Posterior Stabilization of Unstable Sacral Fractures: A Single-Center Experience of Percutaneous Sacroiliac Screw and Lumbopelvic Fixation in 67 Cases

Abstract

Study Design This is a retrospective study. Purpose Recent advances in intraoperative imaging and closed reduction techniques have led to a shifting trend toward surgical management in every unstable sacral fracture. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicoradiological outcome of the sacroiliac (SI) screw and lumbopelvic fixation (LPF) techniques and thereby delineate the indications for each. Overview of Literature Optimal management guidelines for unstable sacral fractures are still lacking probably due to the rarity of these injuries and varying fixation trends. Methods Out of the 67 patients, 40 and 27 were in the SI and LPF groups, respectively. The electronic medical record for each patient was reviewed, including patient demographic data, mode of trauma, coexisting injuries, neurological status (Gibbon’s four-grade system), Injury Severity Score, time from admission to operative stabilization, type of surgical stabilization, complications, return to the operating room, and treatment outcome measures using Majeed’s functional grading system and Matta’s radiological criteria. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. Results Noncomminuted longitudinal injuries with normal neurology and acceptable closed reduction have undergone SI screw fixation (n=40). Irreducible, comminuted, or high transverse fractures associated with dysmorphic anatomy or neurodeficit were managed by LPF (n=27). Excellent and good Majeed and Matta scores at 86.57% and 92.54% of the patients, respectively, were postoperatively achieved. Conclusions Unstable sacral fractures can be effectively managed with percutaneous SI screw including vertically unstable injuries by paying strict attention to preoperative patient selection whereas LPF can be reserved for comminuted fractures, unacceptable closed reduction, associated neurodeficit, lumbosacral dysmorphism, and high transverse fractures.

Keywords

• unstable sacral fractures
• spinopelvic dissociation
• surgical management
• lumbopelvic fixation
• sacroiliac screw