Fixation failure in patients with traumatic diastasis of pubic symphysis: impact of loss of reduction on early functional outcomes

Background Failure of fixation (FF) in pubic symphysis diastasis (SD) ranges between 12 and 75%, though whether it influences functional outcomes is still debated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of anterior pelvic plate failure and loss of reduction on Majeed’s functional scores. Methods Single center retrospective review of consecutive patients with acute SD treated by means of anterior pubic plating. Thirty-seven patients with a mean age 45.7 ± 14.4 years were included. Demographics, AO classification, pelvic fixation and secondary procedures were recorded. Majeed’s functional scores at minimum 6 months follow-up were compared according to the presence of FF and loss of reduction. Results Fifteen patients presented FF. Eight presented an additional loss of symphyseal reduction. Mean Majeed´s score (MMS) in patients with and without FF was 64.4 ± 13.04 and 81.8 ± 15.65, respectively (p = 0.0012). Differences in MMS in patients without FF and those with FF and maintained or loss of anterior reduction were 11.3 [70.5 vs 81.8] (p = 0.092) and 22.7 [59.1 vs 81.8] (p = 0.001), respectively. Significant association of FF with AO classification was noted. (OR 12.6; p = 0.002). Conclusions Differences in MMS in the analyzed groups suggest that loss of reduction might be more relevant than failure of the anterior osteosynthesis in functional outcomes.

A clinical case of the uterine complete rupture along with the previous scar during pregnancy with atypical clinical features

This article presents an unusual case of rupture of the scarred uterus at 36-37 weeks of gestation. The patient presented with pain in the pubic and hip joint area, growing stronger while her walking, seated and changing position. No clinical manifestations of hemorrhagic shock were observed. External obstetric examination revealed a normotonic uterus and satisfactory fetus condition. Provocation tests were conducted to exclude subluxation of the pubic joint. Pubic symphysis diastasis palpation, long dorsal sacroiliac ligament palpation, P4 test, Patricks test, and the modified Trendelenburg test were negative. Pelvic examination revealed sharp pain in lower uterus segment. Ultrasound scan revealed deformation and thinning of the scar up to 1 mm, and no abnormalities in pubic symphysis. A threatening uterine rupture was diagnosed, and emergency cesarean section was performed. Intraoperative examination showed that the scar located in the lower segment consisted of connective tissue. In addition, there was a 4 5 cm scar defect with the overlying amniotic sac, no hemorrhage being noted. After removing the fetus, scar excision was performed. The uterine defect was repaired with a double layer running-locking suture. The patient was discharged from hospital on day 5 of postpartum period. The infant was exposed in the neonatal intensive care unit to provide an early developmental care.

Fixation Failure in Patients With Traumatic Diastasis of Pubic Symphysis: Impact of Loss of Reduction on Early Functional Outcomes.

BackgroundFailure of fixation (FF) in pubic symphysis diastasis (SD) ranges between 12 to 75%, though whether it influences functional outcomes is still debated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of anterior pelvic plate failure and loss of reduction on Majeed`s functional scores. MethodsSingle center retrospective review of consecutive patients with acute SD treated by means of anterior pubic plating. Thirty seven patients with a mean age 45.7+/-14.4 years, were included. Demographics, AO classification, pelvic fixation and secondary procedures were recorded. Majeed´s functional scores at minimum 6 months followup were compared according to the presence of FF and loss of reduction. ResultsFifteen patients presented FF. Eight presented an additional loss of symphyseal reduction. Mean Majeed´s score (MMS) in patients with and without FF was 64,4+/-13,04 and 81.8+/-15.65 respectively (p=0.0012). Differences in MMS in patients without FF and those with FF and maintained or loss of anterior reduction were 11,3 [70,5vs81,8] (p=0,092) and 22.7 [59,1vs81,8] (p=0,001) respectively. Significant association of FF with AO classification was noted. (OR 12.6; p=0.002).ConclusionsDifferences in MMS in the analysed groups suggest that loss of reduction might be more relevant than failure of the anterior osteosynthesis in functional outcomes.

Orthopedic management of pubic symphysis osteomyelitis: a case series

Objectives: The purpose of this case series is to describe the orthopedic management of pubic symphysis osteomyelitis with an emphasis on the key principles of treating bony infection. Furthermore, we sought to identify whether debridement of the pubic symphysis without subsequent internal fixation would result in pelvic instability. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify all cases of pubic symphysis osteomyelitis treated at both institutions from 2011 to 2020. Objective outcomes collected included infection recurrence, change in pubic symphysis diastasis, sacroiliac (SI) joint diastasis, and ambulatory status. Subjective outcome measures collected included the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). Pubic symphysis diastasis was measured as the distance between the two superior tips of the pubis on a standard anterior–posterior (AP) view of the pelvis. SI joint diastasis was measured bilaterally as the joint space between the ileum and sacrum approximately at the level of the sacral promontory on the inlet view of the pelvis. A paired t test was utilized to compare the differences in outcome measures. An α value of 0.05 was utilized. Results: Six patients were identified, of which five were males and one was female (16.7 %), with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) follow-up of 19 ± 12 months (range 6–37 months). Mean ± SD age was 76.2 ± 9.6 years (range 61.0–88.0 years) and body mass index (BMI) was 28.0 ± 2.9 kg/m2 (range 23.0–30.8 kg/m2). When postoperative radiographs were compared to final follow-up radiographs, there were no significant differences in pubic symphysis diastasis (P = 0.221) or SI joint diastasis (right, P = 0.529 and left, P = 0.186). All patients were ambulatory without infection recurrence at final follow-up. Mean improvement for NPRS was 5.6 ± 3.4 (P = 0.020) and mean improvement for SF-36 physical functioning was 53.0 ± 36.8 (P = 0.032). Conclusion: This case series highlights our treatment strategy for pubic symphysis osteomyelitis of aggressive local debridement with local antibiotic therapy. Additionally, debridement of the pubic symphysis without subsequent internal fixation did not result in pelvic instability, as determined by pelvic radiographs and ability to fully weight bear postoperatively.

