Assessment of sacral osseous fixation pathways for same-level dual transiliac-transsacral screw insertion.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to (1) describe a pre-operative planning technique using non-reformatted CT images for insertion of multiple transiliac-transsacral (TI-TS) screws at a single sacral level, (2) define the parameters of a sacral osseous fixation pathway (OFP) that will allow for insertion of two TI-TS screws at a single level, and (3) identify the incidence of sacral OFPs large enough for dual-screw insertion in a representative patient population. METHODS: Retrospective review at a level-1 academic trauma center of a cohort of patients with unstable pelvic injuries treated with two TI-TS screws in the same sacral OFP, and a control cohort of patients without pelvic injuries who had CT scans for other reasons. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients had two TI-TS screws at S1. Eleven patients, all with dysmorphic osteology, had two TI-TS screws at S2. The average pathway size in the sagittal plane at the level the screws were placed was 17.2 mm in S1 vs 14.4 mm in S2 (p = 0.02). Twenty-one patients (42%) had screws that were intraosseous and 29 (58%) had part of a screw that was juxtaforaminal. No screws were extraosseous. The average OFP size of intraosseous screws was 18.1 mm vs. 15.5 mm for juxtaforaminal screws (p = 0.02). Fourteen millimeters was used as a guide for the lower limit of the OFP for safe dual-screw fixation. Overall, 30% of S1 or S2 pathways were ≥ 14 mm in the control group, with 58% of control patients having at least one of the S1 or S2 pathways ≥ 14 mm. CONCLUSIONS: OFPs ≥ 7.5 mm in the axial plane and 14 mm in the sagittal plane on non-reformatted CT images are large enough for dual-screw fixation at a single sacral level. Overall, 30% of S1 and S2 pathways were ≥ 14 mm and 58% of control patients had an available OFP in at least one sacral level.

Pelvic ring injuries after road and mountain bike accidents.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare patients with traumatic pelvic ring injuries sustained in road and mountain bicycling accidents to evaluate for differences in injury types and hospital courses. METHODS: A retrospective review of 60 patients presenting with pelvic ring injuries after road (n = 46) and mountain (n = 14) bicycling accidents was performed to compare patient/injury characteristics and hospital course. RESULTS: LC1 injuries were the most common pelvic ring injury (n = 31, 51.7%), 38.7% (n = 12) of which were considered unstable, followed by isolated iliac wing (n = 11, 18.3%), pubic rami (n = 6, 10.0%), and sacral fractures (n = 6, 10.0%). Hospital admission was required for 41 (68.3%) patients. The median hospital LOS was 4 days (IQR 2-9) and 12 (20%) patients received operative treatment. Patients in road versus mountain bicycling accidents were more likely to be older tobacco users and were similar in sex, body mass index, and injury severity score. Road bicycling resulted in more LC1 injuries (58.7% vs 28.6%, p = 0.04), while mountain bicycling resulted in more iliac wing fractures (42.9% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.01). Road cycling injuries required more days in the hospital to clear PT (median difference 2, CI 0-4, p = 0.04) and had longer hospital stays (median difference 2, CI 0-6, p = 0.02) but had no difference in the rate of admission, operative intervention, or discharge to rehabilitation facilities. CONCLUSION: The majority of pelvic ring injuries from road and mountain bicycling accidents were LC1 injuries that were frequently unstable and often required hospital admission and operative fixation.

Supraacetabular osseous corridor: defining dimensions, sex differences, and alternatives.

INTRODUCTION: The supraacetabular (SA) corridor extends from the anterior inferior iliac spine to the posterior ilium and can safely accommodate implants to stabilize pelvic and acetabular fractures. However, quantitative analysis of its dimensions and characteristics have not been thoroughly described. This study seeks to define the dimensions, common constriction points, and any alternative trajectories that would maximize the corridor diameter. METHODS: Computed tomography of 100 male and 100 female hemipelves without osseous trauma were evaluated. The corridor boundaries were determined through manual best-fit analysis. The largest intercortical cylinder within the pathway was created and measured. Alternative trajectories were tested within the SA boundaries to identify another orientation that maximized the diameter of the intercortical cylinder. RESULTS: The traditional SA corridor had a mean diameter of 8.3 mm in men and 6.2 mm in women. This difference in diameter is due to a more S-shaped ilium in women. A larger alternative SA corridor was found that had a less limited path through the ilium and measured 11.3 mm in men and 9.9 mm in women. These dimensions are significantly different compared to those of the traditional SA corridor in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: In men, the SA corridor allows for the safe passage of most hardware used in pelvic and acetabular fractures. However, in women, the SA corridor is restricted by a more S-shaped ilium. An alternative trajectory was found that has a significantly larger mean diameter in both sexes. Ultimately, the trajectory of hardware will be dictated by the clinical scenario. When large implants are needed, especially in women, we recommend considering the alternative SA corridor.

