Determine the infection risk of nonoperative versus operative repair of extraperitoneal bladder ruptures in patients with pelvic ring injuries. Pelvic ring injuries with extraperitoneal bladder ruptures were identified from a prospective trauma registry at two level 1 trauma centers from 2014 to 2020. Patients, injuries, treatments, and complications were reviewed. Using Fisher's exact test with significance at P value < 0.05, associations between injury treatment and outcomes were determined. Of the 1127 patients with pelvic ring injuries, 68 (6%) had a concomitant extraperitoneal bladder rupture. All patients received IV antibiotics for an average of 2.5 days. A suprapubic catheter was placed in 4 patients. Bladder repairs were performed in 55 (81%) patients, 28 of those simultaneous with ORIF anterior pelvic ring. The other 27 bladder repair patients underwent initial ex-lap with bladder repair and on average had pelvic fixation 2.2 days later. Nonoperative management of bladder rupture with prolonged Foley catheterization was used in 13 patients. Improved fracture reduction was noted in the ORIF cohort compared to the closed reduction external fixation cohort (P = 0.04). There were 5 (7%) deep infections. Deep infection was associated with nonoperative management of bladder rupture (P = 0.003) and use of a suprapubic catheter (P = 0.02). Not repairing the bladder increased odds of infection 17-fold compared to repair (OR 16.9, 95% CI 1.75 – 164, P = 0.01). Operative repair of extraperitoneal bladder ruptures substantially decreases risk of infection in patients with pelvic ring injuries. ORIF of anterior pelvic ring does not increase risk of infection and results in better reductions compared to closed reduction. Suprapubic catheters should be avoided if possible due to increased infection risk later. Treatment algorithms for pelvic ring injuries with extraperitoneal bladder ruptures should recommend early bladder repair and emphasize anterior pelvic ORIF

Purpose: We analysed the radiographic course of anterior lumbar interbody fusion achieved via a minimal anterior extraperitoneal approach. Material and methods: From January 1996 to December 2001, we operated 198 patients with this technique. Twenty-one patients were excluded from the analysis (two deaths, three tumours, 16 follow-ups less than 12 months). Mean age of the 177 patients retained for study was 53 years (range 22–78). Mean follow-up was 2.7 years. The 55 post-trauma cases involved essentially thoracolumbar junction. The 122 cases of degenerative lumbar spine included 14 cases of scoliosis, 26 cases of spondylolisthesis, 72 cases of unstable spines after primary posterior surgery, and 10 isolated degenerative discs. Only eight patients did not have posterior fixation. Fusion (globally 360 levels) concerned one disc in 89 patients, two discs in 71, three discs in 17. Cancellous autologous grafts were used with cages. Tricortical grafts were implanted after corporectomy (n=23). Radiological fusion was confirmed by the absence of a mobility chamber around the pedicular screws, the cages or the tricortical grafts, and by searching for loss of sagittal angles (digitalized scans and x-ray, Auto Cad L.T.2000). Results: 1) Early postoperative status. For the post-trauma cases (65 fused levels, 55 patients), a simple callus was observed in 28. For the others, mean correction was 4° per level. 2) Angle loss. For the trauma cases, mean angle loss was 3.9° in 36 cases (29 grafts on a single level). There were two partial expulsions of the tricortical grafts implanted in osteoporotic patients; revision was not attempted. Mean angle loss for the 65 grafted levels was 2°. For the degenerative cases, mean angle loss was 3.7° for 172 fused levels (112 patients). Cage expulsion on a grade 3 spondylolisthesis did not warrant revision. Two cage impactions did not cause significant loss of angle. 3) Anatomic status of the grafts. Fusion was achieved at all levels without cage or tri-cortical graft rupture. We observed a partial but stable lucent line around the case in five cases. Discussion: The rate of fusion reported after anterior lumbar interbody fusion has varied from 55 to 100% in the literature. This technique is an original approach for trauma victims avoiding the need for extensive posterior assemblies and/or the damage caused by a wide anterior approach. For the degenerative spine, the mediocre quality of the bone and the frequency of several level fusions is not a particular problem. Conclusion: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion is an interesting method for reinforcing posterior fixation with a real efficacy in terms of effective fusion

Objective: To assess the impact of EPP on physiological parameters in hemodynamically unstable patients with blunt pelvic trauma.

