摘要
BACKGROUND Reconstruction of the pelvic ring anatomy in unstable anterior pelvic ring injuries is a significant step to reduce the mortality rate associated with these injuries efficiently.There is a debate on using either an anterior subcutaneous pelvis internal fixator(INFIX)or an anterior supra-acetabular external fixator(EXFIX)to manage an unstable anterior pelvic ring fracture.AIM To compare the functional and radiological outcomes and complications of INFIX vs EXFIX in managing unstable pelvic ring injuries.METHODS A prospective cohort study included 54 patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures.The patients were divided into two groups;the INFIX group,in which 30 cases were fixed by INFIX,and the EXFIX group,in which 24 patients were treated by EXFIX.The average age in the EXFIX group was 31.17 years(16-57 years),while in the INFIX group,it was 34.5 years(17-53 years).The study included 20(66.7%)males and 10(33.3%)females in the INFIX group and 10(41.7%)males and 14(58.3%)females in the EXFIX group.The radiological outcomes were evaluated using Matta and Tornetta's score,and the functional outcomes using the Majeed score.RESULTS The results revealed a statistically significant difference between both groups(P=0.013)regarding radiological outcomes,according to Matta and Tornetta's score in favor of the INFIX group.Sitting,standing,and walking abilities were measured at a 3-mo follow-up visit using Majeed score modules.It was significantly better among the INFIX group than the EXFIX group in all three modules.At the final follow-up,both groups had no statistically significant difference according to the Majeed score;92.35 in the INFIX group and 90.99 in the EXFIX group(P=0.513).A lower surgical site infection rate was noticed in the INFIX group(P=0.007).CONCLUSION Anterior subcutaneous pelvis INFIX is associated with better radiological outcomes and a lower infection rate than anterior supra-acetabular EXFIX in managing patients with unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures.