Supraacetabular external fixation for pain control in geriatric type B pelvic injuries

PURPOUSE OF THE STUDY: Pelvic ring fractures in the geriatric population are of increasing frequency. Often insufficiency fractures or occult fractures are described. With a classical injury mechanism the majority of these injuries are the result of a low energy trauma, typically a fall from standing or during walking.Clinically, many patients report immediate anterior groin pain but detailed clinical examination often shows significant posterior pelvic pain. CT evaluation often reveals posterior pelvic ring injury, in the majority of cases a sacral compression fracture. Despite adequate diagnostics, many of these patients suffer from persistent pain, which can be observed up to 8 weeks after injury. To asses the role of external fixator in pain relief and early mobilisation in this group of patients the study was performed.

From the database of all patients with pelvic ring and acetabular injuries 25 patients > 65 years with type B injuries stabilized by a supraacetabular external fixator were analyzed. Prospectively demographic data including sex, patient age, cause of injury, frequency and type of concomitant injuries and diseases, injury severity,fracture type and complications were recorded. For evaluation of the pain course, the visual analog scale was used. Preoperative and postoperative mobility and the type of post-treatment were evaluated.

Stabilizing the pelvic ring with a simple external fixation procedure (supraacetabular one pin external fixator) allows immediate relief of pain, which allows early and successful mobilization of these patients. Normally, adequate mobilization is possible immediate after application of the fixator.

This simple operative procedure, therefore, can be used for pain control and sufficient mobilization to avoid secondary medical complications.