Outcome analysis of pelvic ring fractures.

BACKGROUND: The behavior of pelvic ring fractures in the long run has been very sparsely studied. The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term outcome of pelvic ring fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 patients with pelvic ring fractures, not involving the acetabulum, were followed up for an average duration of 33 months (range 24-49 months). The clinicoradiological assessment was done using the pelvic scoring system adapted from Cole et al. Parameters assessed included sacroiliac (SI) joint involvement and, among SI joint injuries, the presence of a fracture disruption and the degree of displacement.

RESULTS: Pain and limp were present in 13 patients (54.2%) each and residual working disability in 9 patients (37.5%). The overall Cole's pelvic score was 31.3 +/- 7.02 of a total score of 40. The average pelvic score in patients with SI disruption was 29.2 +/- 6.75; much lower than patients without SI disruption with an average score of 34.9 +/- 6.25 reaching statistical significance. The pelvic score among patients with a displacement 10 mm 25.88 +/- 7.14. The difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic ring injuries can lead to long term problems significantly. The involvement of the SI joint affects the long-term outcome adversely, more so if the residual displacement is >10 mm. The pelvic scoring system is comprehensive and depicts subtle differences in the outcome, which the individual parameters of the assessment fail to show.