European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society
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Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg · Oct 2016
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyInternal versus external fixation of the anterior component in unstable fractures of the pelvic ring: pooled results from a systematic review.
Improving reduction of the pelvic ring improves long-term functional outcomes for patients. It has been demonstrated that posterior internal fixation is necessary to adequately control fractures to the posterior ring and there is evidence that supplementing this with fixation of the anterior ring improves stability. It is accepted that internal fixation provides greater stability than external fixation of the anterior ring but long-term differences in radiographic and functional outcomes have not yet been quantified. ⋯ Internal fixation of the anterior pelvic ring as supplementary fixation for unstable injuries to the pelvic ring appears to result in better radiographic and functional outcomes as well as fewer complications. However, data that separated outcomes and complications in relation to interventions of the anterior pelvic ring were limited. More studies looking specifically at outcomes in relation to the type of anterior ring intervention are needed.