The functional outcome of surgically treated unstable pelvic ring fractures by open reduction, internal fixation

Background: Unstable Pelvic fracture, a result of high energy antero-posterior compression injury, has been managed based on internal fixation and open reduction. The mode of fixation in Unstable Pelvic fracture has, however, been a subject of controversy and some authors have proposed a need to address the issue of partial breach of the pelvic ring elements in these injuries. This study was performed to evaluate the functional and radiological results of treatment of pelvic ring fractures by open reduction, internal fixation. Methods: Thirty eight patients with unstable pelvic fractures, treated from 2002 to2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age of patients’ was 37 years old (range 20 to 67). Twenty six patients were men and 12 women. The most common cause was a road traffic accident (N=37, 97%). There were 11 type-C and 27 type-B fractures according to Tile’s classification. Thirty six patients sustained additional injuries. The most prevalent additional injuries were lower extremity fractures. Open reduction, internal fixation as a definite management was applied for all patients. Quality of reduction was graded according to the grades proposed by Matta and Majeed’s score was used to assess the clinical outcome. The mean period of follow-up was 25 months (ranged from 6 to 109 months). About 81.6% of patients had either good or excellent radiological reduction. Results: The functional outcome was excellent in 66%, good in 15%, fair in 11% and poor in 7% of the patients. There were 4 postoperative infections. No sexual function problem was reported. Nerve deficits recovered completely in 2 and partially in 3 of 11 patients with preoperative neurologic deficiency. There was no significant relation between functional outcome and the site of fracture Conclusion: Unstable pelvic ring fracture injuries should be managed surgically by rigid stabilization that must be carried out as soon as the general condition of the patient permits, and even up to two weeks.