Search Results (52)

Background: Pelvic ring fractures are a significant and growing health problem in the field of trauma and orthopedic surgery. The aim of this paper was to present a concise description of these musculoskeletal injuries, available classification systems, and vascular and genitourinary complications. Results: The most common complications of serious pelvic ring fractures are arterial and venous hemorrhages, as well as urethral injuries. Arterial hemorrhages most often originate from the trunk or branches of the iliac artery, and the standard treatment is pelvic stabilization and implementation of intravascular procedures. In the case of venous hemorrhages, peritoneal pelvic packing is the most important. Conclusions: A multi-disciplinary approach and treatment algorithmization are important to facilitate the prioritization of therapeutic procedures. Treatment of patients with pelvic ring fractures should take place in specialized trauma centers. Full article

Background: Percutaneous screw fixation has increasingly been used for pelvic ring fracture fixation. In older adult patients, especially in patients with a fragility fracture of the pelvis (FFP), minimally invasive techniques followed by early ambulation have been promoted in order to regain pre-injury levels of mobility and independence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-centered outcomes, including post-operative pain relief, functional performance, and satisfaction, in older adults with pelvic ring fractures treated with percutaneous screw fixation and to assess injury characteristics, complications, and return-to-home rates. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients 50 years and older who had their pelvic fracture treated in the Amsterdam UMC location AMC between January 2019 and December 2022 were identified. After a minimum follow-up period of 6 months, a questionnaire was conducted by phone to evaluate the pain, current living situation, and mobility of the patients. Results: A total of 51 patients were included in this study with a median age of 74 years (IQR 62–82), and the vast majority were female (n = 40, 78%). Over half of the pelvic fractures were caused by low-energy trauma (n = 29, 57%). Unilateral or bilateral sacral fractures with unilateral anterior ring fractures were the most common fracture pattern. The interoperative complication rate was 4%, and the in-hospital complication rate was 23%. Forty-five patients were reached to complete the questionnaire. Forty patients (91%) returned to an acceptable level of mobility after treatment, and almost all (n = 44, 98%) were pleased with the results of the surgery. Conclusions: Percutaneous screw fixation of pelvic fractures in older adult patients is a safe and effective operating technique. Most patients preserve their pre-morbid functionality and are able to return to their previous place of residence after admission. Furthermore, patients are almost unanimously very pleased with the results of the surgery despite some residual pain complaints. Full article

Background/Objectives: Posterior pelvic ring fractures are severe injuries requiring surgical stabilization, often through sacroiliac (SI) screw fixation. However, improper screw placement poses risks of neurovascular injury and implant failure. Defining a precise safe zone for screw placement is crucial to improving surgical accuracy and reducing complications. Methods: A computational study was conducted using a CT scan of a 75-year-old male patient to establish a safe zone for SI screw placement. Manual segmentation and 3D modeling techniques were used to analyze bone density distribution. A 2D lateral projection of the sacrum was generated to identify high-density regions optimal for screw placement. While the general principle of targeting areas of higher bone density for screw insertion is well established, this study introduces a novel computational method to define and visualize such a safe zone. The resulting region, termed the Ramadanov–Zabler Safe Zone, was delineated based on this analysis to ensure maximal intraosseous fixation with minimal risk of cortical breaches. Results: A high-resolution 3D model of the sacral region was successfully generated. Standard thresholding methods for segmentation proved ineffective due to low bone density, necessitating a freehand approach. The derived 2D projection revealed regions of higher bone density, which were defined as the Ramadanov-Zabler Safe Zone for screw insertion. This zone correlates with areas providing the best structural integrity, thereby reducing risks associated with screw misplacement. Additionally, intraoperative and postoperative imaging from a representative case is included to illustrate the translational feasibility of the proposed technique. Conclusions: The Ramadanov–Zabler Safe Zone offers a reproducible, CT-based computational approach to guide for SI screw placement, enhancing surgical precision and patient safety. This CT-based computational approach provides a standardized reference for preoperative planning, minimizing neurovascular complications and improving surgical outcomes. This pilot technique is supported by preliminary clinical imaging that demonstrates feasibility for intraoperative application. Further validation across diverse patient populations is recommended to confirm its clinical applicability. Full article

Background: This institutional, register-based analysis aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using CT-based sacral Hounsfield units (HUs) for assessing bone density in pelvic fragility fractures and to explore their potential correlation with DEXA measurements and osteological laboratory diagnostics. Methods: Patients aged > 80 years, admitted between 2003 and 2019 with pelvic ring fractures, were analyzed in this retrospective single-center study. CT scans were evaluated according to the classification of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFPs), which guided treatment decisions (conservative or surgical). The diagnosis of a fragility fracture was based on both fracture morphology and patient history, including the presence of low-energy trauma. Bone health was assessed using standardized laboratory diagnostics including serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and 25(OH)-vitamin D, in addition to DEXA scans and CT-derived Hounsfield units. Vitamin D levels and bone density evaluations were analyzed to identify possible correlations among these factors and with fracture patterns. Results: A total of 456 patients (mean age 87.3 years, 79.6% female) were included. The CT-based FFP classification identified Type II as the most common fracture type (66.7%). Conservative treatment was the predominant approach (84.9%). Serum 25(OH)-vitamin D deficiency was observed in 62.7% of the patients, while osteopenia and osteoporosis were found in 34.3% and 46.5% of cases, respectively. HU values at S1 showed significant correlation with femoral neck T-scores, highlighting the utility of CT scans for bone density assessment. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the complementary roles of CT-derived HU values and DEXA T-scores in evaluating bone quality and fracture severity in geriatric patients with FFP. While DEXA remains the gold standard, CT imaging offers valuable early insights, supporting the timely initiation of osteoporosis therapy. Given the high prevalence of fragility fractures in this age group, early CT-based screening may facilitate earlier initiation of osteoporosis-specific therapy, including anabolic agents where indicated. Further research is needed to explore the relationships between vitamin D levels, bone density assessments, and fracture types. Full article

Background: The increasing incidence of pelvic ring and acetabular fractures represents a major challenge in the field of trauma surgery. Hemorrhage and thrombosis are among the most severe complications associated with these injuries. The common instability of those fractures, together with an anatomic proximity to blood vessels, increases the risk of perioperative bleeding. Vascular wall irritation during surgery additionally adds to a substantial risk for thrombotic events. Therefore, evaluating the risk for hemorrhage and thrombosis in pelvic ring and acetabular fractures is vital to identify an adequate anticoagulation management. Methods: The incidence of hemorrhagic and thrombotic events, as well as the association of patient characteristics with the investigated outcomes of 16,359 cases, were analyzed retrospectively using data from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry. Moreover, a risk assessment survey was conducted among traumatologists experienced in pelvic ring and acetabular surgery. The results were compared to those of the registry study. Results: A high rate of thrombotic events was found in the middle-age decade (41–50 years). In patients with an age ≤ 40 and >50 years, hemorrhage complications predominated. The logistic regression identified pelvic ring fractures in geriatric patients, acetabular fractures, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 to be associated with bleeding complications. Factors associated with thrombosis included pelvic ring fractures in non-geriatric patients, acetabular fractures in geriatric and non-geriatric patients, ISS, and male gender. The survey demonstrated that preoperatively, the risk for hemorrhage was considered more significant. Perioperatively, however, thrombosis was regarded as more important. Conclusions: Separate guidelines for prophylactic anticoagulation in pelvic ring and acetabular fractures that also consider individual patient characteristics, such as age, gender, and ISS, are necessary to improve perioperative management and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these injuries. Full article