Methods: Of 661 patients treated for pelvic trauma, 18 consecutive patients in shock underwent EPP with the intent to control massive pelvic bleeding. These patients constituted the study population. Data collected from the medical records and the Ullev̊l Trauma Registry included: demographics, fracture classification, additional injuries, blood transfusions, surgical interventions, angiographic procedure, physiological parameters and outcome. An association between continuous variables was calculated using the Spearman correlation coefficient. A comparison between means was calculated using the t-test.

Results: Mean patient age was 44 years (range 16–80). ISS 47 (9–66). 39 % had non-measurable blood pressure at admission. Survival rate within 30 days was 72% (13/18) and correlated inversely to the age of the patient (p=0.038). Only one non-survivor died of exsanguination from multiple bleeding foci. A significant increase in systolic blood pressure (p=0.002) and hemoglobin count (p=0.012) was observed immediately after EPP. Arterial injury was observed in 80% of patients who underwent angiography after EPP.

Conclusions: 30-day survival rate after EPP was 72 %. A significant increase in systolic blood pressure and hemoglobin count was observed immediately after EPP, indicating that EPP as part of a multi-interventional resuscitation protocol may be life-saving in patients with exsanguinating pelvic injury. However, the high rate of arterial injuries seen after EPP indicates that the procedure should be supplemented with angiography once the patient is stabilized for transfer to the angiography suite.

A new anterior intrapelvic approach for the surgical management of displaced acetabular fractures involving predominantly the anterior column and the quadrilateral plate is described. In order to establish five ‘windows’ for instrumentation, the extraperitoneal space is entered along the lateral border of the rectus abdominis muscle. This is the so-called ‘Pararectus’ approach. The feasibility of safe dissection and optimal instrumentation of the pelvis was assessed in five cadavers (ten hemipelves) before implementation in a series of 20 patients with a mean age of 59 years (17 to 90), of whom 17 were male. The clinical evaluation was undertaken between December 2009 and December 2010. The quality of reduction was assessed with post-operative CT scans and the occurrence of intra-operative complications was noted. In cadavers, sufficient extraperitoneal access and safe instrumentation of the pelvis were accomplished. In the patients, there was a statistically significant improvement in the reduction of the fracture (pre- versus post-operative: mean step-off 3.3 mm (sd 2.6) vs 0.1 mm (sd 0.3), p < 0.001; and mean gap 11.5 mm (sd 6.5) vs 0.8 mm (sd 1.3), p < 0.001). Lesions to the peritoneum were noted in two patients and minor vascular damage was noted in a further two patients. Multi-directional screw placement and various plate configurations were feasible in cadavers without significant retraction of soft tissues.

In the treatment of acetabular fractures predominantly involving the anterior column and the quadrilateral plate, the Pararectus approach allowed anatomical restoration with minimal morbidity related to the surgical access.

