Treatment of pelvic fractures through a less invasive ilioinguinal approach combined with a minimally invasive posterior approach

BACKGROUND Unstable pelvic fractures usually result from high-energy trauma. There are several treatment modalities available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of a new less invasive ilioinguinal approach combined with a minimally invasive posterior approach technique in patients with unstable pelvic fractures. We also address the feasibility, validity, and limitations of the technique. METHODS Thirty-seven patients with unstable pelvic fractures were treated with our minimally invasive technique. The anterior pelvic ring fractures were treated with a less invasive ilioinguinal approach, and the sacral fractures were treated with a minimally invasive posterior approach. The clinical outcome was measured using the Majeed scoring system, and the quality of fracture reduction was evaluated. The patients were followed up for 13 to 60 months (mean, 24 months). RESULTS Anatomical or near to anatomical reduction was achieved in 26 (70.3 %) of the anterior pelvic ring fractures and a satisfactory result was obtained in another 11(29.7 %). For the posterior sacral fractures, excellent reduction was obtained in 33 (89.2 %) of the fractures, with a residual deformity in the other 4 patients. One superficial wound infection and two deep vein thromboses occurred, all of which resolved with conservative treatment. The clinical outcome at one year was "excellent" in 29 patients and "good" in 8 patients (Majeed score). CONCLUSIONS The satisfactory results showed that a reduction and fixation of unstable pelvic fractures is possible through a combination of a limited ilioinguinal approach and posterior pelvic ring fixation. We believe our method is a new and effective alternative in the management of pelvic fractures.