Functional results of surgically treated paediatric pelvic fractures are as good as conservatively treated ones: retrospective evaluation of 64 patients.

INTRODUCTION

Paediatric pelvic fractures are rare injuries. In such cases, the measurement of spinopelvic parameters is important in objectively evaluating pelvic asymmetry. This study investigated functional outcomes after the treatment of paediatric pelvic fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients aged 10-18 years who were admitted to our level 1 trauma centre were included in this retrospective study. Spinopelvic parameters were used to evaluate functional outcomes, and the changes of spinopelvic parameters in patients treated surgically and conservatively were compared. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) and Pelvic Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score were calculated. Haemoglobin decreases in the first 24 h, and blood transfusion amounts were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were treated during the study period, 28 (47%) surgically and 32 (53%) conservatively. No statistically significant differences in spinopelvic parameter measurements were observed between the groups (p > 0.05). There were also statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of haemoglobin decrease (p = 0.026) and transfusion amounts (p = 0.049) in the first 24 h; ISS and Pelvic AIS scores (p = 0.003), with values being higher in the surgery group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study aimed to evaluate the appropriate treatment of paediatric pelvic trauma and present quantitative data on functional outcomes for the first time in the literature. Surgery is the main treatment approach for displaced paediatric pelvic fractures to prevent deformity and complications. In this study, there was no statistically significant difference between the spinopelvic parameter measurements of patients who underwent surgical treatment and those who received conservative treatment (p > 0.05). This indicates that when unstable paediatric pelvic fractures are treated surgically, the outcomes are comparable to those achieved through conservative treatment. Studies with longer follow-up are needed to better demonstrate functional outcomes.