Multi-slice spiral computed tomography in diagnosing unstable pelvic fractures in elderly and effect of less invasive stabilization

BACKGROUND Older people are more likely to experience pelvic fractures than younger people.Multi-slice spiral computed tomography(CT)uses three-dimensional(3D)reconstruction technology to generate 3D images that can clearly demonstrate the 3D space of fractures and detect fractures at a higher rate.AIM To investigate the clinical value of multi-slice spiral CT 3D reconstruction in the diagnosis of unstable pelvic fractures in the elderly as well as the effect of less invasive stabilization.METHODS A total of 86 patients with unstable pelvic fractures treated between March 2016 and March 2019 underwent femoral supracondylar bone traction before surgery.Pelvic radiography and multi-row spiral CT were performed successively once the patient’s vital signs and hemodynamic indices were stable.Secondary processing of the original data was performed to obtain 3D reconstruction images and determine the vertical displacement of the pelvis.After basic or complete reduction,minimally invasive internal fixation using hollow lag screws was performed.The detection rates of fracture location and classification by X-ray and CT reconstruction were compared.Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of preoperative 3D reconstruction to compare postoperative reduction,wound healing time,fracture healing time,hospitalization time,visual analog scale(VAS)score,poor internal fixation,and functional recovery.RESULTS The diagnostic coincidence rates of X-rays for pubic symphysis,ilium wing,sacroiliac periarticular,and sacral fractures were lower than those of CT reconstruction.The coincidence rate of CT reconstruction in the clinical classification of pelvic fractures was 100%,whereas 11 cases were misdiagnosed by X-ray;the total coincidence rate was 87.21%.The total excellent and good rates of postoperative reduction were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).The wound healing,fracture healing,and hospitalization times were significantly shorter in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).The VAS scores decreased in both groups postoperatively and were lower in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).The total incidence of poor postoperative internal fixation was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).The overall rate of postoperative functional recovery was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Multi-slice spiral CT has high guiding significance for the diagnosis,classification,and treatment of unstable pelvic fractures in the elderly.Preoperative 3D reconstruction can effectively shorten the operation time and promote fracture healing,while minimally invasive internal fixation can effectively reduce pain and promote functional recovery of fracture sites,making it worthy of clinical application.

External fixation in early treatment of unstable pelvic fractures

Background Patients with pelvic fractures are often treated in hospitals without the capacity to implement an open reduction internal fixation （ORIF）. This often leads to pelvic malunion in patients with unstable pelvic fracture, shock or even death due to uncontrollable pelvic hemorrhage and unstable hemodynamics. This study explored the role of early external fixation （within 7 days） for patients with unstable pelvic fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 patients with unstable pelvic fractures treated with early external fixation from January 2005 to January 2010 （Tile type B： 18 cases; C： 14 cases）. The study comprised 28 males and 4 females, with a mean age of （32_＋8） years （range, 21-56 years）. Of these patients, 22 were treated with emergency pelvic external fixation and 10 were treated with external fixation within 1-7 days. Fifteen cases suffered traumatic hemorrhagic shock. A statistical analysis was conducted to compare fluid infusion and blood transfusion volumes within the first 24 hours of these shock patients with another cohort of patients treated without early external fixation from January 1993 to January 1998. Results The average follow-up was （34.7_＋14.6） months （range, 6-66 months）. Six to eight weeks after external fixation, patients could walk with crutches; by 12 weeks, external fixation was removed and all fractures had healed. Seven patients presented with sequelae, including 3 patients with long-term lumbosacral pain, 3 patients with erectile dysfunction and 1 patient with MoreI-Lavallee lesion and other complications. The 15 shock patients in this study （2005-2010 group） required significantly lower volumes of fluid infusion and blood transfusion （Pfluid=0.000; mtransfusion=0.000） as compared to the 1993-1998 cohort. Conclusions The early application of external fixation in unstable pelvic fracture patients positively affects hemodynamic stability, with outstanding efficacy as a final fixation option for unstable pelvic fractures.

Stabilization of unstable pelvic fractures with a novel internal-external fixator

An internal-external fixator for stabilization in three cases with unstable pelvic fractures were reported. Compared with external fixation, the internal-external fixator, which is placed in the subcutaneous layer, decreased the risk of pin-track infection, pin site pain, and bowel obstruction; meanwhile, it had the advantage of external fixation： it was easy to apply, controlled damage, and resulted in minimal injury.

External fixator with lumbopelvic distraction spondylodesis for vertically unstable pelvic fracture

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of external fixator with lumbopelvic distraction spondylodesis in treatment of vertically unstable pelvic fractures.Methods From January 2008 to March 2009,9 patients(4 males and 5 females)