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. Full article

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of depressive disorders in patients with pelvic fractures treated surgically at our center in the years 2017–2022. Materials and Methods: The study included 75 patients, 57 men and 18 women, operated on in our center in the years 2017–2022 due to acetabular fracture and pelvic ring injury. Factors such as age, gender, chronic pain measured with the VAS scale, and the incidence of suicidal thoughts were also analyzed. The participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Thirty-five out of the seventy-five patients showed symptoms of depression (BDI score > 11), which is 47%, with an average score of 29 (p < 0.0001). Women obtained an average BDI score of 23, which corresponds to moderate depression on Beck’s scale (p < 0.008). The correlation between BDI score and chronic pain in pelvic trauma patients has been found to be positive (p < 0.0003; r = 0.4094). Furthermore, women in our studied population reported suicidal thoughts more often than men (44% vs. 14%; p < 0.01). No statistically significant correlation was found between the occurrence of depression and the length of hospital stay and the patient’s age (p < 0.5 and p < 0.06, respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of depression in the pelvic trauma patients of the studied population has been determined to be 47%. Full article

Background: Sacroiliac screw fixation in elderly patients with pelvic fractures remains a challenging procedure for stabilization due to impaired bone quality. To improve it, we investigated the biomechanical properties of combined oblique sacroiliac and transiliosacral screw stabilization versus the additional cement augmentation of this construct in a cadaver model of osteoporotic bone, specifically with respect to the maximal force stability and fracture-site motion in the displacement and rotation of fragments. Methods: Standardized complete sacral fractures with intact posterior ligaments were created in osteoporotic cadaver pelvises and stabilized with a triangle of two oblique sacroiliac screws from each side with an additional transiliosacral screw in S1 (n = 5) and using the same pelvises with additional cement augmentation (n = 5). A short cyclic loading protocol was applied, increasing the axial force up to 125 N. Sacral fracture-site motion in displacement and rotation of the fragments was measured by optical motion tracking. Results: A maximum force of 65N +/− 12.2 N was achieved using the triangular screw stabilization of the sacrum. Cement augmentation did not provide any significant gain in maximum force (70 N +/− 29.2 N). Only low fragment displacement was observed (2.6 +/− 1.5 mm) and fragment rotation (1.3 +/− 1.2°) without increased stability (3.0 +/− 1.5 mm; p = 0.799; 1.7 +/− 0.4°; p = 0.919) following the cement augmentation. Conclusions: Triangular stabilization using two obliques and an additional transiliosacral screw provides sufficient primary stability of the sacrum. Still, the stability achieved seems very low, considering the forces acting in this area. However, additional cement augmentation did not increase the stability of the sacrum. Given its lack of beneficial abilities, it should be used carefully, due to related complications such as cement leakage or nerve irritation. Improving the surgical methods used to stabilize the posterior pelvic ring will be a topic for future research. Full article

(1) Background: The incidence of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) has increased significantly over the past decades. Unilateral non-displaced fractures, defined as FFP II, are the most common type of fracture. When conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment is indicated. We hypothesize that the use of bilateral SI screws (BSIs) or a transsacral screw (TSI) is superior compared to a unilateral screw (USI) because of a significant reduction in the risk of adjacent fractures and a reduction in fracture progression. (2) Methods: A finite element model of a female pelvic ring was constructed. The ligaments were simulated as tension springs. The load was applied through the sacrum with the pelvis fixed to both acetabula. An FFP IIc was simulated and fixed with either a USI or BSI or TSI. The models were analyzed for a quantitative statement of stress and fracture dislocation. (3) Results: The BSI and TSI resulted in less dislocation compared to the USI. The stress distribution on both sides of the sacrum was favorable in the BSI and TSI groups. The BSI resulted in a higher rotational stability compared to the TSI. (4) Conclusions: The use of either a BSI or TSI for fixation of unilateral FFP is biomechanically favorable compared to the use of a USI. In addition, the use of a BSI or TSI reduces the stress on the contralateral uninjured side of the sacrum. This may reduce the risk of an adjacent fracture or fracture progression. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim was to investigate diagnostic, treatment and preventive options to establish an overview of the existing evidence on hemorrhage in pelvic fractures in older adults. Methods: A systematic review was conducted. Due to the rarity of this complication, only case reports and series with individuals older than 55 years with a pelvic ring fracture that is caused by a low-energy trauma or no apparent trauma, along with hemorrhage, were eligible. A search was performed on four databases. The CARE checklist was used to investigate the reporting integrity of the included studies. Analysis was performed narratively, and this study was registered on the Open Science Framework. Results: 21 patients from 19 studies were included (17 females and 4 males) with an average age of 82.1 years. The 21 patients suffered a total of 29 fractures. Pubic ramus fractures were present in 48.3% of all fractures. In 42.9%, an active hemorrhage was reported. Arterial vessels were injured in direct anatomical relationship to the fracture. Abdominal pain and hemorrhagic instability were the main red flag symptoms reported. Active arterial hemorrhage was diagnosed by CT with angiogram and treated by embolization with or without additional surgery. Conclusions: Clinically relevant hemorrhage in pelvic fractures due to low-energy trauma is rare. However, these fractures, combined with clinically relevant hemorrhage, account for an increased mortality and morbidity in elderly people. This systematic review was able to create a clinical decision tree for hemorrhage in ramus pubic fractures. Full article

