[Anterior subcutaneous internal fixation combined with posterior percutaneous iliosacral screw for treatment of unstable pelvic fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of anterior subcutaneous internal fixation (INFIX) combined with posterior percutaneous iliosacral screw for the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures.
METHODS: Between August 2016 and November 2017, 19 cases of unstable pelvic fractures were treated with anterior subcutaneous INFIX combined with posterior percutaneous iliosacral screw. There were 14 males and 5 females, with an average age of 40.6 years (range, 17-69 years). Causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 11 cases, falling from height in 5 cases, bruise injury by heavy object in 3 cases. According to Tile classification, there were 2 cases of type B1, 6 cases of type B2, and 11 cases of type C. Anterior ring injuries included bilateral pubic ischial ramus fractures in 12 cases, unilateral pubic ischial ramus fractures in 5 cases, and symphysis pubis separation in 2 cases. Posterior ring injuries included sacroiliac ligament injuries in 2 cases, unilateral iliac bone fractures in 3 cases, unilateral sacral fractures in 11 cases, unilateral sacroiliac joint dislocation in 2 cases, and bilateral sacral fracture in 1 case. The intraoperative blood loss and operation time were recorded, and the fracture healing and postoperative complications were observed. Matta score was used to evaluate the reduction of fracture, and Majeed score was used to evaluate the postoperative function of patients.
RESULTS: The operation time was 47-123 minutes (mean, 61.4 minutes) and the intraoperative blood loss was 50-115 mL (mean, 61.1 mL). One case had superficial infection at the site of screw implantation, and 1 case had unilateral cutaneous nerve stimulation, which were cured after corresponding treatment. There was no damage of urinary system, reproductive system, and intestine. All cases were followed up 12-25 months (mean, 18.1 months). All the fractures healed after operation, the average healing time was 9.5 weeks (range, 8-13 weeks); no nonunion, delayed healing, internal fixation loosening, fracture, and other situations occurred. Of the 2 patients with lumbosacral plexus injury before operation, 1 recovered completely and 1 had residual mild claudication. At last follow-up, the reduction of fracture was evaluated by Matta scoring standard, the results were excellent in 13 cases and good in 6 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%; the function was evaluated by Majeed scoring standard, the results were excellent in 15 cases and good in 4 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%.
CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive pelvic stabilization by using anterior subcutaneous INFIX and posterior percutaneous iliosacral screw for treatment of unstable pelvic fractures, can achieve good fracture reduction and definitive stabilization with minimum complications and obtain excellent functional outcomes.