To evaluate the results of management of urological injury and the impact on final outcome in patients with pelvic fractures. Out of 554 patients with pelvic fractures, 39 (7%)(8 female) were identified with urinary tract injuries. The mean age of the patients was 30.9 yrs (range 15–71) and the mean ISS was 12.9 (range 9–22). Seven (18 %) had upper tract injury, 6 (15.4 %) had extraperitoneal bladder rupture, 9 (23.1 %) had intraperitoneal rupture, 3 (7.6 %) had bladder neck injury and 14 (35.9 %) had urethral injury. Timing of urological intervention, complications and long term result in terms of incontinence, stricture and sexual dysfunction were assessed. All patients were assessed based on Orthopaedic, urological and the Euroqol (EQ5D) generic health questionnaire and compared to age and sex matched control group of 47 patients with similar pelvic injuries and ISS but no urological injury. The mean follow up period was 2.3 years. Upper urinary tract injuries: All were managed non-operatively and had a uniformly good outcome except one patient who had a traumatic renal vein thrombosis and required nephrectomy. Lower tract injuries: 14 out of 15 patients with bladder rupture had a repair of bladder within 24 hours of arrival at our center. One with a small extraperitoneal tear was managed nonoperatively. Three patients reported failure of erection. Two were managed by immediate repair (day 1 and day 2) and had normal continence. One repair was delayed due to delay in transfer and was done on the 4th day. He developed faecal and urinary incontinence and loss of sexual function. Thirteen males had urethral injury. Three patients had a primary urethrostomy for a gap defect and two of these developed erectile dysfunction. Two were referred late to our center and were managed by continent urinary diversion. The rest had a catheter railroaded to maintain alignment of the two urethral ends and delayed repair was done for three patients. One patient in this group had sexual dysfunction while 5 developed a stricture. We found no significant difference between the study and the control group in the outcome on comparing patients with upper tract and bladder injuries but the urethral injury group had a poorer result in all 5 parameters of the EQ5D. Upper tract and bladder injuries do not add significant morbidity compared to the control group. In contrast urethral injuries significantly affected the outcome after pelvic fracture in terms of general health and return to normal function

A modified transthoracic approach to the thoracic vertebral column is described. In this method, the parietal pleura is detached from the chest wall and retracted with the visceral pleura and its contents. A direct approach to the vertebral bodies is thus achieved without transgression of the intrapleural space. The technique can be extended to include exposure of the thoracolumbar spinal column, utilising a thoracoabdominal approach with extrapleural and extraperitoneal dissection. Management of the costophrenic detachment is thus simplified. This approach has significant advantages for orthopaedic, vascular and neurosurgical procedures

Injuries to the lower urinary tract are well recognized following fractures to the pelvic ring. The overall incidence of pelvic fractures is similar in men and women. However associated urological injuries occur less frequently in women. There are very few reported cases of combined bladder and urethral injury or combined intra- and extraperitoneal bladder rupture in women. Only two cases have been reported describing communication of the hip joint and an extra peritoneal bladder rupture. To our knowledge we are the first to describe a pelvic ring injury complicated by combined intra and extra-peritoneal bladder rupture, urethral injury and direct intraperitoneal communication of the ruptured bladder with a central dislocation of the hip joint. The mechanism of bladder laceration was gross displacement of the quadrilateral plate and pubic rami following acetabular fracture. This bone was found at laparotomy to be lying within the bladder cavity

Aims: The objectives of this study are to determine the feasibility of the endoscopic þxation of the anterior pelvis. Material and Methods: Twenty adult cadavers were studied. A þve hole plate was introduced and þxed by balloon and C02 dilatation of the space of Retzius. After plating, the cadavers were dissected to analyze plate and screw position, and presence of damage on the surrounding tissues related to the procedure. Results: Plate and screws were seen to be in good position in all cases. No damage to vital structures was identiþed. Case Report: 33 y/o male sustained an open book external rotation AO/OTA type 61-B3.1 pelvic fracture. EFAP was performed successfully. Postoperative x rays showed good reduction and implants position. Discussion and conclusion: Open approaches to the anterior pelvis are not free of complications. Endoscopy allows clear visualization of the space of Retzius and it is a valuable aid for pelvis fracture þxation. Extraperitoneal endoscopy of the anterior pelvis is a safe and commonly performed surgical procedure. This paper shows that plate and screws þxation of the symphysis pubis can also be performed using this minimally invasive approach

