Journal of orthopaedic trauma
-
To analyze the radiographic, clinical, and functional results of triangular osteosynthesis constructs for the treatment of vertically unstable comminuted transforaminal sacral fractures. ⋯ Triangular osteosynthesis fixation is a reliable form of fixation that allows early full weight-bearing at 6 weeks while preventing loss of reduction in comminuted vertical shear transforaminal sacral fractures. For this study group, operative reduction was maintained until healing in 95% of patients. However, the 1-year follow-up shows a substantial rate of potential technical problems and complications. Of primary concern were the asymmetric L5 tilting with L5-S1 facet joint distraction and the need for a second surgery in all patients to remove painful fixation. Iatrogenic nerve injury occurred in 5 patients (13%) and is thought to arise secondary to fracture manipulation and reduction. We recommend selective use of this technique for comminuted transforaminal sacral fractures in situations only where reliable iliosacral or trans-sacral screw fixation is not obtainable.
-
Review Meta Analysis
A systematic review of thromboprophylaxis for pelvic and acetabular fractures.
Pelvic and acetabular fractures have been identified as risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and thromboembolic complications. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of thromboprophylactic strategies to prevent DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE) after pelvic or acetabular fractures. ⋯ Although several strategies have been used to prevent thromboembolism in pelvic and acetabular fracture patients, our results suggest that clinicians have limited data to guide their prophylactic decisions. Well-designed clinical trials to prevent and detect venous thromboembolism in pelvic and acetabular trauma are still needed.
-
External rotation of the disrupted hemipelvis is a common deformity after pelvic ring trauma, especially in anteroposterior compression injury patterns. This displacement is associated with significant pelvic hemorrhage. ⋯ In such scenarios, circumferential pelvic area sheeting does not always achieve a complete reduction. We present a technique of internal rotation and taping of the lower extremities as an alternative or supplemental pelvic closed reduction method.
-
Intramedullary nailing of the femur is often the treatment of choice in isolated fractures of the femoral shaft. Some surgeons are reticent to use intramedullary nailing for proximal and distal femoral fractures. ⋯ Deforming forces of the muscles of the hip, knee and thigh are neutralized with reduction tools applied percutaneously, blocking screws and Schanz pins. Mastery of these techniques and appropriate reduction are incumbent on the orthopaedic surgeon treating femoral shaft fractures.
-
Vertically unstable pelvic ring injuries associated with comminuted transforaminal sacral fractures present a special problem to the treating surgeon in applying stable fixation for maintaining reduction. Triangular osteosynthesis and spinal-pelvic constructs are relatively new techniques used to avoid loss of reduction for treating these difficult fractures, and the last decade has seen a marked increase in the use of these techniques. This article aims to describe the indications and technical aspects in the use of spinal-pelvic constructs for vertical shear sacral fractures such that they can be applied to better help the patients with these injuries.