Long-term outcome and quality of life of patients with unstable pelvic fractures treated by closed reduction and percutaneous fixation

BACKGROUND Treatment of unstable pelvic fractures has evolved recently, and percutaneous treatment has become the choice of treatment in most cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of percutaneous treatment in patients with unstable pelvic fractures. METHODS Twenty patients (11 females, 9 males; mean age, 32 years, range, 11-66 years) who had unstable pelvic fractures and were treated percutaneously were enrolled in the study. Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores, Majeed scores, Iowa Pelvic Scores, and Pelvic Outcome Scores were determined for the outcome assessment. RESULTS The minimum duration of follow-up was 2 years, (range, 24-48 months). The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 31 (range, 16-50). The average SF-36 scores were comparable with the general population in terms of bodily pain, general health and social function. The mean Majeed functional pelvic score was 93.3 (range, 72-100; 19 excellent and 1 good clinical grades) and the mean Iowa Pelvic Score was 86 (range, 82-90). The mean Pelvic Outcome Score was 33 (range, 24-37; maximum score, 40). CONCLUSION We have demonstrated better outcomes in patients with pelvic fractures treated with percutaneous fixation. The technique may be advantageous as it avoids the use of extensive approaches, bleeding, wound complications, and prolonged surgeries.