Management of recent unstable fractures of the pelvic ring. An update Conference supported by the Club Bassin Cotyle. (Pelvis-Acetabulum Club)

Abstract

Traumatic injury to the pelvic ring is a result of high energy trauma in young patients. These osteo-ligamentous injuries are associated with numerous lesions including retroperitoneal hematoma, urogenital, cutaneous and neurological (lumbosacral plexus). The goal of initial management is to restore vital indicators, urinary excretion function and protect the patient from infectious complications. An emergency decisional algorithm helps manage haemodynamic instability. Initial bone and ligament procedures should reduce displacement and make it possible for the patient the wait until his condition is stable enough for definitive surgical fixation. The goal of surgical treatment is to avoid nonunion and malunion. Stable fixation of the posterior arch after reduction favors union. Different techniques can be used by the posterior, anterior ilio-inguinal or lateral percutaneous approaches. Anterior fixation is discussed to improve reduction and increase the stability obtained with a posterior procedure. Anterior external fixation is useful to temporarily reinforce posterior stabilization.