Lumbopelvic fixation with S2 alar-iliac screws for U-shaped sacral fractures.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the surgical methods and clinical effects of lumbopelvic fixation (LPF) with S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screws for U-shaped sacral fractures.

METHODS

From December 2019 to August 2020, 14 patients with U-shaped sacral fractures were treated with LPF using S2AI screws. Demographics, fracture classification, mechanism of injury, surgical treatment, complications and clinical results were assessed. All patients had a LPF with or without nerve decompression. The reduction quality was evaluated according to the Matta criteria. Neurological function was evaluated according to the Gibbons grading. The activities of daily life were evaluated according to the Majeed scoring system at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 14 consecutive patients with U-shaped sacral fractures, the age at injury ranged from 13 to 72 years (average 30.3 ± 17.5 years). There were 4 males and 10 females. All patients were followed up for 6-15 months (average 7.8 ± 2.7 months). Thirteen patients were fixed with bilateral S2AI screws, and one patient was fixed only unilaterally due to unilateral spinopelvic dissociation. The excellent and good rate of postoperative pelvic reduction quality was 92% (excellent 10, good 3, fair 1). At the latest follow-up, the excellent and good rate of pelvic function was 100% (excellent 9, good 5) and all patients achieved different extents of neurological recovery. One patient had a postoperative superficial surgical site infection, which healed after debridement. Radiological examination at 3-6 months after operation showed that all fractures had healed. No complications were found in any patients during follow-up, such as implant fracture, loss of reduction, deep wound infection, wound dehiscence and screw protrusion discomfort.

CONCLUSION

LPF with S2AI screws for the treatment of U-shaped sacral fractures has exhibited distinct advantages, including firm fixation, a low rate of surgical site complications and satisfactory clinical efficacy. This approach provides sufficient stability to accelerate the commencement of postoperative rehabilitation.