Insertion sites of iliosacral screws on the posterior ilium: Implications for posterior pelvic fixation.

OBJECTIVES: Lateral compression type II pelvic ring injuries can be treated with fixation through open or percutaneous approaches depending on the injury pattern and available osseous fixation pathways. The start site of iliosacral screws to stabilize these injuries should be on the unstable posterior iliac fragment; however, our understanding of start sites for iliosacral screws has not been developed. The purpose of this study is to provide an analysis of iliosacral screw start sites on the posterior ilium to help guide treatment of pelvic ring injuries. METHODS: One-hundred and seventeen consecutive patients at an academic level I trauma center with pelvic ring injuries who underwent surgical treatment with iliosacral screws were included in the final analysis. The start sites of iliosacral screws with confirmed intraosseous placement on a postoperative computed tomography were mapped on the posterior ilium and analyzed according to the sacral segment and type of iliosacral screw. RESULTS: One-hundred and seventeen patients were included in the final analysis. Of the total of 272 iliosacral screw insertion sites analyzed, 145 (53%) were sacroiliac-style screws and 127 (47%) were transsacral screws. The insertion sites for sacroiliac-style screws and transsacral screws at different sacral segment levels can vary but have predictable regions on the posterior ilium relative to reliable osseous landmarks. CONCLUSIONS: Iliosacral screws start sites on the posterior ilium have reliable regions that can be used to plan posterior fixation of pelvic ring injuries.

Does local fat thickness correlate with post-operative infection in open reduction and internal fixation of acetabulum fractures?

PURPOSE: Obesity is an epidemic which increases risk of many surgical procedures. Previous studies in spine and hip arthroplasty have shown that fat thickness measured on preoperative imaging may be as or more reliable in assessment of risk of post-operative infection and/or wound complications than body mass index (BMI). We hypothesized that, similarly, increased local fat thickness at the surgical site is a predictor of wound complication in acetabulum fracture surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of an acetabulum fracture through a Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) approach at a single institution from 2013 to 2020 were identified. Pre-operative CT scans were used to measure fat thickness from the skin to the greater trochanter in line with the surgical approach. Post-operative infections and wound complications were recorded and associated with fat thickness and BMI. RESULTS: 238 patients met inclusion criteria. 12 patients had either infection or a wound complication (5.0%). There was no significant association with BMI or preoperative fat thickness on post-operative infection or wound complication (p-value 0.73 and 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant association of post-operative infection or wound complications in patients with increased soft tissue thickness or increased BMI. ORIF of acetabulum fractures through a K-L approach can be performed safely in patients with large subcutaneous fat thickness and high BMI with low risk of infection or wound complications.

Obstetricians are likely to elect for cesarean section in women with retained pelvic implants: a radiographic survey study.

PURPOSE: Women with a history of pelvic fracture undergo cesarean section (CS) at a higher rate than the general population. The purpose of our study is to query obstetricians on their preferences. METHODS: An electronic survey consisting of 22 radiographs of patients who underwent pelvic fixation was sent to obstetricians at 3 academic medical centers. For each radiograph, a hypothetical scenario was given, and the respondents were asked if they would elect for a vaginal delivery or CS. RESULTS: We collected 58 responses. The overall CS rate was 59%. Respondents were significantly more likely to elect for CS with trans-symphyseal fixation or sacroiliac fixation, independently (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Obstetricians are likely to elect for elective CS in the presence of pelvic implants especially in patients with trans-symphyseal and sacroiliac fixation. Based on there is an opportunity for collaboration between orthopedic trauma surgeons and obstetricians.

Oblique anterior pelvic external fixator for intraoperative reduction of rotationally unstable pelvic ring injuries.

Incomplete sacroiliac joint injuries are often associated with external rotation and extension deformities on the injured hemipelvis. To appropriately correct this deformity, an oblique reduction force from caudal to cranial and lateral to medial is helpful. These injuries are often associated with traumatic disruption of the pubic symphysis. However, in injuries without traumatic disruption to the pubic symphysis, a two-pin oblique anterior external fixator can be used to obtain and maintain reduction of the sacroiliac joint, while percutaneous fixation is subsequently placed. Through a small case series and three specific patient examples, we demonstrate that the oblique anterior external fixator frame is a simple and effective strategy with the reduction and stabilization process of these multiplanar hemipelvis deformities.

