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Purpose: Despite an increasing number of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) over the last 2 decades, controversy persists on their therapy with special regard to potential complications. Therefore, the present study compared the complication rates and in-hospital mortality of non-operative therapy, percutaneous treatment and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of pelvic fractures in elderly patients., Methods: All consecutive patients treated for FFP between January 2013 and December 2017 aged 65 years or older were retrospectively identified from an institutional database. Demographic data and specific patient data were collected with a special focus on pre-existing comorbidities. General and surgical complications, hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality rates were compared., Results: 379 patients (81.3 ± 7.5 years; 81% female) were identified, 211 (55.7%) were treated non-operatively, 74 (19.5%) percutaneously and 94 (24.8%) with ORIF. The rate of general complications did not differ between treatment groups (non-operative: 21.8%; percutaneous: 28.4%; ORIF: 33.0%; p = 0.103). Surgery-related complications were twofold more frequent in the ORIF group as than in the percutaneously treated group (18.1% vs. 9.5%). The LOS differed significantly (non-operatively: 8.9 ± 7.1 days; percutaneous: 16.6 ± 8.2 days; ORIF: 19.3 ± 12.8 days; p < 0.001). Hospital mortality rate was higher in patients with ORIF (5.3%) than percutaneous treatment (0%) (p = 0.044)., Conclusions: Complication rates and hospital mortality in elderly patients with FFPs are high and associated with long LOS. For surgical treatment of FFPs, the complication rate and mortality can be significantly reduced using percutaneous procedures compared to ORIF. Therefore, percutaneous surgery should be preferred where possible., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Treatment recommendations for fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) have been provided along with the good reliable FFP classification but they are not proven in large studies and recent reports challenge these recommendations. Thus, we aimed to determine the usefulness of the FFP classification determining the treatment strategy and favored procedures in six level 1 trauma centers. Sixty cases of FFP were evaluated by six experienced pelvic surgeons, six inexperienced surgeons in training, and one surgeon trained by the originator of the FFP classification during three repeating sessions using computed tomography scans with multiplanar reconstruction. The intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability for therapeutic decisions (non-operative treatment vs. operative treatment) were moderate, with Fleiss kappa coefficients of 0.54 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-0.62) and 0.42 (95% CI 0.34-0.49). We found a therapeutic disagreement predominantly for FFP II related to a preferred operative therapy for FFP II. Operative treated cases were generally treated with an anterior-posterior fixation. Despite the consensus on an anterior-posterior fixation, the chosen procedures are highly variable and most plausible based on the surgeon's preference., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: External emergency stabilization (EES) of unstable pelvic fractures reduces haemorrhage and mortality. Available are non-invasive procedures (sheet sling and pelvic binder) and invasive procedures (external fixator and pelvic C-clamp). Nevertheless, there is no recommended standard as to which procedure for EES should be used., Methods: Prospectively collected data between 2007 and 2016 from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry were used to evaluate 989 patients with in-hospital EES. Besides age, gender and injury severity score (ISS), the fracture classification was evaluated. Furthermore, the frequency of used EES, time to application, their reported efficacy and the frequencies of change to another EES were investigated., Results: The use of pelvic binders increased up to 40% while all other procedures decreased in frequency over the 10-year period. The ISS was highest in patients treated with a pelvic C-clamp or combination of pelvic C-clamp and external fixator (p < 0.05). Non-invasive stabilization was applied significantly faster than invasive procedures (p < 0.0001). Overall, the reported efficacy was good (at least 70%) for all procedures but with poorest results for the pelvic binder and best for the external fixator (p < 0.00001). Most change to another EES was found for the sheet sling and pelvic binder., Conclusion: In case of suspected unstable pelvic fracture, an EES should be performed, in case of doubt with a non-invasive EES until imaging and final diagnosis. Which method should be used depends on the individual situation and the available information about the overall injury pattern. Invasive EES are preferable for treatment according to Damage Control Orthopaedics.