Short-term outcomes of 59 dogs treated for ilial body fractures with locking or non-locking plates.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of plating systems on the clinical outcomes in dogs treated for ilial fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Fifty-nine dogs (63 hemipelves). METHODS: Radiographs and medical records of dogs with ilial fractures presented to Iowa State University between 2003 and 2019 were reviewed. After fracture reduction, fractures were fixed with a locking plate system (LPS) or non-locking plate system (NLS). Perioperative, long-term complications, and follow-up data were recorded. The frequency of implant failure and pelvic collapse were compared using a logistic and linear regression analysis, respectively. Where the univariate test was statistically significant, a multivariate analysis across categories was performed to identify statistically different categories. RESULTS: LPS and NLS implants were used in 25/63 and 38/63 hemipelves, respectively. Median follow-up time was 8 weeks (3-624 weeks). Implant failure occurred in 18/63 (29%) of fracture repairs, consisting of 17 with NLS and 1 with LPS. Revision surgery was recommended in five cases of implant failure, all with NLS. The probability of implant failure was higher when fractures were fixed with NLS (p = .0056). All other variables evaluated did not seem to influence outcome measures. CONCLUSION: The variable with the most influence on the outcomes of dogs treated for ilial fractures consisted of the fixation method (NLS vs. LPS). Fractures repaired with NLS were nearly 20 times more likely to fail than those repaired with LPS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgeons should consider repairing ilial body fractures in dogs with LPS to reduce the risk of short-term implant failure.

Lack of Abdominal Stability and Control as a Possible Contributor to Rectus Femoris Avulsion Fracture in the Adolescent Soccer Player: A Case Report.

PURPOSE: To describe evaluation and physical therapy treatment for an athlete who is male and 13 years old with healing bilateral rectus femoris avulsion fractures. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: Fractures of the anterior inferior iliac spine may be linked to poor abdominal stability in soccer athletes who are male and an adolescent. The development and use of an abdominal stability screening tool could be an efficient and effective way to determine fracture risk and guide prevention programs. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Following 8 weeks of conservative physical therapy treatment, the athlete met all goals and returned to pain-free soccer activities without residual impairments. Four months following discharge, he reported full participation in soccer competition without complications. This case illustrates that abdominal weakness is a potential risk factor for anterior inferior iliac spine avulsion fracture. Screening for abdominal weakness and incorporating preventative programs into training regimens is recommended to prevent anterior inferior iliac spine injuries in this population.

Comparative study of sacroiliac screw placement guided by 3D-printed template technology and X-ray fluoroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect of 3D-printed template technology with X-ray fluoroscopy in assisting surgery for sacroiliac screws placement. DESIGN: Institutional review board-approved retrospective analysis. PATIENTS: The clinical data of 31 cases of sacroiliac complex injury between January 2015 and December 2016 were analyzed. There were 16 patients, males 11 and females 5, who underwent surgery assisted by 3D-printed template in template group, and that of contemporaneous 15 patients, males 11 and females 4, who underwent traditional surgery were gathered as fluoroscopy group. All those patients were followed up for more than 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The operation time and X-ray fluoroscopy times for each screw placement, and the Matta and Majeed score were analyzed and the difference between the two group was tested. RESULTS: All cases were followed up for 6-20 months, average 11.4 ± 0.6 months. In template group, 19 screws were implanted. Each screw spent 25-38 min, average 27.2 ± 5.3 min, and need 2-5 times fluoroscopy, average 2.7 ± 0.5. The fracture reduction quality was evaluated by Matta score scale: excellent 10, well 4, fair 2, good rate 87.5%; and pelvic function were evaluated by Majeed score scale: excellent 11, well 3, fair 2, and good rate 87.5%. In fluoroscopy group, 17 screws were implanted. Each screw spent 45-70 min, average 60.3 ± 5.8 min, and needs 11-23 times fluoroscopy, average 15.4 ± 3.5. The fracture reduction quality was evaluated by Matta score scale: excellent 7, well 6, fair 2, and good rate 86.7%; and pelvic function was evaluated by Majeed score scale: excellent 6, well 6, fair 3, and good rate 80.0%. The difference in operation time, X-ray fluoroscopy times between template group and fluoroscopy group had statistical significance. But the Matta and Majeed score had no difference between two groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional surgery, 3D-printed template technology-assisted surgery for sacroiliac screws placement in sacroiliac complex injury patients possesses advantage such as shortened operation time and reduced X-ray exposure times. This technology improves the safety profile of this operation and should be further studied in future clinical applications.