Superior gluteal artery injury risk from third sacral segment transsacral screw insertion.

OBJECTIVES: Iliosacral (IS) and transsacral (TS) screws are commonly used to stabilize pelvic ring injuries. The course of the superior gluteal artery (SGA) can be close to implant insertion paths. The third sacral segment (S3) has been described as a viable osseous fixation pathway (OFP) but the proximity of the SGA to the S3 screw path is unknown. METHODS: Fifty uninjured patients with contrasted pelvic computed tomograms (CTA) were identified with an S3 path large enough for a 7.0 mm TS screw. Starting sites for S1 IS or TS, S2 and S3 TS screws were located on the volume rendered lateral CTA image and transferred onto the surface rendered 3D CTA with the SGA clearly visible. The distance from screw start sites to the SGA was measured. A distance less than 3.5 mm was considered likely for injury. RESULTS: The average distances from screw start sites to the SGA were 23.0 ± 7.9 mm for S1 IS screws, 14.3 ± 6.4 mm for S2 TS screws and 25.9 ± 6.5 mm for S3 TS screws. No S1 IS screws, 5 S2 TS screws (10%), and no S3 TS screws were projected to cause injury to the SGA. CONCLUSIONS: The osseous start site and soft tissue path for an S3 TS screw is remote from the SGA. The S1 IS and S3 TS pathways are further away from the SGA while the S2 TS pathway is closer and may theoretically pose a higher injury risk in patients with an available S3 OFP.

Transverse and transverse-variant acetabular fractures with ipsilateral sacroiliac joint injuries: A technical note for reduction and stabilization.

Transverse and T-type acetabular fractures are high energy fractures that may be associated with a disruption of the pelvic ring. While several studies report upon clinical findings and outcomes associated with combination injuries of the pelvic ring and acetabulum, there are limited reports discussing surgical treatment strategies for reduction and stabilization. Herein we focus on describing reduction and stabilization techniques of transverse or transverse-variant acetabular fractures with an associated ipsilateral partial disruption of the sacroiliac joint.

Early resection of ectopic bone in patients with heterotopic ossification about the hip after trauma.

OBJECTIVES: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication in patients who have sustained high-energy trauma to the hip region. Traditionally, resection is performed after ectopic bone maturation. We hypothesized that early HO resection in patients with hip ankylosis after trauma can be performed with little chance of recurrence. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical cohort. SETTING: Level I Trauma Center PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: 14 patients with resection of HO about the hip performed by the senior author during a six-year period. INTERVENTION: Early resection of Brooker Class III or IV HO. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The original injuries, risk factors for HO, post-traumatic clinical course including the workup for HO, times from fixation to resection, surgical approach, and complications were recorded. Records were reviewed to document pre and postoperative hip motions. Pre and post-operative x-rays and CT scans were reviewed to classify the HO and localize the ectopic mass. RESULTS: Mean injury to resection interval was 6.8-months. Nine of 14 (64%) patients were followed for a mean of 32.9-months post-resection. Indications for resection included pain, stiffness, and evolving sciatic nerve lesions. Risk factors were male gender, brain injury, and extended iliofemoral and Kocher-Langenbeck surgical approaches. Complications included gluteal vein laceration, draining wounds, and recurrence. Mean flexion-extension arc of motion was 18° (range = 0-70°) preoperatively, 100° (range = 85-125°) intra-operatively, and 94° (range = 20-110°) at final follow-up. HO recurred in nine patients; functionally significant in one. CONCLUSION: Early resection of HO around the hip may be performed with little chance of symptomatic recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: This is a Level IV retrospective case series.