Background: Internal snapping often resolves with conservative treatment but persistent significant symptoms may require surgical treatment. Different approaches and treatments have been suggested in the literature with weakness of hip flexion, recurrence of symptoms and nerve injury following surgery. We describe a modified surgical approach for internal snapping of hip in adults with good results. Methods: Patients who failed conservative treatment for internal snapping between September 02 to February 04 were included. All patients had x-rays of relevant hips; ultrasound and MRI were done when required to exclude other causes. Patients were operated in supine position. A skin crease incision was made just lateral to the ASIS. The psoas tendon was reached sub-periosteally along the internal iliac surface hooked into the wound and divided releasing its musculo-tendonous junction. The patients were allowed to mobilise as able in the postoperative period. Results: There were 8 snapping hips (3 right, 3 left, 1 bilateral) in 7 patients (6 females, 1 male) with average age of 30 years (17–51 yrs). The mean follow was 11 months. The average duration of symptoms before operation was 4.5 years (range 2–10 years). Clicking was relieved in all patients. Two patients felt slight weakness of hip flexion. One patient had temporary neuropraxia of lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh. Discussion: The diagnosis is made by ultrasound or examination for a palpable click. Surgical correction of snapping is considered after failure of conservative treatment. Different extra pelvic (medial and iliofemoral) and intrapelvic extraperitoneal approaches have been described with varying results. With our slightly modified intrapelvic and sub-periosteal approach through oblique inguinal incision in adults, psoas muscle release at musculo-tendonous junction seems safe and effective (all clicking resolved) method. This method could be used as an alternative surgical approach for treatment of internal snapping of hip in adults

Introduction: Injuries to the urinary tract are a well known complication in patients with pelvic trauma. A severe urological injury frequently results in adverse long term outcome and prolonged disability. We present a review of the results of management of urological injury and the impact on final outcome in patients with pelvic fractures. Patients: Out of 554 patients admitted to our center with pelvic fracture, 39 with injury to the urinary tract were identified – 8 females and 31 males (study group). The mean age of the patients was 30.9 yrs (range 15 to 71 yrs) and the mean ISS was 12.9 (range 9 to 22). Two patients had a skin wound communicating with fracture hematoma. Seven (18 %) had upper tract injury, 6 (15.4 %) had extraperitoneal bladder rupture, 9 (23.1 %) had intraperitoneal rupture, 3 (7.6 %) had bladder neck injury and 14 (35.9 %) had urethral injury. The mechanism and type of injury, initial management, timing of urological intervention, orthopaedic procedure complications and long term result in terms of incontinence, stricture and sexual dysfunction were assessed. All patients were assessed based on Orthopaedic, urological and the Euroqol (EQ5D) generic health questionnaire and compared to age and sex matched control group of 47 patients with similar pelvic injuries and ISS but no urological injury. The mean follow up period was 2.3 years. Results: Upper urinary tract injuries: All were managed nonoperatively and had a uniformly good outcome except one patient who had a traumatic renal vein thrombosis and required nephrectomy. Three had acetabular fractures (one ant column and 2 both column fractures) and 4 had pelvic ring injuries (2 AP, 2 LC). Six were operated with av. time delay between injury and surgery being 7.1 days. We consider the urological injury related to the general trauma rather than the specific pelvic injury. Lower tract injuries: 14 out of 15 patients with bladder rupture had a repair of bladder within 24 hours of arrival at our center. One with a small extra-peritoneal tear was managed nonoperatively. Seven had LC injury, 6 had ARC and 2 had acetabular fractures (both column). One of the acetabulum fractures was managed by fixation and bladder repair on the day of arrival and the other had secondary congruence, which was not operated. Pelvic ring injuries were managed by internal and/or external fixation as appropriate. The average time delay between injury and surgery was 1.8 days. One patient with AP2 fracture died after 3 weeks due to severity of associated visceral injuries. Three patients reported failure of erection. All three patients with bladder neck injury had an APC fracture. Two were managed by immediate repair (day 1 and day 2) and had normal continence. One repair was delayed due to delay in transfer and was done on the 4th day. He developed faecal and urinary incontinence and loss of sexual function. Thirteen males had urethral injury – average age 37 yrs (range 19 to 70 years). Five had APC and five LC pelvic ring injuries, three had acetabular fractures. Three patients had a primary urethrostomy for a gap defect and two of these developed erectile dysfunction. Two were referred late to our center and were managed by continent urinary diversion. The rest had a catheter railroaded to maintain alignment of the two urethral ends and delayed repair was done for three patients. One patient in this group had sexual dysfunction while 5 developed a stricture. The only female patient with urethral injury had an open tilt fracture associated with urethral tear. The control group had 7 acetabular fractures, 19 AP compression, 17 lateral compression injuries and 4 vertical shear injuries. Four were managed nonoperatively. None of these had an open fracture. The average time delay between injury and surgery was 2.2 days. We found no significant difference between the study and the control group in the outcome on comparing patients with upper tract and bladder injuries but the urethral injury group had a poorer result in all 5 parameters of the EQ5D. Conclusions: Upper tract and bladder injuries in the context of pelvic trauma can be successfully managed as described, they do not add significant morbidity compared to the control group. In contrast urethral injuries significantly affected the outcome after pelvic fracture in terms of general health and return to normal function. Early management with primary alignment at the time of pelvic stabilisation and a delayed repair if required produced good results. A high index of suspicion and routine retrograde urethrograms would reduce risk of missed or iatrogenic injury. A team approach is required to achieve optimum results