Right iliac bone pathological fracture mimicking acute appendicitis.

Simple bone cyst (SBC) also known as unicameral bone cyst is a benign, radiolucent bone lesion that is seen commonly in childhood. These lesions are usually found incidentally although pain and swelling can be seen. The most common complication is a pathological fracture, and this is often the cause of presentation. Here, we present a 22-year-old male with right lower quadrant pain due to SBC related pathological fracture of right iliac bone which is mimicking acute appendicitis.

Medial iliac stress fractures in athletes: report of two rare cases: review of literature and clinical recommendations.

Stress fractures are a common diagnosis in sports medicine and can result in significant loss of function, athlete playing time, and potentially lead to chronic symptoms. However, unusual locations of stress fractures may present with vague symptoms and a relatively benign physical exam, leading to difficulty in arriving at the correct diagnosis. Pelvic stress fractures are less common than lower-extremity stress fractures in athletes, occurring in only 1-5% of all stress fractures and typically occur in pubic rami. Furthermore, iliac bone stress fractures are even rarer, with only a few case reports in the literature. Their presentation can easily be missed on routine workup and imaging. We present two cases of the very rare superomedial iliac bone stress fracture in athletes, an unusual location for this uncommon stress fracture. We review the available literature on this condition and provide clinical commentary on workup and treatment recommendations.

Isolated iliac wing fractures : are they really that benign?

The aim of this study was to review the incidence, management and outcome of isolated iliac wing fractures and to compare them with other type A, B and C fractures. From 2004 to 2015, the data of 547 patient with a pelvic fracture regarding age, gender, RTS, ISS, treatment, complications and mortality were analyzed and a comparison was made between iliac wing fractures and the other pelvic fractures. We encountered 30 isolated iliac wing fractures. The ISS, shock class, transfusion rate, complications and mortality were comparable to those of patients with an unstable pelvic fracture. Concomitant injuries were observed in 93% of the patients. None of the fractures were operatively stabilized. Isolated iliac wing fractures are rare, and operative stabilization of the fracture itself is often not necessary. However, these fractures are serious injuries with characteristics resembling those of patients with an unstable pelvic ring injury.

The "Well-Cap" Technique: Screw Insertion for Pelvic Nutrient Foramen Hemostasis.

Several approaches to the pelvis and acetabulum involve subperiosteal dissection of the iliacus from the internal iliac fossa.Typically bleeding is encountered from the nutrient foramen located near the sacroiliac joint. Bone wax and electrocautery have traditionally been used to achieve hemostasis from this foramen but produce inconsistent results.The authors of this technical tip describe a novel technique of inserting a cortical screw directly into the foramen tocontrol osseous hemorrhage.This technique has been consistently effective at achieving hemostasis in cases of refractory bleeding and has produced no complications. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 27(3):246-250, 2018).