Background: Operative treatment of fragility fractures of the pelvis has become a gold standard. Preoperative planning, including the assessment of the pathway for iliosacral screws, is crucial. The anchorage of the screw depends on the bone quality. Some recent studies have concentrated on assessing bone mineral density (BMD) with the use of Hounsfield unit (HU) values obtained from CT scans. The aim of the present study is to determine the best sacral levels of S1–S3 on the pathway of iliosacral screws for sacroiliac joint fixation. Methods: Patients admitted to the Independent Public Healthcare Center in Rypin between 1 of September and 1 of December in 2023, who had CT scans of the pelvis performed on them for different reasons, were included in this study. In total, 103 patients—56 men and 47 women—were enrolled in the study and consecutively separated into two groups of different ages: 18–60 years old (group A) and above 60 years old (group B). The volumetric bone density expressed in HU values was measured with sacral levels of S1, S2 and S3. Apart from the bodies of sacral vertebrae S1–S3, our measurements involved the ala of the ilium in the vicinity of the sacroiliac joint and the wing of the sacrum. All the measurements were performed on the pathway of presumptive iliosacral screws to stabilize the sacroiliac joint. Results: In group A (58 patients) the highest bone density in sacral bodies was found in S1 that gradually decreased to S3, while the opposite tendency was demonstrated in the ala of ilium. The HU values in the wing of the sacrum did not display statistical significance. In group B (45 patients), the highest bone density was also found in the sacral body S1 that decreased toward S3 but in the ala of ilium, the highest bone density was found with level S1 and lowest with level S2. In both groups, the highest bone density referred to the wing of the sacrum. Conclusion: While the perfect construct for posterior pelvic ring fixation remains unclear, our findings may imply that sacroiliac joint screws inserted into the wing of the sacrum of greater bone density could provide much more successful fixation in comparison to those anchored in the body of sacral vertebra of lesser bone density. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) are characterized by inadequate trauma to a structurally compromised bone, primarily in osteoporosis. Conventional CT studies can be inadequate in identifying FFPs. An MRI of the pelvis is considered the gold standard in diagnosing FFPs. Spectral CT or Dual-Energy CT may have comparable diagnostic accuracy. It provides additional insights into associated bone marrow edema. The aim of this prospective monocentric study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of Spectral CT compared to the gold standard MRI in diagnosing FFP. Methods: Over a 2-year period, patients presenting in the emergency department with clinical suspicion of an FFP were consecutively included. They underwent Spectral CT (GE Revolution 16 cm GSI) upon admission, followed by an MRI. The gold standard for diagnosing FFP is pelvic MRI, showing sensitivity and specificity ranging from 97% to 100%. The acquired images were evaluated and classified using the osteoporotic fractures of the pelvis (OFP) classification. Results: Compared to the reference test, which was the MRI pelvis, the sensitivity of the CT pelvis was determined to be 86.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 71.9–95.6%) with a specificity of 84.6% (95% CI: 54.6–98.1%, p = 0.453). Spectral CT could identify an additional FFP correctly, exhibiting a sensitivity of 89.5% (95% CI: 75.2–97.1%, p = 0.688), while maintaining the same specificity as the conventional CT. The inter-rater reliability assessment for Spectral CT, conducted by four independent raters, resulted in a Fleiss’ Kappa value of 0.516 (95% CI: 0.450–0.582, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The sensitivity of Spectral CT in the detection of pelvic ring fragility fractures shows a slightly lower sensitivity compared to MRI. There were no statistically significant differences observed when compared to conventional CT or MRI. In conclusion, Spectral CT may be beneficial in distinguishing FFP, particularly in cases where a definitive diagnosis is uncertain. Level of Evidence: II. Full article

