Failure of Internal Fixation of The Anterior Ring For Unstable Pelvic Fractures, The Experience of A Single Institute

Background: This study aimed to share our experience of anterior ring fixation failure for unstable pelvic fractures and propose corresponding treatment strategies. Materials: From January 2009 to December 2018, 93 patients with pelvic fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with failure of the anterior ring internal fixation within 3 months after initial surgery were analyzed. Quality of reduction was evaluated using the Majeed scoring system. Results: According to the Tile classification of fracture, there were 23 cases of type B1, 17 cases of type B2, 11 cases of type B3, 28 cases of type C1, 6 cases of type C2, and 8 cases of type C3. The duration from injury to pelvic internal fixation ranged from 5-28 days. Seven out of 93 patients experienced failure of internal fixation of the anterior pelvic ring within 3 months, including 2 patients fixed with an external fixator and 5 patients were fixed with a plate. Five patients undergoing revision surgery were followed up for 6-36 months with an average of 18 months. According to Majeedscore at the last follow-up, there were 2 cases of excellent, 2 cases of good, 1 case of fair, and the excellent and good rate reached 80%. Conclusion: The treatment of complicated unstable pelvic fractures requires early multidisciplinary cooperation, proper management of hemodynamic stability and other comorbidities, and performing internal fixation surgery within 2 weeks. It is necessary to make a preoperative plan and stabilize the posterior ring first, avoiding a single steel plate crossing the pubic symphysis.