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Neurologic deficits associated with sacral wing fractures
S K Rai1, R F Far, B Ghovanlou
1Department of Surgery, Prince Georges Hospital Center, Cheverly, Md.
Orthopedics
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Pelvic fractures can cause neurologic deficits. This study found sacral wing fractures extending through sacral foramina often injure sacral roots, not the lumbosacral plexus.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Pelvic fractures are associated with a significant incidence of neurologic deficits.
- Understanding the precise anatomical cause of these deficits is crucial for effective management.
Observation:
- Twelve of 96 patients with pelvic fractures presented with neurologic deficits.
- Four cases secondary to acetabular fractures were excluded, leaving eight patients for analysis.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed five of these eight deficits were linked to sacral wing fractures extending through the sacral foramina.
Findings:
- The study suggests that neurologic injuries in this context are primarily due to direct sacral root trauma.
- This contrasts with the previously assumed mechanism involving the lumbosacral plexus.
Implications:
- Identifying sacral root injury as the cause of neurologic deficits offers a new perspective on pelvic fracture complications.
- This understanding may pave the way for novel surgical strategies focused on decompressing injured sacral roots.
- Further research into surgical decompression for sacral root trauma is warranted.