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Complications after percutaneous internal fixator for anterior pelvic ring injuries

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Abstract

Objectives

The aim of the study is to report on the observed incidence of complications following pedicle screw and rod internal fixator (INFIX) stabilization of pelvic ring fractures.

Methods

In a retrospective review of consecutive patient series conducted in a University level 1 trauma hospital, 43 patients (21 female and eight male), mean age 64.2 (range 16-87) with OTA/AO type B or C pelvic ring fractures received percutaneous pedicle screw and rod internal fixator (INFIX) anterior stabilization of pelvic ring fractures; 29 fulfilled inclusion criteria with three months’ minimal follow-up or known complication. Mean follow-up was 7.2 months. Main outcome measure was the incidence of complications and adverse outcomes.

Results

Fourteen (48.3%) had injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Three (10.3%) had chronic pain of the pelvis not related to the LFCN. Five out of 29 (17%) of patients had unplanned removal before six weeks with two due to early loosening, one femoral nerve palsy, one deep infection and one painful implant impingement. There were no patients with deep vein thrombosis, no intra-abdominal violations or vascular complications; 22 (76%) returned to their premorbid walking status.

Conclusion

With high risk of LFCN injury, we caution against liberal use of the INFIX in patients with stable fractures where conservative treatment may be more appropriate. Most complications occurring from INFIX are self-limiting.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics and traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China

    Christian Fang

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, RWTH University of Aachen, 30 Pauwels street, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    Hatem Alabdulrahman

  3. Department of Trauma, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistr. 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland

    Hans-Christophe Pape

Authors
  1. Christian Fang
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  2. Hatem Alabdulrahman
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  3. Hans-Christophe Pape
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Correspondence to Christian Fang.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this study.

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There is no funding source.

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Ethics committee approval is not required in the authors centre for this study type.

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Informed consent was obtained from all participants included in the study.

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Fang, C., Alabdulrahman, H. & Pape, HC. Complications after percutaneous internal fixator for anterior pelvic ring injuries. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 41, 1785–1790 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-017-3415-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-017-3415-4

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