Background: Sacral U‑shaped fractures are rare but severe injuries. Due to the resulting spinopelvic dissociation they are highly unstable. Reduction and stabilization are usually required and decompression may be necessary due to frequent concomitant neurological injuries. In the literature there is no consensus with respect to the selection of the surgical approach., Case Presentations: After a road traffic accident an 18-year-old woman suffered a U-fracture of the sacrum type II according to Roy-Camille and was treated with bilateral double sacroiliac screw osteosynthesis and sacral laminectomy. A 76-year-old man with a U‑fracture type I according to Roy-Camille after falling down the stairs was treated by lumbopelvic fixation. A 24-year-old man with U‑fracture type II according to Roy Camille after a road accident was treated with triangular vertebropelvic stabilization and sacral laminectomy. For all patients the outcome was good., Conclusion: Surgical treatment is necessary, with minimally invasive techniques offering advantages over open surgery. A distinction must be made between lumbopelvic fixation and posterior pelvic ring fixation. Multiple aspects must be taken into consideration of the indications when selecting the surgical technique.

Introduction: Fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum are associated with pain and immobilization and, hence, pose the risk of developing a pressure ulcer - especially in elderly patients. In the literature, information on risk factors for the occurrence of pressure ulcers related to geriatric pelvic or acetabulum fractures is missing., Methods: Consecutive in-hospital patients aged 55 years or older treated for closed pelvis and/or acetabulum fractures between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively identified from an institutional prospective database. Epidemiologic characteristics and patient specifics with special focus on the time from admission to treatment, duration of hospitalization and comorbidities were retrospectively assessed by chart review., Results: During the evaluated interval, 407 patients with isolated fractures of the pelvis or acetabulum (mean age 78 years, range 55 to 101 years, 69,3% female) were treated. A new pressure ulcer that developed during the hospitalization was observed in 46/407 patients (11.3%). This included pressure ulcers of stage 1 in 18/46 cases (39%), stage 2 in 24/46 cases (52%), and stage 3 in 4/46 cases (9%). No stage 4 ulcers were seen in this cohort. The mean duration of hospitalization was longer in patients with a pressure ulcer (25 days, SD 17) than in patients with no ulcers (12 days, SD 9; p < .001). Patients who developed a pressure ulcer, had waited significantly longer for treatment of their pelvis/acetabulum fracture when compared to patients without an ulcer (5 days, SD 5 vs. 3 days SD 4, p = =.001). A logistic regression analysis confirmed "time to treatment" as an independent risk factor for the occurrence of a pressure ulcer during hospitalization. In an analysis adjusted for the confounders age, male gender, diabetes and malignancy, the odds ratio to develop a pressure ulcer remained 1.10 (CI 1.03 to 1.19; c-value = 0.774, p = .008) for each day of waiting treatment., Conclusion: "Time to treatment" is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of a pressure ulcer during hospitalization after a pelvis/acetabulum fracture in elderly patients. Each day of waiting treatment increases the risk of developing a pressure ulcer by 10%., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Purpose: Pelvic ring fractures in the elderly gain increasing importance. Nonetheless, data on factors influencing treatment decision in relation to fracture classification, age, and the resulting treatment are still rare., Methods: Prospectively collected data of the German Pelvic Injury Registry from patients aged over 65 years with a pelvic ring fracture were evaluated retrospectively. Acetabular fractures, as well as type A1 and A3 fractures, were excluded. The variables age, injury pattern, type of treatment, the reason for conservative treatment, and Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA)/Tile classification were analyzed. Furthermore, the fracture distribution was examined after dividing patients into six age groups., Results: A total of 1814 patients with a mean age of 80.7 ± 7.6 years, predominantly female (79.0%), were available for evaluation. The majority of patients suffered from isolated pelvic ring fractures (70.1%) and 8.2% were severely injured (ISS > 16). The most common fracture types were type A2 (35.4%), type B2 (38.0%), and type C1 (7.3%). Especially pelvic ring fractures of type A2 (96.9%) and type B2 (83.0%) were treated conservatively (overall 76.9%). Fracture instability according to the OTA/Tile classification increased the probability for an operative treatment (generalized odds ratio [OR] 6.90 [5.62; 8.52]). In contrary, increasing age independent of the fracture pattern decreased this probability (OR 0.47 [0.41-0.53]). With increasing fracture instability, general health conditions were up to 50% of the reasons for conservative treatment., Conclusion: The results of the present study underline the importance of the factors age and general health besides fracture classification for therapeutic decision-making in the treatment of pelvic ring fractures in the elderly.