Background and Objectives: Anterior sacroiliac fracture dislocation (ASFD), also known as locked pelvis, is a rarely reported diagnosis. The types of ASFDs are often misdiagnosed as lateral compression fractures due to the presence of crescent fractures. In this study, we distinguished ASFD from lateral compression fractures (LC 2) and studied their characteristics. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study involving patients from a Level 1 trauma center. Fifty-nine patients under the age of 65 years with crescent fractures caused by a high-energy mechanism were investigated. Results: The incidence of ASFD was 25% (15 of 59) in patients with crescent fractures. Among the 15 patients, 6 had override of the ilium over the sacrum, inhibiting reduction in the sacroiliac joint. Pre-operative radiographic evaluations revealed that vertical displacement of the ASFD was larger than that of lateral compression fracture (LC 2) in the outlet view (mean 9.5 vs. 1.9 mm, p = 0.013), and the pelvic asymmetry ratio was larger in ASFD (mean 7.8 vs. 4.1, p = 0.006) in the pelvis AP view. All patients achieved union after surgery. Post-operative radiography showed no significant vertical displacement difference. There was no difference in vascular injury or hemodynamic instability requiring embolization or preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) between the two groups. Conclusions: Patients with ASFD have greater vertical displacement and asymmetry compared to patients with LC 2 fractures. These fractures must be distinguished for appropriate reduction and anterior plate fixation. Full article

(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. Full article

Background Context: Pelvic ring fractures are becoming more common in the aging population and can prove to be fatal, having mortality rates between 10% and 16%. Stabilization of these fractures is challenging and often require immediate internal fixation. Therefore, it is necessary to have a biomechanical understanding of the different fixation techniques for pelvic ring fractures. Methods: A previously validated three-dimensional finite element model of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and femur was used for this study. A unilateral pelvic ring fracture was simulated by resecting the left side of the sacrum and pelvis. Five different fixation techniques were used to stabilize the fracture. A compressive follower load and pure moment was applied to compare different biomechanical parameters including range of motion (contralateral sacroiliac joint, L1-S1 segment, L5-S1 segment), and stresses (L5-S1 nucleus stresses, instrument stresses) between different fixation techniques. Results: Trans-iliac–trans-sacral screw fixation at S1 and S2 showed the highest stabilization for horizontal and vertical displacement at the sacral fracture site and reduction of contralateral sacroiliac joint for bending and flexion range of motion by 165% and 121%, respectively. DTSF (Double transiliac rod and screw fixation) model showed highest stabilization in horizontal displacement at the pubic rami fracture site, while the L5_PF_W_CC (L5-Ilium posterior screw fixation with cross connectors) and L5_PF_WO_CC (L5-Ilium posterior screw fixation without cross connectors) showed higher rod stresses, reduced L1-S1 (approximately 28%), and L5-S1 (approximately 90%) range of motion. Conclusions: Longer sacral screw fixations were superior in stabilizing sacral and contralateral sacroiliac joint range of motion. Lumbopelvic fixations displayed a higher degree of stabilization in the horizontal displacement compared to vertical displacement of pubic rami fracture, while also indicating the highest rod stresses. When determining the surgical approach for pelvic ring fractures, patient-specific factors should be accounted for to weigh the advantages and disadvantages for each technique. Full article