[Determining indications and osteosynthesis techniques for the pelvic girdle]

1566 patients with fractures of the pelvis were treated at the Department of Traumatology of the Hannover Medical School between 1972 and 1990: 1350 patients had fractures of the pelvic ring, 216 isolated acetabulum fractures, 398 combinations of pelvic ring fractures and acetabular involvement; 718 of these patients were admitted with severe polytrauma. For 1254 patients a complete file was available for clinical and radiological evaluation of fracture distribution, classification (Tile and anatomical location) and concomitant injuries. During the observation period, significant increase in the severity of the trauma, the severity of the pelvic fractures and the rate of internal stabilization, especially of the posterior pelvic ring was observed. The overall mortality after pelvic fractures was 18.1%. This mortality depended significantly on the Hannover Polytrauma Score (PTS) and the associated pelvic and extrapelvic blunt trauma. Internal fixation of pelvic fractures was performed in 195 patients. This experience has now led to standardized procedures for the different fracture locations. With the task of minimizing soft tissue trauma and reducing the implant size, more differentiated treatment of sacral fractures is now applied. Adapted small fragment implants ("local osteosyntheses") can be applied, with an unilateral longitudinal dorsal incision providing an excellent overview over the fracture line. For internal fixation of sacral fractures, involvement (penetration by screws, transfixation) of the sacroiliac joint is avoided whenever possible. In our experience early open reduction and internal fixation of pelvic fractures facilitates the management of these severely injured patients.