Surgery for Unilateral Sacral Fractures: Are the Indications Clear?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate unilateral sacral fractures and compare those treated operatively versus nonoperatively to determine indications for surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, observational study. SETTING: Sixteen trauma centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Skeletally mature patients with pelvic ring injury and unilateral zone 1 or 2 sacral fractures and without anteroposterior compression injuries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Injury plain anteroposterior, inlet, and outlet radiographs and computed tomography scans of the pelvis were evaluated for fracture displacement. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-three patients with unilateral sacral fractures and a mean age of 41 years with a mean Injury Severity Score of 15 were included. Ninety-two percent sustained lateral compression injuries, and 63% of all fractures were in zone 1. Thirty-three percent of patients were treated operatively, including all without lateral compression patterns. Operative patients were more likely to have zone 2 fractures (54%) and to have posterior cortical displacement (29% vs. 6.2%), both with P < 0.001. Over 60% of all patients had no posterior displacement. Mean rotational displacements comparing the injured side versus the intact side were no different for patients treated operatively compared with those treated nonoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Most unilateral sacral fractures are minimally or nondisplaced. Many patients with radiographically similar fractures were treated operatively and nonoperatively by different surgeons. This suggests an opportunity to develop consistent indications for treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Is the Cranial and Posterior Screw of the "Inverted Triangle" Configuration for Femoral Neck Fractures Safe?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency where a posterior and cranial screw in a femoral neck that appeared contained on fluoroscopy violates the cortex. METHODS: Ten specimens including the hemipelvis with the proximal femur were obtained from unidentified embalmed specimens that were to be cremated after an institutional review board waiver was granted. Under fluoroscopy, the posterior and cranial screw of the inverted triangle configuration for the femoral neck was placed using standard technique with a cannulated 6.5-mm screw. Anterior-posterior and lateral images of the final screw placement were blinded to 2 orthopaedic traumatologists and 1 musculoskeletal radiologist who were asked to determine whether the screw radiographically breached the posterior and cranial cortex. Cadavers were stripped of soft tissues and inspected for screw perforation. Screws were grouped as contained, thread extrusion, or core extrusion. RESULTS: Reviewers classified all 10 screws as radiographically contained within the femoral neck. Cadavers were inspected and found to show: 4 of 10 with core extrusion, 3 of 10 with thread extrusion, and 3 of 10 screws contained within the femoral neck. CONCLUSIONS: Seventy percent of screws that were judged to be radiographically contained had cortical breach near the area where the lateral epiphyseal vessels enter the femoral neck. We urge caution against placement of posterior-cranial implants with fluoroscopy alone even if they appear radiographically contained.

Treatment of Pediatric and Adolescent Pelvic Ring Injuries With Percutaneous Screw Placement.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric and adolescent pelvic ring injuries are frequently treated without surgery. In patients with unstable injuries to the pelvic ring, surgical stabilization aids in resuscitation, provides pain relief, and allows for mobilization. Percutaneous pelvic screw fixation is commonly performed in adult patients for unstable pelvic ring injuries, but a paucity of literature exists regarding their use in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study is to review the use, outcome, and management of percutaneous posterior pelvic screws in pediatric patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected orthopaedic trauma database was performed over a 7-year period at a regional level-1 trauma center. All patients between the ages of 7 and 17 who sustained an injury to the pelvic ring and were treated with percutaneous fixation of the posterior pelvic ring were identified. We evaluated the frequency of this technique in the described patient population, incidence of nerve injury, infection, loss of fixation, and need for hardware removal. RESULTS: A total of 238 pediatric patients who sustained a pelvic ring injury were initially identified; following application of study criteria, 67 (28.1%) patients were included in the study. Additional anterior ring fixation was performed in 33 (49.2%) patients. There were no iatrogenic nerve injuries, no infections, and surgical blood loss was <50 mL in all cases. Clinical and radiographic follow-up averaged 33 weeks. No loss of reduction was observed. Eight patients (13%) reported persistent low back pain at last follow-up. Elective hardware removal was performed in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of pediatric pelvic ring injuries can be treated without surgery. In the setting of instability, percutaneous pelvic screw fixation can be performed safely. A computed tomography scan is used to evaluate the available osseous pathways for screws and intraoperative fluoroscopy is used to safely perform this technique. Screw removal should be discussed in select patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Bilateral Sacral Ala Fractures Are Strongly Associated With Lumbopelvic Instability.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the incidence of lumbopelvic instability in the setting of unilateral and bilateral sacral fractures and assess whether the presence of bilateral sacral fractures on axial imaging is a useful screening test for lumbopelvic instability. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Level I trauma center at an academic medical center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: A hospital database was used to identify patients diagnosed with a sacral fracture by The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code from 2000 to 2014. INTERVENTION: Axial cross-sectional imaging was reviewed to confirm the presence of unilateral or bilateral sacral ala fractures. Sagittal reconstructions were scrutinized for a transverse fracture line separating the lumbar spine from the pelvis, which was used to define lumbopelvic instability. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The Roy-Camille classification system was applied to all identified cases of lumbopelvic instability. RESULTS: One thousand five hundred twenty-six patients were diagnosed with sacral fractures by the ICD-9 code. Four hundred ninety had adequate axial and sagittal cross-sectional imaging. Four hundred forty-three of these patients had unilateral sacral ala fractures, and none of these were associated with lumbopelvic instability. Forty-seven patients had bilateral sacral ala fractures, and 41 of these (87%) had a transverse component indicating some degree of lumbopelvic instability. The presence of bilateral sacral fractures was 100% sensitive and 99% specific for lumbopelvic instability. Among fractures with lumbopelvic instability, 27 (66%) were Roy-Camille type 1, 11 (27%) were type 2, and 3 (7%) were type 3. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral sacral ala fractures are strongly associated with lumbopelvic instability and can be used as a very sensitive and specific screening tool. All patients with bilateral sacral fractures on axial computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging should have close assessment of the sagittal plane images to evaluate for this pathology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Acetabular Fractures in the Senior Population- Epidemiology, Mortality and Treatments.

