Distraction external fixation in lateral compression pelvic fractures. 2000

C Bellabarba, and W M Ricci, and B R Bolhofner
Department of Orthopaedics, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle 98104, USA.

OBJECTIVE To observe the results and describe the technique of closed reduction and placement of a two-pin supra-acetabular external fixator, followed by immediate weight bearing, in the treatment of displaced vertically stable lateral compression pelvic fractures. METHODS Prospective, consecutive METHODS Regional trauma center METHODS A consecutive series of fourteen patients with displaced, vertically stable lateral compression pelvic fractures who were transported to a regional trauma center. METHODS Surgical treatment with closed reduction and maintenance of the distraction force with a two-pin, single-bar, supra-acetabular external fixator, followed by immediate weight bearing. METHODS Healing rate and time, operative blood loss and time, quality of reduction, time to full weight-bearing, and incidence of complications, including neurovascular deficits, loss of reduction, nonunion, pin tract infections, and chronic pain. RESULTS A symmetric reduction of both hemipelves was achieved in all fourteen patients. Time to healing averaged 8.2 weeks (seven to twelve weeks), and no fixator required removal before healing. There were no delayed unions or nonunions, and none of the fractures displaced significantly after initial reduction. Average surgical time was thirty-seven minutes (range, twenty-five to sixty minutes) with an estimated blood loss of less than fifty milliliters. Patients were allowed to bear full weight immediately and were able to do so without ambulatory assistive devices within an average of twelve days (range, three to eighteen days). Complications consisted of three minor pin tract infections, one temporary lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy, one late pin tract abscess, and one patient with chronic low-back pain. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of type B lateral compression injuries of the pelvic ring with anterior distraction external fixation is a highly effective yet relatively simple and minimally invasive treatment method. Surgical time and blood loss are minimal, and patients can be effectively and rapidly mobilized. Based on our experience, we believe this method to be a valuable tool in the treatment of these fractures.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D010384 Pelvic Bones Bones that constitute each half of the pelvic girdle in VERTEBRATES, formed by fusion of the ILIUM; ISCHIUM; and PUBIC BONE. Coxal Bone,Hip Bone,Innominate Bones,Bone, Coxal,Bone, Hip,Bone, Innominate,Bone, Pelvic,Bones, Coxal,Bones, Hip,Bones, Innominate,Bones, Pelvic,Coxal Bones,Hip Bones,Innominate Bone,Pelvic Bone
D011446 Prospective Studies Observation of a population for a sufficient number of persons over a sufficient number of years to generate incidence or mortality rates subsequent to the selection of the study group. Prospective Study,Studies, Prospective,Study, Prospective
D011859 Radiography Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of X-RAYS or GAMMA RAYS, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film). Radiology, Diagnostic X-Ray,Roentgenography,X-Ray, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X-Ray,Diagnostic X-Ray Radiology,X-Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X Ray,Diagnostic X Ray Radiology,Diagnostic X-Rays,Radiology, Diagnostic X Ray,X Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,X Ray, Diagnostic,X-Rays, Diagnostic
D004434 Early Ambulation Procedure to accelerate the ability of a patient to walk or move about by reducing the time to AMBULATION. It is characterized by a shorter period of hospitalization or recumbency than is normally practiced. Ambulation, Early,Early Mobilization,Accelerated Ambulation,Ambulation, Accelerated,Mobilization, Early
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000293 Adolescent A person 13 to 18 years of age. Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults

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