Morphological dynamics of bone tissue reparative regeneration during the implantation of biocomposite "syntekost" into the cavity of the traumatic defect of the iliac crest of a rabbit in the experiment.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: The problem of bone tissue regeneration and the development of the methods of directional influence on bone healing processes are one of the most urgent problems of modern medicine. The question of bone tissue posttraumatic regeneration is particularly important with regard to military conflicts, ecological and technological disasters, and has social and economic relevance, connected with the necessity of long-term treatment and medical rehabilitation. The aim: The objective of the work is the experimental evaluation of bone tissue reparative regeneration during the implantation of biocomposite "Syntekost" (patent for invention №98573 dated 25.05.2012 Ukraine), and аlso dynamics determination of bone tissue reparative regeneration after its application during a year. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The experiment was carried out on 24 rabbits. All the rabbits were divided into three groups. Penetrating bone damages on the edge of the proximal tibial metaphysis and diaphysis with the diameter of 2,2 mm were formed in the rabbits of the first group using intravenous anesthetic and the dynamics of the reparative regeneration of bone tissue of the iliac crest was studied in 6, 9 and 12 months, without using composite "Syntekost" (control group - 8 rabbits). Penetrating bone damageson the edge of the proximal tibial metaphysis and diaphysis with the diameter of 2,2 mm were formed in the rabbits of the second group and biocomposite "Syntekost" was implantated into them (8 rabbits). Penetrating bone damages on the edge of the proximal tibial metaphysis and diaphysis with the diameter of 2,2 mm were formed in the rabbits of the third group and biocomposite "Syntekost" was implantated into them together with blood plasma and ossein-hydroxyapatite (8 rabbits). RESULTS: Results: In all stages the research showed the significantly higher percentage of splenial bone tissue both in the rabbits that had biocomposite "Syntekost" implanted withoutblood plasma and ossein-hydroxyapatite and in the rabbits that had biocomposite "Syntekost" implanted with blood plasma and ossein-hydroxyapatite in comparison with the one of the rabbits that didn't have biocomposite "Syntekost" implanted after having been injured (р < 0,05). In all stages of the research the rabbits that had biocomposite "Biokost" implanted together with blood plasma and ossein-hydroxyapatite had the significantly higher percentage of neogenic splenial bone tissue and the significantly lower percentage of biocomposite "Syntekost" comparing to the ones of the rabbits that had biocomposite "Syntekost" implanted without blood plasma and ossein-hydroxyapatite (р < 0,05). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The application of blood plasma and ossein-hydroxyapatite accelerates bone tissue regeneration and the process of biodegradation of biocomposite "Syntekost" throughout the experiment. In all stages of the experiment no toxic influence of biocomposite "Syntekost" on the surrounding bone tissue was found.

Operative treatment of pelvic apophyseal avulsions in adolescent and young adult athletes: a follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic apophyseal avulsion can limit young athletes' performance for months and may result in permanent disability. Nonoperative treatment is most commonly preferred, while surgical management with reduction and fixation is reserved for selected cases. Our aim was to evaluate outcomes of operative management of pelvic apophyseal avulsions in a series of adolescents and young adult athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Operative room registries and medical records were reviewed to identify patients who received surgical treatment for pelvic apophyseal avulsions who were younger than 24 years and with a minimum of 12 month follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (16.8 years ± 2.6) were identified. The most common avulsion sites were anterior inferior iliac spine (34.4%, N = 11) and ischial tuberosity (34.4%, N = 11). Other avulsions were five cases (15.6%) of the pubic apophysis, four cases (12.5%) of the anterior superior iliac spine apophysis and one case of the iliac crest apophysis. Seventeen cases (53.1%) underwent surgery early, i.e., during the first 3 months after the acute injury. Twenty-two cases (68.8%) involved reduction with internal fixation, and six cases (18.8%) involved resection of the fragment. Twenty-six athletes (81.3%, N = 26) reported good outcomes and were able to return to preinjury sports level. Six patients (18.8%) had moderate outcome and reported activity limitations during high-level sports. Large displacement (> 20 mm) or delayed (> 3 months) surgery was not associated with inferior outcomes (P = 0.690 and P = 0.392, respectively). Injury side (P = 0.61) or gender (P = 0.345) did not affect outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Operative management of pelvic apophyseal avulsion results in return to the preinjury sports level in more than 80% of the cases. However, while both acute surgery for large displacement and delayed intervention for failed nonoperative treatment are generally successful in improving sports function in these cases, comparative studies are required to refine criteria for surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, IV.

A biomechanical comparison of conventional dynamic compression plates and string-of-pearls™ locking plates using cantilever bending in a canine Ilial fracture model.

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the ilium is common orthopedic injury that often requires surgical stabilization in canine patients. Of the various methods of surgical stabilization available, application of a lateral bone plate to the ilium is the most common method of fixation. Many plating options are available, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties of a 3.5 mm String-of-Pearls™ plate and a 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate in a cadaveric canine ilial fracture model. Hemipelves were tested in cantilever bending to failure and construct stiffness, yield load, displacement at yield, ultimate load, and mode of failure were compared. RESULTS: The mean stiffness of dynamic compression plate (116 ± 47 N/mm) and String-of-Pearls™ plate (107 ± 18 N/mm) constructs, mean yield load of dynamic compression plate (793 ± 333 N) and String-of-Pearls™ plate (860 ± 207 N) constructs, mean displacement at yield of dynamic compression plate (8.6 ± 3.0 mm) and String-of-Pearls™ plate (10.2 ± 2.8 mm) constructs, and ultimate load at failure of dynamic compression plate (936 ± 320 N) and String-of-Pearls™ plate (939 ± 191 N) constructs were not significantly different. No differences were found between constructs with respect to mode of failure. CONCLUSIONS: No significant biomechanical differences were found between String-of-Pearls™ plate and dynamic compression plate constructs in this simplified cadaveric canine ilial fracture model.

