Outcome analysis of pelvic ring fractures.

BACKGROUND

The behavior of pelvic ring fractures in the long run has been very sparsely studied. The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term outcome of pelvic ring fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 24 patients with pelvic ring fractures, not involving the acetabulum, were followed up for an average duration of 33 months (range 24-49 months). The clinicoradiological assessment was done using the pelvic scoring system adapted from Cole et al. Parameters assessed included sacroiliac (SI) joint involvement and, among SI joint injuries, the presence of a fracture disruption and the degree of displacement.

RESULTS

Pain and limp were present in 13 patients (54.2%) each and residual working disability in 9 patients (37.5%). The overall Cole's pelvic score was 31.3 +/- 7.02 of a total score of 40. The average pelvic score in patients with SI disruption was 29.2 +/- 6.75; much lower than patients without SI disruption with an average score of 34.9 +/- 6.25 reaching statistical significance. The pelvic score among patients with a displacement </=10 mm was 33.0 +/- 3.92 and with a displacement >10 mm 25.88 +/- 7.14. The difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Pelvic ring injuries can lead to long term problems significantly. The involvement of the SI joint affects the long-term outcome adversely, more so if the residual displacement is >10 mm. The pelvic scoring system is comprehensive and depicts subtle differences in the outcome, which the individual parameters of the assessment fail to show.