Background: The fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) classification was established to address the specific fracture morphology and dynamic instability in the elderly. Although this system is frequently used, data on the intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities are lacking., Methods: Six experienced and 6 inexperienced surgeons and 1 surgeon trained by the originator of the FFP classification ("gold standard") each used the FFP classification 3 times to grade the computed tomography (CT) scans of 60 patients from 6 hospitals. We assessed intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities using Fleiss kappa statistics and the percentage of agreement using the "gold standard," the submitting hospital, and the majority vote as references., Results: The intra-rater reliability for the FFP classification was mainly moderate, with a mean Fleiss kappa coefficient (and 95% confidence interval) of 0.46 (0.40 to 0.50) for the complete classification (i.e., both the main-group FFP ratings [I through III] and the subgroup ratings [a, b, and c]) and 0.60 (0.53 to 0.65) for the main group only. The inter-rater reliability was substantial for the main group classification (0.61 [0.54 to 0.66]) and moderate for the complete classification (0.53 [0.48 to 0.58]). The percentage of agreement was 68% to 80%. The lowest agreement was found for FFP II and III., Conclusions: The FFP classification displayed moderate and substantial intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities., Clinical Relevance: With moderate to substantial intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities, the FFP classification forms a solid basis for future clinical investigations. The differentiation of FFP II from FFP III should be evaluated thoroughly, as the initial treatment changes from nonoperative for II to operative for III.

Purpose: According to Young and Burgess, type B 2-1 pelvic fractures are a type of lateral compression fracture (LC-1) and are the most common pelvic injury at all ages. Although they are considered unstable in rotation and despite biomechanical recommendations for anterior stabilization, most authors recommend non-operative treatment. However, studies comparing outcomes and complications regarding operative versus non-operative treatment are still scarce., Methods: Seventy-one patients aged under 65 years with a type B 2-1 pelvic fracture were treated between 2006 and 2011. Patients in Group I (n = 35) were treated non-operatively and patients in Group II (n = 36) were treated operatively. Postoperative complications, clinical course, and follow-up (VAS for Pain, SF 36, EQ-5D) of at least 1 year postoperatively were evaluated., Results: Our data show that operatively treated patients had a significantly higher complication rate. Preoperatively, the only significant difference between the non-operative and operative groups was the amount of anterior fracture dislocation and the presence of an isolated pelvic ring fracture. In the postoperative follow-up, no significant differences were found regarding pain or quality of life., Conclusion: Type B 2-1 pelvic ring fractures in young patients should be treated non-operatively.

Rationale: Pelvic malunion is a rare complication and is technically challenging to correct owing to the complex three-dimensional (3D) geometry of the pelvic girdle. Hence, precise preoperative planning is required to ensure appropriate correction. Reconstructive surgery is generally a 2- or 3-stage procedure, with transiliac osteotomy serving as an alternative to address limb length discrepancy., Patient Concerns: A 38-year-old female patient with a Mears type IV pelvic malunion with previous failed reconstructive surgery was admitted to our department due to progressive immobilization, increasing pain especially at the posterior pelvic arch and a leg length discrepancy. The leg discrepancy was approximately 4 cm and rotation of the right hip joint was associated with pain., Diagnosis: Radiography and computer tomography (CT) revealed a hypertrophic malunion at the site of the previous posterior osteotomy (Mears type IV) involving the anterior and middle column, according to the 3-column concept, as well as malunion of the left anterior arch (Mears type IV)., Interventions: The surgery was planned virtually via 3D reconstruction, using the patient's CT, and subsequently performed via transiliac osteotomy and symphysiotomy. Finite element method (FEM) was used to plan the osteotomy and osteosynthesis as to include an estimation of the risk of implant failure., Outcomes: There was not incidence of neurological injury or infection, and the remaining leg length discrepancy was ≤ 2 cm. The patient recovered independent, pain free, mobility. Virtual 3D planning provided a more precise measurement of correction parameters than radiographic-based measurements. FEM analysis identified the highest risk for implant failure at the symphyseal plate osteosynthesis and the parasymphyseal screws. No implant failure was observed., Lessons: Transiliac osteotomy, with additional osteotomy or symphysiotomy, was a suitable surgical procedure for the correction of pelvic malunion and provided adequate correction of leg length discrepancy. Virtual 3D planning enabled precise determination of correction parameters, with FEM analysis providing an appropriate method to predict areas of implant failure.

