Management of Complex Pelvic Fracture with Associated Both Column Acetabular Fracture Judet-Letournel Type and a Coccygeal Fracture in a Severe Polytrauma Patient

Comprehensive emergency managements and early stabilization are pivotal upon treating complex pelvic and acetabular fractures. A thorough operative strategy is required to determine the best operative approach based on the patient’s general condition, available facilities, and surgeon preferences in such complex fracture configuration. Advanced technique of the fixation is necessary during a skillful execution of surgery in order to achieve good treatment results. An 18-years-old female crushed by a bus upon crossing street, presented with hypovolemic shock with ISS polytrauma score 50 consisting of right acetabular associated both column fracture, bilateral pelvic fracture anteroposterior compression type 3, and coccygeal fracture with bilateral drop foot. She underwent emergency laparotomy, had her ovary, bladder, and intestine primarily sutured, and then we immobilized the pelvic using anterior frame external fixator, which was maintained for 6 days. Upon stable condition, we performed right ilioinguinal approach and modified Stoppa with lateral window for the left side, while Kocher-Langenbeck technique was used to approach the posterior acetabular column. Postoperative radiology showed an adequate internal fixation in both right acetabular columns, successful reconstruction of pelvic ring which was fixated the left ischium, left superior and inferior pubic rami, and full restoration of left sacroiliac joint disruption. Majeed pelvic outcome score was 54, while Hannover pelvic outcome score was good and the patient was able to sit without pain 2 months postoperative. Management of complex pelvic-acetabular-coccygeal fracture requires a holistic chain of treatment by emphasizing the prompt emergency management, accurate preoperative planning, and excellent execution of reconstructive surgical strategy to achieve satisfactory outcome.

Treatment sequence of combined pelvic injury, consisted of upper pubic ramus fracture, sacroiliac joint dislocation with open book injury, using Stoppa approach

Among pelvic serious injuries is the so-called “open book” injury of the pelvis, with Sacroiliac Joint Disruption (SIJD) in combination with upper pubic ramus or anterior column fracture, contralateral or ipsilateral, or both. This combination of pelvic injury could be classified according Young and Burgess classification as LCIII or CM type (Combined Mechanism) and as 61-B3.1 61-B3.2 following AO/OTA classification. Specifically, the upper pubic ramus fracture can be classified according to Nakatani classification as type I medial of the foramen, type II within the foramen and type III lateral to the foramen. The difficulty to deal with these fractures is how to close and reduct the pubic symphysis in mechanically stable way since there is fracture in one or both the upper pubic ramus. The existence of these fractured elements, in this type of pelvis injury allow a lot of degrees of freedom which must be managed from the surgeon in the proper sequence. The incision and the approach are also mandatory for successfully treating these lesions. Anterior Intrapelvic Approach (AIP) or Stoppa approach in conjunction with the first window of ilioinguinal approach is the most appropriate surgical exposure for reduction and fixation.

What is the best internal fixation in pelvic fracture models with open-book injury and anterior sacroiliac joint disruption?

Background: The best operative management for open-book pelvic injury with anterior sacroiliac disruption (OTA/AO B1.1 classification) is still debated. This biomechanical study aimed to find the best internal fixation technique for such injury. Methods: Open-book injury with anterior sacroiliac joint disruption was simulated on 25 artificial pelvic bones. Twenty five artificial pelvic bones were divided into 5 groups (n=5 /group) and fixated with five different fixation techniques: 1). 1SP+1IS; 2). 2SP; 3). 2SP+2SIP; 4). 1SP+2IS S1, and 5). 1SP+1IS S1+S2. Biomechanical properties of each fixation technique were assessed using Tensilon® RTF-1310 to measure the resistance to translation and load to failure. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Bonferroni test.Results: The highest mean load to failure of axial forces (1490.36 N) was achieved by the fixation technique using one symphyseal plate and two iliosacral screws located at S1 dan S2. The addition of one iliosacral screw significantly increased the mean load to failure for axial compression (p<0.05).Conclusion: The addition of sacroiliac joint posterior fixation, either with plate or screw, will increase the fixation biomechanical strength. Single symphyseal plate and two iliosacral screws on S1 and S2 provided the best mechanical resistance to axial loading. Thus, it can be concluded that such fixation technique is best for open-book pelvic injury with anterior sacroiliac disruption.