Aims

The aim of this study was to record the incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA), the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA), and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) after surgery for a fracture of the acetabulum, in our centre.

Aims

This study aimed to analyze the correlation between transverse process (TP) fractures of the fourth (L4) and fifth (L5) lumbar vertebrae and biomechanical and haemodynamic stability in patients with a pelvic ring injury, since previous data are inconsistent.

We report our early experience with the use of a new prosthesis, the Modular Hemipelvic Prosthesis II, for reconstruction of the hemipelvis after resection of a primary malignant peri-acetabular tumour involving the sacroiliac joint.

We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 17 patients who had undergone resection of a pelvic tumour and reconstruction with this prosthesis between July 2002 and July 2010.

One patient had a type I+II+III+IV resection (ilium + peri-acetabulum + pubis/ischium + sacrum) and 16 had a type I+II+IV resection (ilium + acetabulum + sacrum). The outcome was assessed at a mean follow-up of 33 months (15 to 59). One patient was alive with disease, 11 were alive without disease and five had died of disease. The overall five-year survival rate was 62.4%. Six patients had a local recurrence. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society score was 58% (33 to 77). Deep infection occurred in two patients, problems with wound healing in five and dislocation in one.

For patients with a primary malignant peri-acetabular sarcoma involving the sacroiliac joint, we believe that this new prosthesis is a viable option for reconstruction of the bony defect left following resection of the tumour. It results in a satisfactory functional outcome with an acceptable rate of complications.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:399–405.

High energy fractures of the pelvis are a challenging problem both in the immediate post-injury phase and later when definitive fixation is undertaken. No single management algorithm can be applied because of associated injuries and the wide variety of trauma systems that have evolved around the world.

Initial management is aimed at saving life and this is most likely to be achieved with an approach that seeks to identify and treat life-threatening injuries in order of priority. Early mortality after a pelvic fracture is most commonly due to major haemorrhage or catastrophic brain injury. In this article we review the role of pelvic binders, angiographic embolisation, pelvic packing, early internal fixation and blood transfusion with regard to controlling haemorrhage.

Definitive fixation seeks to prevent deformity and reduce complications. We believe this should be undertaken by specialist surgeons in a hospital resourced, equipped and staffed to manage the whole spectrum of major trauma. We describe the most common modes of internal fixation by injury type and review the factors that influence delayed mortality, adverse functional outcome, sexual dysfunction and venous thromboembolism.