BACKGROUND: Management of acetabular fractures in the senior population can be one of the most challenging injuries to manage. Furthermore, treating surgeons have a paucity of information to guide the treatment in this patient population. THE PURPOSE OF THIS STUDY WAS TO DETERMINE: (1) demographic and epidemiologic data, (2) mortality rates for nonoperative compared to operative management at different time points, (3) common fracture configurations, and (4) fracture fixation strategies in senior patients treated with acetabular fractures. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively gathered data at a Level I trauma center over a five-year period. 1123 acetabular fractures were identified. 156 of them were for patients over the age of 65 (average age of 78). RESULTS: Falls and motor vehicle accidents accounted for the two most common mechanisms of injury. 82% of patients had significant medical comorbidities. 51 patients (33%) died within one year, in which 75% of them died within 90 days of their acetabular fracture. 84% of the deceased patients, i.e. from the group of 51 patients, had non-operative treatment. For patients treated with traction alone, there was a 79% one-year mortality and 50% mortality rate within 90 days. Within the entire cohort, 70% had either an associated both-column (ABC) or anterior column/posterior hemitransverse (AC/PHT) fracture pattern. Fifty-seven patients (36.5%) underwent open reduction and internal fixation using standard reduction techniques and surgical implants via two main surgical exposures of ilioinguinal (69%) and Kocher-Langenbeck (29%). CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients with acetabular fractures are uncommon accounting for only 14% of all acetabular fractures. Patients who undergo surgery show lower mortality rates. ABC and AC/PHT fracture patterns are the two most common fracture patterns. Routine fixation constructs and implants can be used to manage these challenging fractures. Most patients are unable to return to their homes and instead require skilled nursing facility during their convalescence.

Intra-operative multi-dimensional fluoroscopy of guidepin placement prior to iliosacral screw fixation for posterior pelvic ring injuries and sacroiliac dislocation: an early case series.