Surgical stabilization of the pelvis following type II anteroposterior compression pelvic injuries (APCII) is based on the assumption that the anterior sacroiliac, sacrospinous, and sacrotuberous ligaments disrupt simultaneously. Recent data on the ligaments contradict this concept. We aimed at determining the mechanisms of ligament failure in APCII computationally. In an individual osteoligamentous computer model of the pelvis, ligament load, and strain were observed for the two-leg stance, APCII with 100-mm symphyseal widening and for two-leg stance with APCII-related ligament failure, and validated with body donors. The anterior sacroiliac and sacrotuberous ligaments had the greatest load with 80% and 17% of the total load, respectively. APCII causes partial failure of the anterior sacroiliac ligament and the pelvis to become horizontally instable. The other ligaments remained intact. The sacrospinous ligament was negligibly loaded but stabilized the pelvis vertically. The interosseous sacroiliac and sacrotuberous ligaments are likely responsible for reducing the symphysis and might serve as an indicator of vertical stability. The sacrospinous ligament appears to be of minor significance in APCII but plays an important role in vertical stabilization. Further research is necessary to determine the influence of alterations in ligament and bone material properties., (© 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the surgical timing in patients with pelvic fractures and severe chest trauma on the clinical course, especially on postoperative lung function., Methods: A total of 47 patients were included in a prospective dual observational study. The study investigated the clinical course depending on the time of operation based on the functional lung parameters, SAPS II, SOFA and total hospital stay., Results: The average ISS was 32±6, PTS was 34±11 and TTSS was 9±3 points. The pelvic fractures were stabilized definitively after an average of 7±2 days. The early stabilization correlated significantly with a lower TTSS and SAPS II on admission (p<0.05), shorter time of ventilation (p<0.05) and stay in the intensive care unit (p<0.01) as well as the decreased need for packed red blood cells (p<0.01)., Conclusions: In this study patients with pelvic fractures and thoracic trauma benefited positively from an earlier definitive pelvic fracture stabilization with respect to a shorter time of ventilation and stay in the intensive care unit due to a lower need for red cell concentrates.

Background: Osteosyntheses to stabilize pelvic-ring fractures were developed for younger patients, and are not universally indicated for elderly people. We present the results of parallel-arranged numerical simulations of fixation treatment that an elderly patient with a bagatelle-injured pelvic ring fracture received using a patient-specific finite element model., Methods: The clinical course of an osteosynthetic stabilized pelvic ring fracture, based on an actual case, was numerically simulated using a patient-specific finite element model., Findings: A previously validated finite element model of a human pelvis was customized with computed tomography data from a patient with a stabilized pelvic-ring fracture. Numerical simulation was used to analyze primary stability. The clinical process, represented by radiologic examinations, was compared with the results from the finite element simulation. Implant loosening as well as newly-occurring fractures were shown to coincide with regions with the highest stress levels., Interpretation: The results from the patient-specific finite element model closely resembled the actual clinical course especially in terms of the location of high strain concentration and subsequent implant loosening. This indicates that patient-specific finite element models have a potential to play an important role in planning osteosynthesis according to biomechanical stability., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The incidence of pelvic ring fractures in elderly patients increases continuously. Several studies showed that the complexity of injury is often underestimated and a fracture of the posterior pelvic ring not visible with conventional X-rays. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of routine CT on incidence, classification of and therapy for pelvic ring fractures in patients aged over 65 years., Patients and Methods: Between 2004 and 2010, 310 elderly patients with a pelvic ring fracture were admitted to a German university level 1 trauma centre. Patients of group 1 (2004-2006) were examined with CT only if a pelvic ring fracture was diagnosed by X-ray and pain in the posterior pelvic ring persisted so that mobilisation was impossible. In group 2 (2007-2010) CT was used for routine examination. Demographic data, injury mechanism and severity (ISS) were documented as well as time and type of diagnostic procedure. Also fracture classification (AO), time and type of treatment were investigated in correlation with total hospital stay., Results: 252 (82 %) patients were female, the median age was 81 years (65-100 years). 228 (74 %) had a low energy trauma, 41 (13 %) a traffic accident and 12 (4 %) had fallen from heights over 3 m. Only in 29 (9 %) cases was no trauma evident. 35 (11 %) patients were injured with an ISS over 16 and classified as polytrauma. The mean ISS was 26.8 ± 11.7. In group 2 the incidence of type A fractures decreased from 64 % to 36 %, whereas the incidence of type B fractures increased from 25 % to 49 % as did isolated sacrum fractures from 1 % to 6 %. Also the indication for operative stabilisation changed in type B fractures from 33 % to 40 % and in isolated sacrum fractures to 71 %. Total hospital stay was between eight and ten days in non-operative and between 20 and 22 days in operative treatment., Conclusion: A low energy trauma is the major cause of injury for patients of an age over 65 years with a pelvic ring fracture. With the routine CT examination type B fractures and isolated sacrum fractures are seen more often than expected and resulting in a change of treatment procedures., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

