The evaluation of sexual dysfunction in patients with spinopelvic dissociation underwent triangular osteosynthesis: A...

Spinopelvic dissociation (SPD) is an infrequent high-energy injury, which is often associated with lumbosacral plexus and cauda equina deficits Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common comorbidity of the SPD, caused by direct or indirect trauma to the neurovascular structures within the pelvic cavity. The objective of this retrospective study was to to compare the sexual functions of patients with SPD underwent triangular osteosynthesis (TOS) with the normal population.

The study was approved by the medical school's institutional review board (IRB). Between 2012 and 2023, 23 consecutive patients (9 women and 14 men) with SPD (16H-type and 7 U-type) were treated using TOS with a minimum follow- up of 36 months. The sexual functions of the patients were evaluated and compared with the Female Sexual Functional Index (FSFI) questionnaires for women and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires for men. A control group was formed from the normal population of the same age and gender group as these patients.

The average age of patients was 31.9 years (range, 18-65 years). Mean follow-up was 37.8 months (range 36-51 months). No significant difference was found in the male gender group compared to the normal population in terms of erectile function (P > 0.05), but a significant difference was found in orgasmic function, sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and general satisfaction (P < 0.05). In the female gender group, no significant difference was found in sexual desire, lubrication, and pain during intercourse compared to the normal population (P > 0.05), but a significant difference was found in sexual arousal, orgasmic function, satisfaction, and total score (P < 0.05).

Compared to the normal population, sexual functions can be preserved partially in patients with SPD underwent TOS. The results of our preliminary data did not demonstrate a significant association between neurogenic etiology and sexual dysfunction following SPD.