Evaluation of perforated demineralized dentin scaffold on bone regeneration in critical-size sheep iliac defects.

OBJECTIVES: Regenerating critical-size bone injury is a major problem that continues to inspire the design of new graft materials. Therefore, tissue engineering has become a novel approach for targeting bone regeneration applications. Human teeth are a rich source of stem cells, matrix, trace metal ions, and growth factors. A vital tooth-derived demineralized dentin matrix is acid-insoluble and composed of cross-linked collagen with growth factors. In this study, we recycled human non-functional tooth into a unique geometric dentin scaffold, entitled perforated root-demineralized dentin matrix (PR-DDM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of PR-DDM as the scaffold for regenerating bone in critical-size iliac defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Artificial macro-pores (1 mm in diameter) were added to human vital wisdom tooth after removing the enamel and pulp portions. The modified tooth was demineralized in 0.34 N HNO3 for 30 min and is referred to as PR-DDM scaffold. Critical-size defect (10 mm × 15 mm × 9 mm Ø) was created in the iliac crest of six adult sheep. The in vivo bone regeneration by the scaffold was evaluated by micro-CT, 3D micro-CT, and histological examination at 2 and 4 months post-implantation. RESULTS: PR-DDM exhibited better bone ingrowth, especially in the artificial macro-pores. The results of micro-CT and 3D micro-CT revealed good union between scaffold and native bone. New bone formation was observed in almost all portions of PR-DDM. Higher bone volume inside the scaffold was detected at 4 months compared with 2 months. New bone ingrowth was ankylosed with PR-DDM, and both osteoinduction and osteoconduction capability of PR-DDM were confirmed histologically. The ratio of new bone formation was higher at 4 months compared with 2 months by histomorphometric analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, these results demonstrated that the human tooth-derived graft material with a unique geometric structure, PR-DDM, contributed to active bone ingrowth in critical-size bone defects. This novel scaffold may have great utility in the near-future clinical application.

Gunshot Wound in an 18-Year-Old Woman, Inflicted With a Hunting Weapon Through an Obstacle (Mobile Phone): Reconstruction of Events.

The article presents a case of an 18-year-old woman wounded by a shot fired from a distance with a hunting weapon. Because the location of the entrance and exit wounds initially seemed inconsistent with the reports (both wounds were described as "large and irregular in shape") and no photographs documenting the inflicted injuries were taken, the case was referred for an opinion to the Department of Forensic Medicine in Lodz. After a review of the medical records, radiology, the victim's clothing, and performance of an experiment using the gun and ammunition, it was established that the entrance wound was located on the abdomen, and the exit wound was located on the buttock. The initial problems with recognizing the entrance and exit wounds encountered by the surgical team were caused by bullet deformation. Before hitting the body, the projectile pierced a mobile phone that was in the pocket of the woman's jacket, subsequently causing a large atypical secondary entrance wound. The experiment confirmed that, when the projectile passed through an obstacle with consequent deformation, it caused more extensive gunshot wounds, both at the entrance and at the exit, as well as more severe damage to the bones.

An Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Avulsion Fracture in a 14-Year Old Boy on Human Growth Hormone.

We present the case of a young man with an anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) avulsion fracture who was taking human growth hormone (HGH) at the time his injury was diagnosed. He presented with chronic hip pain and no traumatic event. Physical exam revealed symptoms of hip impingement. Upon imaging, he was diagnosed with an AIIS avulsion fracture and underwent surgical repair. He returned to full activity six months post-operatively. At 18-months post-operatively, he was pain-free and performing all activities without difficulty. The role of HGH in his injury or recovery is not well understood and must be studied with large database studies.

Surgical treatment of two adolescent athletes with dislocated avulsion fracture of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).

