Bladder rupture following osteoporotic pubic ramus and sacral insufficiency fractures

A case of emphysematous cystitis caused by mechanical stimulation of pelvic fracture nonunion

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare condition that develops due to tissue hyperglycemia and urinary tract infection by gas-producing bacteria. We report a case of emphysematous cystitis caused by mechanical stimulation of a pelvic fracture nonunion. An 80-year-old man was injured in a motorcycle accident and diagnosed with pelvic fracture. Seven days later, he had high fever and computed tomography (CT) revealed gas in the hematoma around the pelvic fracture and the abscess. Therefore, infection following the pelvic fracture was diagnosed. Despite multiple operations and antibiotics treatment, malformation and nonunion of the pelvis occurred. One month after starting weight bearing, emphysema of the bladder wall adjacent to the pubic fracture were found and spread throughout the bladder wall. With stopping of weight bearing, antibiotics treatment and a urinary catheter, emphysema disappeared after 2 months. It was considered that the pubic fracture fragment irritated the bladder wall due to weight bearing and emphysematous cystitis consequently developed.

Delayed Presentation of Bowel Injury Associated with Pelvic Fragility Fracture in Patient with Bladder Sling: A Case Report

CASE

An 85-year-old woman with a history of bladder mesh sling placement sustained a pelvic fracture and extraperitoneal bladder rupture after a ground-level fall. The patient underwent cystorrhaphy and percutaneous anterior column screw placement. Free air was identified on abdominal computed tomography scan on postoperative day 5. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a sigmoid colon perforation and extensive bowel adhesions to the anterior pelvis.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report describing bowel injury and associated bladder rupture in a pelvic fragility fracture related to a prior bladder mesh sling. This case highlights the importance of obtaining a thorough surgical history when treating pelvic injuries.

Nonunion fragility fracture of the pelvis with complication from bladder rupture: A case report

The incidence rate of bladder rupture associated with pelvic ring fractures is reported to be about 5–10%, mostly occurring at the time of injury. Fragility pelvic ring fractures are reported to increase fracture displacement or become nonunion if they are treated inadequately. Few case reports on bladder rupture associated with fragility pelvic ring fracture have been published. We report a rare case of delayed bladder rupture associated with a fragility fracture of the pelvis.

A 65-year-old female felt right hip pain without sustaining any trauma. She was diagnosed with a right pubic rami fracture. However, her pain deteriorated, and a sacral fracture was identified one month later. She was prescribed teriparatide, but her pain worsened and she was referred to our hospital. She was diagnosed with fragility fracture of the pelvis (Rommens classification type IVb) and was treated operatively. During the surgery, her thin bladder wall, which was compressed by a displaced pubic fragment, was torn and repaired.

This is the first report describing a fragility fracture of the pelvis associated with a bladder rupture. Our treatment led to a successful result.

Fragility fractures of the sacrum: how to identify and when to treat surgically?

The increasing prevalence of fragility fractures of the sacrum (FFS) occurring predominantly in osteoporotic individuals poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The clinical presentation varies from longstanding low back pain without the patient remembering a traumatic event to immobilized patients after suffering a low-energy trauma. FFS are often combined with a fracture of the anterior pelvic ring; hence they are classified as a part of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP). If not displaced, the patients are treated with weight bearing as tolerated and analgesics; however, we advocate to treat displaced fractures surgically according to the fracture personality and the patient’s comorbidities. Surgical options include minimal invasive sacro-iliac screws, trans-sacral bar osteosynthesis, open reduction and internal fixation, or spinopelvic stabilization. In the light of the high complication rate associated with immobilized patients, an operative approach often is indicated to accelerate the patient’s mobility.