Peripartum Pubic Symphysis Diastasis—Practical Guidelines

Optimal development of a fetus is made possible due to a lot of adaptive changes in the woman’s body. Some of the most important modifications occur in the musculoskeletal system. At the time of childbirth, natural widening of the pubic symphysis and the sacroiliac joints occur. Those changes are often reversible after childbirth. Peripartum pubic symphysis separation is a relatively rare disease and there is no homogeneous approach to treatment. The paper presents the current standards of diagnosis and treatment of pubic diastasis based on orthopedic and gynecological indications.

A case–control study of clinical characteristics and risk factors of symptomatic postpartum pubic symphysis diastasis

Postpartum pubic symphysis diastasis (PPSD) refers to the separation of pubic symphysis after delivery. It is typically diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and radiologic findings. This study tried to assess clinical characteristics and risk factors of PPSD. This was a nested case–control study matched for year of delivery and gestational age at delivery using a retrospective cohort of women who delivered vaginally at a single institution. The incidence of PPSD was 0.156% (33/21,131). The incidence rate increased from 0.08% (7/9328) in 2000–2004 to 0.13% (9/7138) in 2005–2009 and to 0.36% (17/4665) in 2010–2016, simultaneously with an increase of maternal age (30.7 ± 3.5 years in 2000–2004 to 31.8 ± 3.8 years in 2005–2009 and 32.8 ± 3.8 years in 2010–2016). Nulliparity was associated with a higher incidence of PPSD (81.8% in cases vs. 57.6% in controls, p = 0.01). Other factors including pre-pregnancy body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, induction of labor, duration of labor, epidural anesthesia, vacuum-assisted delivery, episiotomy, neonatal sex and birth weight failed to show difference between the two groups. In short, the incidence of PPSD increased with time along with an increase of maternal age. Nulliparity was the only significant risk factor for PPSD.

Clinical case of pubic symphysis diastasis in a pregnant woman with atypical clinical features

This article presents a clinical case of pubic symphysis diastasis in a pregnant woman with atypical clinical features. From 24 weeks of gestation, the patient noticed an intermittent low back aching pain radiated to posterior surface of the right thigh. The pain was regarded as a manifestation of lumbar osteochondrosis, and the patient did not receive specific treatment. At 39-40 weeks of pregnancy, the woman complained of severe pain in the left iliac region that appeared while lying on the left side or turning in bed. The differential diagnosis included acute abdomen and pubic symphysis diastasis. During diagnostic research, clinical features of acute abdomen were not found. The diagnostic tests such as tenderness palpation of pubic symphysis, P4 test, Patricks test, modified Trendelenburgs test, and Mennells test were positive. According to ultrasound, the width of the pubic symphysis was 8.9 mm, with a 2 mm deviation of pubic ramus relative to the sagittal plane, ill-defined margin and inhomogeneous structure of the symphysis due to hypoechogenic inclusions with a total area of about 50%. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with pubic symphysis diastasis of the 2nd degree. Given the severe pain syndrome and a high risk of pubic symphysis fracture during labor, this case required surgical delivery. The postoperative period elapsed without complication.

Pelvic Binder Utilization in Combat Casualties: Does It Matter?

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utilization of pelvic binders, the proper placement of binders, and to determine any differences in blood product transfusions between combat casualties with and without a pelvic binder identified on initial imaging immediately after the injury. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all combat-injured patients who arrived at our military treatment hospital between 2010 and 2012 with a documented pelvic fracture. Initial imaging (X-ray or computed tomography) immediately after injury were evaluated by 2 independent radiologists. Young-Burgess (YB) classification, pelvic diastasis, correct binder placement over the greater trochanters, and the presence of a pelvic external fixator (ex-fix) was recorded. Injury severity score (ISS), whole blood, and blood component therapy administered within the first 24-hours after injury were compared between casualties with and without a pelvic binder. Results 39 casualties had overseas imaging to confirm and radiographically classify a YB pelvic ring injury. The most common fracture patterns were anteroposterior (53%) and lateral compression (28%). 49% (19/39) did not have a binder or ex-fix identified on initial imaging or in any documentation after injury. Ten patients had a binder, with 30% positioned incorrectly over the iliac crest. ISS (34 ± 1.6) was not statistically different between the binder and the no-binder group. Pubic symphysis diastasis was significantly lower in the binder group (1.4 ± 0.2 vs 3.7 ± 0.5, P < .001). There was a trend toward decreased 24-hour total blood products between the binder and no-binder groups (75 ± 11 vs 82 ± 13, P = .67). This was due to less cryoprecipitate in the binder group (6 ± 2 vs 19 ± 5, P = .01). Conclusions Pelvic binder placement in combat trauma may be inconsistent and an important area for continued training. While 24-hour total transfusions do not appear to be different, no-binder patients received significantly more cryoprecipitate.