclusions: The novel triangular fixation systems demonstrated comparable results to the standard triangular osteosynthesis configuration.

Stabilization of Traumatic Iliosacral Instability Using Innovative Implants: A Biomechanical Comparison

(1) Background: Demographic changes over the past decade have had a significant impact on pelvic ring fractures. They have increased dramatically in the orthogeriatric population. Surgeons are faced with implant fixation issues in the treatment of these fragility fractures. This study compares two innovative implants for stabilizing the iliosacral joint in a biomechanical setting. (2) Methods: An iliosacral screw with a preassembled plate allowing the placement of an additional short, angular stable screw in the ilium and a triangular fixation system consisting of a fenestrated ilium screw and an iliosacral screw quasi-statically inserted through the "fenestra" were instrumented in osteoporotic artificial bone models with a simulated Denis zone 1 fracture. Biomechanical testing was performed on a servo-hydraulic testing machine using increasing, synchronous axial and torsional sinusoidal cyclic loading to failure. (3) Results: The SI-Plate and TriFix showed comparable stiffness values. The values for fracture gap angle and screw tip cutout were significantly lower for the TriFix compared to the SI-Plate. In addition, the number of cycles to failure was significantly higher for the TriFix. (4) Conclusions: Implant anchorage and primary stability can be improved in iliosacral instability using the triangular stabilization system.

Epidemiology of fragility fracture of the pelvic ring: a regional population-based study in Northern Japan

Using a regional population-based dataset in Japan, we identified the epidemiological characteristics of patients with fragility fractures of the pelvic ring. The incidence rate was 35.5-121.2 per 100,000 population/year. Age-specific incidence increased after 75 years. This fracture is associated with worse prognosis in terms of walking function and life expectancy.

PURPOSE

Fragility fracture of the pelvic ring (FFP) is common among older patients; however, little information is available on the epidemiology of FFP worldwide. We aimed to identify the epidemiological characteristics of patients with FFP using a regional population-based dataset in Japan.

METHODS

This descriptive epidemiologic study analyzed data obtained from clinical information of patients diagnosed with FFP from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2020 at a regional dominant hospital in Japan. We calculated the crude and age-adjusted annual incidences and the age-specific incidence and described epidemiological date, injury characteristics, walking ability before and after FFP, and mortality. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with walking ability.

RESULTS

We identified 66 FFP patients, of whom 55 (83.3%) were female, with a mean age of 82.2 years. The crude annual incidence of FFP ranged from 35.5-121.2 per 100,000 population/year during the study period. The age-specific incidence of FFP increased after 75 and 80 years in females and males, respectively. In total, 44.4% of patients had declines in walking ability 1 year after their FFP injuries. Patients with declining walking ability were significantly older (p < 0.01), and age ≥ 80 years was significantly associated with the decline in walking ability (p < 0.01). The 1- and 5-year mortality rates were 15.4% and 39.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The incidence rate of FFP was 35.5-121.2 per 100,000 population/year. Age-specific incidence of FFP increased after 75 years. Our results indicate that FFP is associated with worse prognosis of walking function and life expectancy.

Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis: Current Practices and Future Directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarise the current evidence and clinical practices for patients with fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP).

RECENT FINDINGS

FFPs are an increasingly prevalent and recognised problem in the elderly population. Recent evidence indicates they have a significant impact on function, morbidity and mortality. While traditional management of FFPs was predominantly non-surgical, surgical options have been increasingly used, with a range of surgical methods available. To date, limited consensus exists on the optimal strategy for suitable patient selection, and clinical trials in this population have proved problematic. The management of FFPs requires a multi-faceted approach to enhance patient care, including adequate pain control, minimisation of complications and optimisation of medical management. Early return to mobilisation should be a key treatment goal to maintain functional independence. The selection of patients who will maximally benefit from surgical treatment, and the most appropriate surgical strategy to employ, remains contentious.