Abstract
Background
pelvic fractures in elderly patients often result in poor prognosis due to immobilization associated complications. Thus, the target of the treatment in this patient group is early mobilization in order to reduce the risk of these complications. We report outcomes of 4 cases of pelvic fracture in elderly patients, who were treated with percutaneous screw fixation.
Material and method
We examined medical records and images of 4 elderly patients between January 2012 and May 2012 in our center. Mean age of the patients was 88.8 years old (range 86–92 years). The causes of injury were motor vehicle accident in 3 patients, and a fall in 1 patient. Fracture types were ao type a in 1 patient, type b in 2 patients and type c in 1 patient. Mean injury severity score was 25 (10–57). We assessed functional status after the follow-up period using majeeds grading score for pelvic fractures.
Result
No major complication including sever infection and deep vein thrombosis was observed during the follow-up period. Minor complication observed was screw loosening in 1 case, and screw prominence in another. Functional outcome by majeeds score were excellent in 1 case, and fair in 3 cases. The mean period between the operation and the first ride on the wheel chair was 3.5 (2–6) days.
Conclusion
Early mobilization significantly affects the prognosis in multiple trauma patients. Percutaneous screw fixation may improve the prognosis in elderly patients with pelvic fracture.
