Stabilization of unstable pelvic fractures with supraacetabular compression external fixation.

External fixation for pelvic stabilization is an important component of the overall treatment of patients with high-energy pelvic fractures. Traditional constructs include single and multiple pin placements in several locations in each iliac crest. Biomechanical and anatomic studies have focused on pin placement lower on the pelvis, specifically in the supraacetabular region. Pins in this location are more stable biomechanically, allow for pelvic reduction in the transverse plane of deformity, facilitate concurrent or subsequent laparotomy procedures, and may allow improved reduction of the posterior elements with a femoral distractor as a compressor. We describe the technique for placement of supraacetabular external fixation pins, pelvic reduction, and compression using a femoral distractor.