Current concepts in spondylopelvic dissociation.

INTRODUCTION: Spondylopelvic dissociation is an uncommon and complex injury that results from high-energy trauma with axial overloading through the sacrum. Due to the life-threatening nature of these injuries, standard Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS) protocol must be used in the trauma setting as part of the initial management of these patients. The key to diagnosis is a good physical exam coupled with high level of suspicion. Radicular neurological deficits commonly are present in spondylopelvic dissociation (L5's roots) and should be documented for future evaluations. Radiographic views and CT-scan is preferred for the diagnosis. BIOMECHANICS AND CLASSIFICATION: The authors briefly describe the anatomy and biomechanics of the pelvis, and present the main classifications used to define this rare lesion. TREATMENT: Discussion about setting the boundaries of surgical stabilization, if there is still a role for conservative treatment, the importance of the initial treatment and the timing of intervention. Decompression is mandatory in the presence of canal compromise and progressive neurological deficit, regardless of biomechanical criteria for surgery. Kyphotic deformity occurs at the site of sacral transverse fracture and also reduces anteroposterior pelvis diameter. The technique of reduction and posterior surgical stabilization is emphasized. If residual kyphosis remains after bilateral lumbopelvic fixation by shifting of the lower sacral segment, we use S2 and/or S3 screws connected to transitional rods to additional reduction. An illustrated case is shown. COMPLICATIONS: The infection of the wound and the failure of the implants are the most frequent complications of this surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Posterior stabilization is widely recognized as crucial in the treatment of pelvic disruptions. The concept of circumferential restoration of pelvic ring by bilateral lumbopelvic fixation and anterior fixation seems to be a nice option to increase stabilization and avoid bone misalignment.

Lumbopelvic fixation and sacral decompression for a U-shaped sacral fracture: case report

BACKGROUND: U-shaped sacral fractures are highly unstable, can cause significant neurological deficits, lead to progressive deformity and chronic pain if not treated appropriately. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of a U-shaped sacral fracture treated with lumbopelvic fixation and decompression of sacral roots in a 23-years-old man. METHOD: Decompression of the sacral roots combined with internal reduction and lumbopelvic fixation using iliac screws. RESULTS: Restitution of lumbosacropelvic stability and recovery of sphincter function. CONCLUSION: Lumbopelvic fixation is effective in restoring lumbosacralpelvic stability and allows full mobilization in the postoperative period. Good neurological recovery can be expected in the absence of discontinuity of the sacral roots.

INTRODUÇÃO: As fraturas sacrais em U são instáveis e podem causar significativa lesão neurológica, deformidade progressiva e dor crônica se não tratadas apropriadamente. OBJETIVO: Relatar caso de um homem de 23 anos com fratura em U do sacro tratada com fixação lombopélvica e descompressão das raízes sacrais. MÉTODO: Descompressão da cauda equina associada a redução interna e fixação lombopélvica usando parafusos ilíacos. RESULTADOS: Reconstituição da estabilidade lombosacropélvica e recuperação da continência esfincteriana CONCLUSÃO: A fixação lombopélvica é eficaz em restaurar a estabilidade lombo-sacro-pélvica e permite mobilização imediata no pós-operatório. Recuperação neurológica pode ser esperada na ausência de neurotmese das raízes sacrais.