Abstract
Aims: To determine the incidence and pattern of sexual dysfunction in patients with displaced pelvic ring injuries treated surgically. To investigate a link between sexual and urological dysfunction.
Methods: All patients with pelvic ring fractures treated surgically were contacted by a postal questionnaire. Sexual function was assessed using elements of the validated Sexual Function Questionnaire. Patients were also asked specifically about new-onset sexual and urological dysfunction. Injuries were classified using the Young and Burgess (YB) classification.
Results: There was a response rate of 85% (151 of 178 patients). Average age at injury was 40 yrs (16–74 yrs). Average follow up was 5.3yrs (1–12 yrs). 72% were male.
31% were Antero-Posterior Compression (APC) injuries, 37% Lateral Compression (LC) injuries and 32% Vertical Shear (VS) injuries.
32% of all patients reported significant new sexual problems (36% of males and 24% of females). Of the males, 31% reported erectile dysfunction (12% absolute impotence), 32% reported decreased arousal and 21% reported ejaculatory problems. Of the females, 16% reported decreased arousal, 5% reported anorgasmia and 3% reported painful orgasms. There were no reported cases of dyspareunia in the female patients.
41% of APC, 15% of LC and 39% of VS injuries reported significant new sexual problems (p=0.02, Chi-squared test).
There was a 12% prevalence of significant new urological dysfunction in the entire cohort, with 27% of those with sexual dysfunction also reporting urological dysfunction. This compares with a 5% prevalence of urological dysfunction in patients without sexual dysfunction (p< 0.0001, Chi-squared test).
Conclusions: This large outcome study of UK patients illustrates the significant prevalence of new onset sexual dysfunction in patients with surgically treated pelvic ring fractures. The results also suggest an association between sexual and urological dysfunction. This can help give prognostic information to patients and plan service provision.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Matt Costa and Mr Ben Ollivere. Correspondence should be addressed to Mr Costa at Clinical Sciences Research Institute, University of Warwick, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK.
