Long-term results of unstable pelvic ring fractures in children.

Seventeen patients less than 12 years old sustained unstable pelvic ring fractures and were treated non-operatively. They were followed for 2 to 25 years. The subjective long-term results depended on the presence or absence of low back pain. This correlated strongly with pelvic asymmetry. Five patients complained about chronic back pain, two were functionally impaired by severe pelvic asymmetry. Healing of an unstable pelvic fracture in malposition with asymmetry causes poor results and must be prevented.