Treatment Outcomes in Vertical Shear Pelvic Fractures: A Comparative Study

Background Vertical shear (VS) pelvic ring injuries present a unique challenge due to their inherent vertical and rotational instability and the risk of massive bleeding. VS injuries may result from either bony or ligamentous injury. The goal in the treatment of VS fractures of the pelvis is to achieve and maintain an accurate reduction of the displaced hemipelvis. Aim of the study This study aimed to compare the results of the treatment of VS fractures pelvis by using iliosacral (IS) screws versus lumbopelvic fixation (LPF). Methodology This retrospective study was carried out on 40 patients with VS fracture pelvis injuries at El Hadara University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt, from January 2020 to December 2020. Twenty of them were treated by an IS screw, and the other 20 were treated by LPF. Then, both groups were followed up for six months with regard to union rate, metal failure, and clinical outcomes. Results The EQ-5D showed a significant improvement in LPF more than the IS screw group in the five items of the score. Moreover, the total EQ-5D index showed a significant increase in the LPF group more than the IS screw group (p < 0.05). The incidence of neurological complication was found in four cases in the IS screw group, while no cases were found in the LPF group. The infection was found in six patients in the IS screw group and only three cases in the LPF group. The malunion was found in two cases in the IS screw group and no cases in the LPF group. The neurological change and the incidence of infection were significantly higher in the IS screw group than in the LPF group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our results demonstrate reliable maintenance of reduction and acceptable complication rates with a minimally invasive LPF for VS fractured pelvis. The benefits of minimally invasive LPF may be offset by increased elective reoperations for the removal of instrumentation.