Spinopelvic Dissociation: Assessment, Reduction Strategies, and Fixation Techniques

Spinopelvic dissociation is a rare injury associated with 2% to 3% of transverse sacral fractures and 3% of sacral fractures associated with pelvic ring injuries. When spinopelvic dissociation is expediently identified and treated appropriately, patient outcomes can be maximized, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Because of its rarity and complexity, there remains a paucity of high-level evidence-based guidance on treating this complex issue. No consensus exists on fixation techniques or reduction maneuvers to achieve stability, allowing for early functional rehabilitation. The purpose of this article is to review the current body of literature to better understand this injury pattern to help establish a treatment algorithm that appropriately guides the treating surgeons in the surgical planning and perioperative care of these patients.