PURPOSE: Traditional fluoroscopic techniques during percutaneous fixation of the posterior pelvic ring at times cannot adequately visualize errant or malpositioned iliosacral screws. Intra-operative fluoroscopic techniques have been advanced using multi-dimensional fluoroscopy to generate computed tomography-like images. This provides the surgeon not only the ability to assess iliosacral screw placement, but also the opportunity to assess reduction. We present a case series of four patients in which the Ziehm RFD multi-dimensional fluoroscopy was used to assess reduction and guidepin placement prior to definitive iliosacral screw fixation. METHODS: Four patients at our university level 1 trauma center with posterior pelvic ring disruptions were treated with percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation. Traditional fluoroscopic techniques were used during guidepin placement. Multi-dimensional fluoroscopy was performed using the Ziehm RFD 3D to assess guidepin placement and reduction prior to definitive iliosacral screw fixation. RESULTS: Our case series highlights two patients in which multi-dimensional fluoroscopy was utilized to ensure safe placement of iliosacral screws. In one of these two patients, a change was made after reviewing the imaging as a guidepin was found to be intruded into bilateral S2 neural tunnels. We also present two patient examples in which multidimensional fluoroscopy was used to assess reduction achieved by less invasive methods, precluding the need for direct visualization using more extensive open approaches. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective case series demonstrates the direct impact that the Ziehm RFD 3D technology provides in surgical management of patients with complex posterior pelvic ring injuries.

Early failure of symphysis pubis plating.

INTRODUCTION: Operative fixation of a disrupted symphysis pubis helps return alignment and stability to a traumatized pelvic ring. Implant loosening or failure has been demonstrated to commonly occur at some subacute point during the postoperative period. The purpose of this study is to report on a series of patients with traumatic pelvic ring disruptions to determine the incidence and common factors associated with early postoperative symphyseal plate failure before 7 weeks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 126 patients retrospectively identified with unstable pelvic injuries treated with open reduction and plate fixation of the symphysis pubis and iliosacral screw fixation. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs, computed tomography (CT) images, and medical chart were reviewed to determine symphyseal displacement preoperatively and postoperatively, time until plate failure, patient symptoms and symphyseal displacement at failure, subsequent symphyseal displacement, incidence of additional surgery, and patient weight bearing compliance. RESULTS: 14 patients (11.1%) sustained premature postoperative fixation failure. 13 patients had anteroposterior compression (APC)-II injuries and 1 patient had an APC-III injury. Preoperative symphyseal displacement was 35.6 millimeters (mm) (20.8-52.9). Postoperative symphyseal space measurement was 6.3mm (4.7-9.3). Time until plate failure was 29days (5-47). Nine patients (64.2%) noted a pop surrounding the time of failure. Symphyseal space measurement at failure was 12.4mm (5.6-20.5). All patients demonstrated additional symphyseal displacement averaging 2.6mm (0.2-9.4). Two patients (14.2%) underwent revision. Four patients (28.5%) were non-compliant. CONCLUSION: Premature failure of symphysis pubis plating is not uncommon. In this series, further symphyseal displacement after plate failure was not substantial. The presence of acute symphyseal plate failure alone may not be an absolute indication for revision surgery. Making patient education a priority could lead to decreased postoperative non-compliance and potentially a decreased incidence of implant failure. Posterior pelvic ring fixation aides overall pelvic ring stability and may help minimize further displacement after early postoperative symphyseal plate failure. Further functional outcome and biomechanical studies surrounding early symphyseal plate failure are needed.

Correlating preoperative imaging with intraoperative fluoroscopy in iliosacral screw placement.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous iliosacral screw placement can successfully stabilize unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries. Intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging is a vital component needed in safely placing iliosacral screws. Obtaining and appropriately interpreting fluoroscopic views can be challenging in certain clinical scenarios. We report on a series of patients to demonstrate how preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging can be used to anticipate the appropriate intraoperative inlet and outlet fluoroscopic views. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 patients were retrospectively identified with unstable pelvic ring injuries requiring operative fixation using percutaneous iliosacral screws. Utilizing the sagittal reconstructions of the preoperative CT scans, anticipated inlet and outlet angle measurements were calculated. The operative reports were reviewed to determine the angles used intraoperatively. Postoperative CT scans were reviewed for repeat measurements and to determine the location and safety of each screw. RESULTS: Preoperative CT scans showed an average inlet of 20.5° (7°-37°) and an average outlet of 42.8° (30°-59°). Intraoperative views showed an average inlet of 24.9° (12°-38°) and an average outlet of 42.4° (29°-52°). Postoperative CT scans showed an average inlet of 19.4° (8°-31°) and an average outlet of 43.2° (31°-56°). The average difference from preoperative to intraoperative was 4.4° (-21° to 5°) for the inlet and 0.45° (-9° to 7°) for the outlet. The average difference between the preoperative and postoperative CT was 2.04° (0°-6°) for the inlet and 2.54° (0°-7°) for the outlet. CONCLUSION: There is significant anatomic variation of the posterior pelvic ring. The preoperative CT sagittal reconstruction images allow for appropriate preoperative planning for anticipated intraoperative fluoroscopic inlet and outlet views within 5°. Having knowledge of the desired intraoperative views preoperatively prepares the surgeon, aids in efficiently obtaining correct intraoperative views, and ultimately assists in safe iliosacral screw placement.

