Long-term functional outcome after unstable pelvic ring fracture

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology
• Rehabilitation medicine

Background:

• Unstable pelvic ring fractures present complex challenges in predicting patient outcomes.
• Factors influencing long-term functional recovery remain a subject of debate in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term functional outcomes of patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures.
• To identify factors, including injury characteristics and treatment modalities, associated with these outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 57 patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures underwent a minimum 2-year follow-up.
• Functional outcomes were evaluated using plain radiographs, physical examination, and validated questionnaires (Majeed score, Iowa Pelvic Score, SF-36).
• Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and multiple regression to identify outcome predictors.

Main Results:

• Patient outcomes, measured by Majeed and Iowa Pelvic Scores, showed significant correlation with each other.
• The physical component summary of the SF-36 was notably lower than population norms.
• Neurologic injury was significantly correlated with poorer functional outcomes (Majeed score, SF-36 PCS).
• Mental disorders, posterior displacement, and neurologic injury were associated with the Iowa Pelvic Score.

Conclusions:

• Long-term functional outcomes in unstable pelvic ring fractures are not significantly influenced by Injury Severity Score, fracture location, or fracture type.
• Neurologic injury is a critical determinant of functional outcome in this patient population.
• Early identification and management of neurologic deficits are crucial for improving patient recovery.