OUTCOMES FOLLOWING DISPLACED PELVIC RING INJURIES

Abstract

Introduction: Injuries to the bony pelvis are a significant group of injuries with often serious implications. The close proximity of the bony pelvis to vital organs, it’s involvement in weight bearing and ambulation, and the high energy mechanisms usually required to produce these injuries produces a variety of injury patterns, associated injuries and possible outcomes.

Aims: To determine the long-term functional outcomes of displaced pelvic ring injuries treated surgically in the United Kingdom

Methods: All patients with pelvic ring fractures treated surgically were contacted by postal questionnaire. Outcomes were measured using the SF-36, as well as ad-hoc tools including return to work and sporting activities. Injuries were classified using the Young and Burgess (YB) classification system.

Results: There was a response rate of 70% (145 of 209 patients). Average age at injury was 40 yrs (16–74 yrs). Average follow up was 5.3yrs (1–12 yrs).

There were 45 Antero-Posterior Compression (APC) injuries, 51 Lateral Compression (LC) injuries and 49 Vertical Shear (VS) injuries.

69% of the LC injuries had returned to some form of employment, compared with 58% of the APC injuries and 51% of the VS. 39% of the LC injuries had returned to their pre-injury sporting activities, compared with 27% of the APC and 33% of the VS.

The average Physical Functioning Score of the SF-36 outcome tool was 73.2 for the LC injuries, 61.7 for the APC injuries and 63.3 for the VS injuries (scale 0–100, 100 representing best status). These trends were mirrored in the other outcome domains of the SF-36 tool.

Conclusions: These results illustrate the long-term morbidity associated with pelvic ring injuries and relationship with injury subtypes. LC injuries appeared to perform better than APC and VS injuries in all outcome measures utilized. These findings may aid in determining the prognosis and provision of services for patients with pelvic ring injuries.