Abstract

Introduction: Background: The posterior pelvic ring provides the main stability 60%, the anterior ring account for 40% of stability of the pelvic ring. Unstable pelvic ring injuries usually associated with high energy trauma and high mortality and morbidity. External fixation is commonly used as a definitive fixation for unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures, but it has many drawbacks. INFIX, recently developed as minimally invasive technique utilized by authors to achieve stable fixation and good patient satisfaction with minimal complication.

Purpose: The preliminary study aimed to evaluate the fracture reduction, stability, bone healing, intra and postoperative complications using the INFIX technique.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out for patients with unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures in Aswan University Hospital and Assiut University Hospital utilizing spinal pedicle screws inserted into the supra-acetabular bone and connected by a subcutaneous rod (INFIX).

Material: Sixteen patients were carried out with one year follow up, (62.5%) pelvis C and (37.5%) pelvis B fracture. (94.75%) males and (6.25%) females their age ranges between (17-43 years), Mean (29.54±13.6).

Results: According to radiological Matta criteria, (81.25%) excellent reduction, (12.5%) good reduction and (6.25%) fair reduction. According to Majeed Score, (93.75%) excellent and (6.25%) good clinical outcome. Postoperative complications, 3 cases of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) irritation (18.75%) and 2 cases of asymptomatic heterotopic ossification (12.5%).

Conclusions: INFIX is a reliable method for fixation of anterior pelvic ring with small incision, short time for application, excellent clinical and radiological outcome with fewer complications.

Keywords: Pelvis; Fractures; Anterior ring; INFIX