[Minimally invasive internal fixation of pelvic ring for type C pelvic fracture]

To evaluate the feasibility of minimally invasive internal fixation of pelvic anterior and posterior ring for the treatment of type C pelvic fracture, and to explore its operative techniques and therapeutic efficacy.

From December 2010 to December 2015, 18 patients with type C pelvic fracture were treated by reconstructive plates fixation through minimally invasive ilioinguinal approach for pelvic anterior ring injuries, and by invasive percutaneous sacroiliac joint screw fixation for pelvic posterior ring injuries. There were 11 males and 7 females ranging from 29 to 68 years old with an average age of 43.6 years old. According to Tile classification, there were 14 cases of type C1, 3 cases of type C2, 1 case of Type C3. To be specific, 12 cases with hemi-fracture of rami ossa pubis accompanied with fracture of the sacrum, 2 cases with hemi-fracture of rami ossa pubis accompanied with sacro-iliac joint dislocation, 3 cases with bilateral-fracture of rami ossa pubis combined with pubic symphysis separation accompanied with single-fracture of the sacrum, 1 case with bilateral-fracture of rami ossa pubis combined with bilateral-fracture of sacro-iliac joint were included. Operation time, intra-operative blood loss, injuries of lumbosacral nerves and iliac blood vessels, and fracture reduction were observed.

All wounds were primary healing. No complications such as infection, deep venous thrombosis, injuries of lumbosacral nerves and iliaca vessels or heterotopic ossification occurred. According to Matta criterion of fracture reduction, 14 cases got excellent results, 3 good and 1 fair. Sixteen patients were followed up in a period varying from 6 to 33 months with 16.7 months on average. And according to functional score of Majeed, 13 cases obtained excellent results, 2 good and 1 fair, with an average score of 92.13±5.44.

Internal fixation with reconstructive plates through the ilioinguinal approach and with percutaneous iliosacral screw for type C pelvic facture on pelvic anterior ring and pelvic posterior ring respectively have advantages of shorter operation time, smaller invasive trauma, less blood loss and etc. Thus, this technique is safe and practicable, yielding satisfying results.