Variations in sacral morphology and implications for iliosacral screw fixation.

Posterior pelvic percutaneous fixation following either closed or open reduction is a popular procedure. Knowledge of the posterior pelvic anatomy, its variations, and related imaging is critical to performing reproducibly safe surgery. The dysmorphic sacrum has several key characteristics. The upper portion of the sacrum is relatively colinear with the iliac crests on the outlet radiographic view. Other characteristics include the presence of mammillary bodies (ie, underdeveloped transverse processes) at the sacral mid-alar area, anterior upper sacral foramina that are not circular, residual upper sacral disks, an acute alar slope oriented from cranial-posterior-central to caudal-anterior-lateral on the outlet and lateral views of the sacrum, a tongue-in-groove sacroiliac joint surface visualized on CT, and cortical indentation of the anterior ala on the inlet radiographic view. The surgeon must be knowledgeable about individual patient anatomy to ensure safe iliosacral screw placement.

Sciatic nerve entrapment in associated both-column acetabular fractures: a report of 2 cases and review of the literature.

Sciatic nerve injury associated with acetabular fractures has been reported in most series. Typically, sciatic neuropraxia occurs from traumatic impaction or compression due to posterior hip fracture-dislocation. We report 2 patients with sciatic nerve entrapment within the posterior column components of their associated both-column acetabular fractures. Following neuroplasty through a Kocher-Langenbeck surgical approach, both patients' neurologic function improved. This unlikely cause of neurologic compromise should be considered in all patients with symptoms of sciatic nerve injury or irritation and particularly in the presence of a mechanical block during posterior column reduction through an ilioinguinal approach.

Decompression and lumbopelvic fixation for sacral fracture-dislocations with spino-pelvic dissociation.

PURPOSE: To report results of sacral decompression and lumbopelvic fixation in neurologically impaired patients with highly displaced, comminuted sacral fracture-dislocations resulting in spino-pelvic dissociation. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Regional level one trauma center. PATIENTS: Nineteen patients with highly displaced, comminuted, irreducible Roy-Camille type 2-4 sacral fractures with spino-pelvic instability patterns and cauda equina deficits were identified over a 6-year period, 18 of which met the 12-month minimum follow-up criterion. INTERVENTION: All were treated with open reduction, sacral decompression, and lumbopelvic fixation. Radiographic and clinical results were evaluated. Neurological outcome was measured by Gibbons' criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiographic evaluation with computed tomography scan and antero-posterior, lateral, and oblique views of the pelvis to assess alignment, hardware position and decompression. Clinical evaluation emphasizing neurological outcome as described by Gibbons' criteria. RESULTS: Sacral fractures healed in all 18 patients without loss of reduction. Average sacral kyphosis improved from 43 to 21 degrees. Fifteen patients (83%) had full or partial recovery of bowel and bladder deficits, although only 10 patients (56%) had improved Gibbons scores. Average Gibbons score improved from 4 to 2.8 at 31-month average follow-up (range: 12 to 57 mo). Wound infection (16%) was the most common complication. Complete recovery of cauda equina function was more likely in patients with continuity of all sacral roots (86% vs. 0%, P = 0.00037) and incomplete deficits (100% vs. 20%, P = 0.024). Although not statistically significant, recovery of bowel and bladder function specifically was more closely associated with absence of any sacral root discontinuity (86% vs. 36%, P = 0.066) than on completeness of the injury (100% vs. 47%, P = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Lumbopelvic fixation provided reliable fracture stability and allowed consistent fracture union without loss of alignment. Neurological outcome was, in part, influenced by completeness of injury and presence of sacral root disruption.