Infection after the use of INFIX in Pelvic Ring Injuries

The purpose of this study is to report on infection with anterior subcutaneous internal pelvic fixation (INFIX) for pelvic ring injuries and the outcomes of treatment.

An IRB-approved retrospective study was performed using trauma databases of a level one and level two trauma center from 2012-2018. Infection after the INFIX procedure was diagnosed in 10 of 179 cases. Treatment included formal irrigation and debridement, removal of the hardware, and culture-specific antibiotics. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Recorded outcomes include X-rays, Majeed scores, and the presence of any loss of reduction using reduction parameters.

Time to detect the infection was 54.2 ± 24.3 days (range 24-90, median 56 days). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria isolated. The average follow-up was 830 ± 170 days (range 575-1088 days). All patients went on to the radiographic union. There were no recurrent infections or osteomyelitis at the latest follow-up. Patients maintained their reduction after INFIX removal (KI), and Majeed scores ranged from 72 to 96 (seven good, three excellent).

Infections after using the INFIX procedure were dealt with by irrigating and debriding the wounds, removing the INFIX with culture-specific antibiotics for 2-6 weeks. Implants were maintained for at least 25 days, and there was no loss of reduction. There were no long-term sequelae noted in this small series or the literature review included in this paper.