J Korean Fract Soc.  2000 Oct;13(4):741-748. 10.12671/jksf.2000.13.4.741.

Prognosis of early internal fixation in unstable pelvic fractures

• Lee JY
• Moon DH
• Kim GB

• KMID: 2100136
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jksf.2000.13.4.741

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to analyze the clinical prognosis of early internal fixation in unstable pelvic fracture. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed the sixteen patients. The average age of the patients was 34 years(range, 21-64 years). They were followed up for average 21 months. The sixteen pelves were classified by Tile ; Type B 3 cases, Type C 13 cases. Nine patients(56%) had the associated injuries. In 13 patients(81%), internal fixation were performed within 3 weeks after the injury. Fixation was accomplished by the plates and screws. We assessed the functional, radiological results and postoperative complications.
RESULTS
Fourteen(88%) patients were fully ambulatory, had no limp, did not need assistive devices. Fifty percents of the patients had returned to the previous jobs and 31% had to change the jobs. On radiolograph, there were 14 excellent and 2 good reduction. Three postoperative complications happened ; two superficial infections and one lumbar neuropathy, which resolved spontaneously. Three patients with associated injuries, who had delayed fixation, appealed gait disturbance and chronic pain.
CONCLUSION
early internal fixation of unstable pelvic ring fractures may be expected to yield satisfactory functional success and radiologic results in the majority of patients

Keyword

pelvis; unstable fracture; early internal fixation

MeSH Terms

Chronic Pain
Gait
Humans
Pelvis
Postoperative Complications
Prognosis*
Self-Help Devices