Emergency pelvic stabilization in patients with pelvic posttraumatic instability

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Management
• Pelvic Reconstruction

Background:

• Unstable pelvic ring disruptions are associated with significant morbidity.
• Accurate reduction and fixation are key to reducing pain and improving functional outcomes.
• Early patient mobility is facilitated by effective pelvic stabilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of external fixation in stabilizing unstable pelvic ring disruptions.
• To assess functional outcomes and complication rates associated with external fixator use.
• To determine the role of external fixation in acute trauma resuscitation protocols.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 30 polytrauma patients with unstable pelvic lesions.
• External fixator used for temporary or definitive stabilization.
• Data included patient demographics, trauma type, pelvic lesion classification (Tile B/C), associated injuries (ISS), fixation methods, and functional outcomes (Majeed score).

Main Results:

• Excellent Majeed functional scores achieved in 78% of patients.
• Malunions occurred in 4 patients treated solely with external fixation for Tile C lesions.
• Superficial pin track infections occurred in 3 patients; 23% mortality in patients with ISS > 50.

Conclusions:

• External fixation effectively stabilizes anterior pelvic ring lesions and can be combined with posterior stabilization.
• External fixators are valuable in acute trauma resuscitation, aiding reduction, stability, and blood loss reduction.
• External fixation can serve as a definitive stabilization method when satisfactory reduction is achieved.