[Osteoporotic fractures of the posterior pelvic ring : Minimally invasive stabilization via transiliac internal fixation].

OBJECTIVE

Minimally invasive stabilization of osteoporotic fractures of the posterior pelvic ring to ensure rapid and low-pain mobilization and timely fracture healing while avoiding progressive fracture instability.

INDICATIONS

Primarily unstable osteoporotic fractures of the posterior pelvic ring, in particular sacroiliac fracture dislocations (OF 5) and bilateral sacral fractures (OF 4), unilateral sacral fractures (OF 3) in constellations indicating a higher degree of instability. In addition to the type of fracture, important clinical parameters and modifiers that indicate greater instability should be taken into account when deciding on treatment options. An important aid for decision-making is the OF Pelvis Score, in which a score above 8 indicates surgical treatment.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Major soft tissue damage, decubital ulcers or infections at the surgical site; voluminous implants or defect zones/osteolysis in the transiliac screw corridor; sacroiliac dislocation fractures with a large crescent fragment, which are treated similarly to iliac fractures; high degree of vertical instability with the need for spinopelvic support.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Fluoroscopically assisted minimally invasive implantation of long large-caliber polyaxial screws in both transiliac screw corridors, subfascial insertion of a connecting rod, fixation on both sides with set screws.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Rapid mobilization with weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT).

RESULTS

Between 5/2024 and 3/2025, 10 patients underwent transiliac internal fixation (TIFI) surgery for unstable fractures of the posterior pelvic ring: in 8 cases alone and in the remaining 2 cases in combination with osteosynthesis of the anterior pelvic ring. In 1 patient, the wound had to be revised due to a suture granuloma, otherwise there were no complications requiring revision. In all cases, postoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging confirmed the correct position of the implant. Stabilization of the posterior pelvic ring using TIFI is a minimally invasive, safe and highly stable osteosynthesis with a relatively simple surgical technique.