Novel transcatheter arterial embolization method for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures to prevent complications of gluteal necrosis.

PURPOSE: To validate our previously designed transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) technique for bilateral iliac arteries in unstable pelvic fractures, which is designed to also prevent gluteal necrosis and avoid vasopressors. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with pelvic fractures who underwent our new TAE procedure to determine the incidence of subsequent gluteal necrosis. We also compared certain variables between patients who underwent TAE before 2005 using a different technique and developed gluteal necrosis and patients who underwent TAE in 2005 and onward using our technique. Gluteal necrosis was confirmed by a radiologist based on imaging findings. RESULTS: Seventy patients with pelvic fractures who underwent our TAE technique met the inclusion criteria (bilateral iliac arterial embolization and no embolic agent other than a gelatin sponge). Patients' median age was 47.5 years, 33 were male, and 92.9% (65/70) had unstable fractures. Sixty-eight patients had severe multiple trauma. No patients developed gluteal necrosis following our TAE procedure and the overall survival rate was 82.9% (58/70). We found no statistically significant difference in procedure time between the previous and new technique, although the new procedure tended to be shorter. Furthermore, overall survival did not significantly differ between the groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed that TAE procedure time and external pelvic fracture fixation were independently related to gluteal necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our non-selective bilateral iliac arterial embolization procedure involves arresting shock quickly, resulting in no post-procedure gluteal necrosis. The procedure involves cutting the gelatin sponge rather than "pumping" and avoids the use of vasopressors.

Bilateral Gluteal Necrosis and Deep Infection after Transarterial Embolization for Pelvic Ring Injury in Patient with Hemodynamic Instability: A Case Report

Transarterial embolization is accepted as effective and safe for the acute management in hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic ring injury. However, transarterial embolization has potential complications, such as gluteal muscle/skin necrosis, deep infection, surgical wound breakdown, and internal organ infarction, which are caused by blocked blood flow to surrounding tissues and organs, and many studies on the complications have been reported. Here, we report an experience of the management of gluteal necrosis and infection that occurred after transarterial embolization, with a review of the relevant literature.

Gluteal necrosis following pelvic fracture and bilateral internal iliac embolization: Reconstruction using a transposition flap based on the lumbar artery perforators.

INTRODUCTION: The use of bilateral internal iliac artery embolization to control hemorrhage associated with pelvic fractures is a life saving intervention. Gluteal necrosis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of this procedure. Following debridement, reconstruction can present a considerable challenge due to the compromised vascularity of local tissue. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 17 year old girl suffered an open book pelvic fracture following a road traffic accident. In order to stop profuse bleeding, bilateral internal iliac artery embolization was performed. This procedure was complicated by the development of right sided gluteal necrosis. Following extensive debridement, a transposition flap based on the lumbar artery perforators was performed to cover the soft tissue defect. DISCUSSION: Gluteal necrosis occurs in approximately 3% of cases following internal iliac artery embolization. Following complete excision of the devitalised tissue reconstructive surgery is necessary. Local flaps are suboptimal options when the integument supplied by branches of the internal iliac arteries has been compromised following embolization. Furthermore, the use of a free flap is restricted by the lack of a readily accessible undamaged recipient vessel. In the present case a transposition flap based on the lumbar artery perforators facilitated robust reconstruction of the buttock region. CONCLUSION: To avoid sepsis, it is imperative that gluteal necrosis following internal iliac artery embolization is recognized and promptly debrided. A transposition flap based on the lumbar artery perforators is a good option for subsequent soft tissue coverage, which avoids use of tissue supplied by the branches of the internal iliac arteries.