INTRODUCTION: Avulsion fractures of the anterior superior iliac spine are rare. Therefore, evidence-based treatment guidelines do not exist. The therapeutic options are either conservative treatment or surgical intervention. The decision depends on grade of dislocation, age of the patient, and his sportive demands and competitive requirements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present the cases of two young athletes suffering from traumatic avulsion fractures of the anterior superior iliac spine. In both cases, the musculotendinous unit (sartorius muscle and tensor of the fascia lata) remained attached to the loose dislocated fragment. Both patients were treated by means of open reduction with a new surgical technique using suture anchors. RESULTS: Both patients were pain-free 4 weeks after surgery and had full range of motion. They were able to return to their preoperative sportive activity levels 10 weeks after surgery. No complications were reported at final follow-up 18 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Operative treatment of avulsion fracture of the ASIS using suture anchors shows excellent clinical outcome and a short convalescence period. The patients achieve their preinjury sportive levels within 3 months.

JOURNAL CLUB: Quantification of Fetal Dose Reduction if Abdominal CT Is Limited to the Top of the Iliac Crests in Pregnant Patients With Trauma.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to correlate fetal z-axis location within the maternal abdomen on CT with gestational age and estimate fetal dose reduction of a study limited to the abdomen only, with its lower aspect at the top of the iliac crests, compared with full abdominopelvic CT in pregnant trauma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a study of pregnant patients who underwent CT of the abdomen and pelvis for trauma at a single institution over a 10-year period. The inferior aspect of maternal liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, adrenals, and kidneys was recorded as above or below the iliac crests. The distance from the iliac crest to the top of the fetus or gestational sac was determined. The CT images of the limited and full scanning studies were independently reviewed by two blinded radiologists to identify traumatic injuries. Fetal dose profiles, including both scatter and primary radiation, were computed analytically along the central axis of the patient to estimate fetal dose reduction. Linear regression analysis was performed between gestational age and distance of the fetus to the iliac crests. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included (mean age, 26.2 years). Gestational age ranged from 5 to 38 weeks, with 5, 19, and 11 gestations in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. All solid organs were above the iliac crests in all patients. In three of six patients, traumatic findings in the pelvis would have been missed with the limited study. There was high correlation between gestational age and distance of the fetus to the iliac crests (R(2) = 0.84). The mean gestational age at which the top of the fetus was at the iliac crest was 17.3 weeks. Using the limited scanning study, fetuses at 5, 20, and 40 weeks of gestation would receive an estimated 4.3%, 26.2%, and 59.9% of the dose, respectively, compared with the dose for the full scanning study. CONCLUSION: In pregnant patients in our series with a history of trauma, CT of the abdomen only was an effective technique to reduce fetal radiation exposure compared with full abdomen and pelvis CT.

Do Transsacral-transiliac Screws Across Uninjured Sacroiliac Joints Affect Pain and Functional Outcomes in Trauma Patients?

