A level one trauma center's experience with the posterior approach to the pelvis

A retrospective review of the experience at Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center was conducted as part of a multicenter study to evaluate the true complication rate of the posterior approach to the sacroiliac joint. Between 1995 and 1997, 35 patients underwent 42 approaches, representing all patients who underwent the posterior approach by a single staff surgeon at these medical centers. All patients underwent follow-up > or = 1 year postoperatively. (11%) neurologic complications were found postoperatively, all of which resolved prior to discharge. There was 1 (2.4%) wound complication. There was 1 gluteal flap for closure (open fracture) and 1 secondary wound closure. Five patients had prolonged wound drainage (> 5 days). There were no skin sloughs in the series and only 1 patient developed a deep wound infection. Contrary to reports by advocates of anterior approaches and closed reductions, the posterior approach allows anatomic reduction of posterior lesions with an acceptable complication rate.