Reduction and temporary stabilization of Tile C pelvic ring injuries using a posteriorly based external fixation system

Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2018 Jul;28(5):893-898. doi: 10.1007/s00590-017-2104-8. Epub 2017 Dec 5.

Abstract

Tile C pelvic ring injuries are challenging to manage even in the most experienced hands. The majority of such injuries can be managed using percutaneous reduction techniques, and the posterior ring can be stabilized using percutaneous transiliac-transsacral screw fixation. However, a subgroup of patients present with inadequate bony corridors, significant sacral zone 2 comminution or significant lateral/vertical displacement of the hemipelvis through a complete sacral fracture. Percutaneous strategies in such circumstances can be dangerous. Those patients may benefit from prone positioning and open reduction of the sacral fracture with fixation through tension band plating or lumbo-pelvic fixation. Soft tissue handling is critical, and direct reduction techniques around the sacrum can be difficult due to the complex anatomy and the fragile nature of the sacrum making clamp placement and tightening a challenge. In this paper, we propose a mini-invasive technique of indirect reduction and temporary stabilization, which is soft tissue friendly and permits maintenance of reduction during definitive fixation surgical.

Keywords: Lumbo-pelvic fixation; Percutaneous fixation of pelvic ring; Posterior pelvic external fixator; Tile C pelvic fracture; Transiliac–transsacral screw fixation; Vertical shear pelvic fracture.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Plates
  • Bone Screws
  • External Fixators
  • Fracture Fixation / instrumentation
  • Fracture Fixation / methods*
  • Fractures, Bone / classification
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / instrumentation
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Pelvic Bones / injuries*
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / surgery