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The relationship between lumbosacral plexopathy and pelvic fractures
Dae-Hyun Jang1, Seong Hoon Byun, Jae Yong Jeon
1Department of Rehabilitation, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|June 18, 2011
Summary
Pelvic fractures increase the risk of lumbosacral (LS) plexopathy, particularly with more severe and unstable fractures. The incidence and severity of LS plexopathy correlate with fracture instability and number of involved locations.
Area of Science:
- Trauma surgery
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Pelvic fractures are common injuries associated with significant morbidity.
- Lumbosacral (LS) plexopathy can occur following pelvic trauma, but its relationship with fracture characteristics requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lumbosacral (LS) plexopathy and pelvic fractures in patients with pelvic fractures only.
- To determine the correlation between fracture characteristics (location, stability) and the incidence/severity of LS plexopathy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 104 patients with pelvic trauma (1997-2007).
- Radiologic examination for all patients; electrodiagnostic tests for suspected neurologic deficits.
- Classification of pelvic fractures by location and stability; LS plexopathy by quadrant and severity.
Main Results:
- 30.8% of patients (32/104) had LS plexopathy.
- Incidence and severity of LS plexopathy increased with fracture instability and number of involved fracture locations.
- Most LS plexopathy involved the lower posterior quadrant (89.5%); no correlation found between fracture location and LS plexopathy quadrant.
Conclusions:
- LS plexopathy incidence and severity are linked to fracture instability and the number of fractured locations.
- Fracture location does not correlate with LS plexopathy quadrant.
- LS plexopathy may result from direct bone compression or indirect injury.
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