BACKGROUND: Patients with pelvic ring displacement and instability can benefit from surgical reduction and instrumentation to stabilize the pelvis and improve functional outcomes. Current treatments include iliosacral screw or transsacral-transiliac screw, which provides greater biomechanical stability. However, controversy exists regarding the effects of placement of a screw across an uninjured sacroiliac joint for pelvis stabilization after trauma. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Does transsacral-transiliac screw fixation of an uninjured sacroiliac joint increase pain and worsen functional outcomes at minimum 1-year followup compared with patients undergoing standard iliosacral screw fixation across the injured sacroiliac joint in patients who have sustained pelvic trauma? METHODS: All patients between ages 18 and 84 years who sustained injuries to the pelvic ring (AO/OTA 61 A, B, C) who were surgically treated between 2011 and 2013 at an academic Level I trauma center were identified for selection. We included patients with unilateral sacroiliac disruption or sacral fractures treated with standard iliosacral screws across an injured hemipelvis and/or transsacral-transiliac screws placed in the posterior ring. Transsacral-transiliac screws were generally more likely to be used in patients with vertically unstable sacral injuries of the posterior ring as a result of previous reports of failures or in osteopenic patients. We excluded patients with bilateral posterior pelvic ring injuries, fixation with a device other than a screw, previous pelvic or acetabular fractures, associated acetabular fractures, and ankylosing spondylitis. Of the 110 patients who met study criteria, 53 (44%) were available for followup at least 12 months postinjury. Sixty patients were unable to be contacted by phone or mail and seven declined to participate in the study. Outcomes were obtained by members of the research team using the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score for both posterior sacroiliac joints, Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA), and Majeed scores. Patients completed the forms by themselves when able to return to the clinic. A phone interview was performed for others after they received the outcome forms by mail or email. RESULTS: There were no differences between iliosacral and transsacral-transiliac in terms of VAS injured (2.9 ± 2.9 versus 3.0 ± 2.8, mean difference = 0.1 [95% confidence interval, -1.6 to 1.7], p = 0.91), VAS uninjured (1.8 ± 2.4 versus 2.0 ± 2.6, mean difference = 0.2 [-1.3 to 1.6], p = 0.82), Majeed (80.3 ± 19.9, 79.3 ± 17.5, mean difference = 1.0 [-11.6 to 9.6], p = 0.92), SMFA Function (22.8 ± 22.2, 21.0 ± 17.6, mean difference = 1.8 [-13.2 to 9.6], p = 0.29, and SMFA Bother (24.3 ± 23.8, 29.7 ± 23.4, mean difference = 5.4 [-7.8 to 18.6], p = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Placement of fixation across a contralateral, uninjured sacroiliac joint resulted in no differences in pain and function when compared with standard iliosacral screw placement across an injured hemipelvis at least 1 year after instrumentation. When needed for biomechanical stability, transsacral-transiliac fixation across an uninjured sacroiliac joint can be used without expectation of positive or negative effects on pain or functional outcomes at minimum 1-year followup. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Does Surgical Stabilization of Lateral Compression-type Pelvic Ring Fractures Decrease Patients' Pain, Reduce Narcotic Use, and Improve Mobilization?

BACKGROUND: Debate remains over the role of surgical treatment in minimally displaced lateral compression (Young-Burgess, LC, OTA 61-B1/B2) pelvic ring injuries. Lateral compression type 1 (LC1) injuries are defined by an impaction fracture at the sacrum; type 2 (LC2) are defined by a fracture that extends through the posterior iliac wing at the level of the sacroiliac joint. Some believe that operative stabilization of these fractures limits pain and eases mobilization, but to our knowledge there are few controlled studies on the topic. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Does operative stabilization of LC1 and LC2 pelvic fractures decrease patients' narcotic use and lower their visual analog scale pain scores? (2) Does stabilization allow patients to mobilize earlier with physical therapy? METHODS: This retrospective study of LC1 and LC2 fractures evaluated patients treated definitively at one institution from 2007 to 2013. All patients treated surgically, all nonoperative LC2, and all nonoperative LC1 fractures with complete sacral injury were included. In general, LC1 or LC2 fractures with greater than 10 mm of displacement and/or sagittal/axial plane deformity on static radiographs were treated surgically. One hundred fifty-eight patients in the LC1 group (107 [of 697 screened] nonoperative, 51 surgical) and 123 patients in the LC2 group (78 nonoperative, 45 surgical) met inclusion criteria. The surgical and nonoperative groups were matched for fracture type. To account for differences between patients treated surgically and nonoperatively, we used propensity modeling techniques incorporating treatment predictors. Propensity scores demonstrated good overlap and were used as part of multiple variable regression models to account for selection bias between the surgically treated and nonoperative groups. Patient-reported pain scores and narcotic administration were tallied in 24-hour increments during the first 24 hours of hospitalization, at 48 hours after intervention, and in the 24 hours before discharge. Time from intervention to mobilization out of bed was recorded; intervention was defined as the date of definitive surgical intervention or the day the surgeon determined the patient would be treated without surgery. RESULTS: There was no difference in the narcotics distributed to any of the groups with the exception that the patients with surgically treated LC2 fractures used, on average (mean [95% confidence interval]) 40.2 (-72.9 to -7.6) mg morphine less at the 48-hour mark (p = 0.016). In general, there were no differences between the groups' pain scores. The surgically treated patients with LC1 fractures mobilized 1.7 (-3.3 to -0.01) days earlier (p = 0.034) than their nonoperative counterparts. There was no difference in the LC2 cohort in terms of time to mobilization between those treated with and without surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There were few differences in pain scores and morphine use between the surgical and nonoperative groups, and the differences observed likely were not clinically important. We found no evidence that surgical stabilization of certain LC1 and LC2 pelvic fractures improves patients' pain, decreases their narcotic use, and improves time to mobilization. A randomized trial of patients with similar fractures and similar degrees initial displacement would help remove some of the confounders present in this study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.