The incidence of osteoporotic pelvic fractures is rapidly increasing. Following low energy trauma fractures are frequently classified as pelvic girdle fractures. Based on the pelvic expert group database of the German Trauma Society the estimated rate of osteoporotic pelvic ring fractures is about 51%. In cases of fractured pubic rami standard X-ray in anterior-posterior, inlet and outlet views should be carried out by computed tomography (CT) scanning to identify fractures of the sacrum. Only if pain persists and no fracture is evident with CT is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated. Therapy should be carried out under biomechanical instability aspects. Pubic rami fractures are stable and treated conservatively with sufficient pain medication, thromboembolic prophylaxis and physiotherapy. In cases of persisting pain or biomechanical instability operative treatment is indicated and stabilization methods should be chosen under biomechanical aspects. Therefore external fixator for pubic rami fractures and iliosacral screws, optionally with cement augmentation for posterior pelvic girdle fractures are the preferred techniques. Sacral fractures with severe osteolysis should be stabilized by lumbopelvic fixation techniques.

Background: Instability of pelvic ring fractures is also caused by ligament disruption. Classifications are based on the major forces leading to fracture. Data from injury mechanisms as well as clinical and radiological criteria are used to determine the degree of instability. The major aim of all kinds of stabilisation is the anatomic reconstruction of the bony pelvic ring. The injured ligamentous apparatus is still ignored. Some clinical trials assume that soft-tissue injuries may be the reason for the poor patient outcome in "open book" pelvic ring fractures. The aim of the study was to develop a realistic finite element (FE) computer model to simulate "open book" fractures and predict injury-associated instabilities for osteosynthesis planning. PATIENTS/MATERIAL: We developed a realistic FE computer model of the pelvic ring based on CT data. With anatomic studies a computer model of the ligamentous apparatus was created and inserted into the pelvic ring to complete the bone-ligament complex. Numerical simulations were performed to identify the influence of single pelvic ligaments on the shifting at the intact anterior and posterior pelvic ring. Additionally, a biomechanical validated virtual crack simulation with anterior-posterior compression forces was undertaken to predict complex instabilities in "open book" pelvic ring fractures., Results: The pelvic ligaments have local and general stabilising functions. The sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments are providing the vertical load transfer, whereas the ligaments of the iliosacral joint and the iliolumbal ligament are necessary for the horizontal load transfer. In "open book" fractures ligaments are ruptured stepwise from anterior to posterior. If the intraosseous and posterior ligaments of the iliosacral joint are intact, only single rotational instability along the ipsilateral iliosacral joint occurs. If the ligaments at the posterior pelvic ring are ruptured too, a second axis across both iliosacral joints was measured. In this particular case additional stabilisation of the posterior pelvic ring should be performed., Conclusion: With numerical simulations, prediction of injury-associated instabilities is possible. Because of incomplete radiological data the implementation of patient-specific FE pelvic computer models into the clinical routine is still not realistic., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Posterior pelvic ring fractures are often associated with injuries of lumbopelvic soft tissue structures. The aim of this prospective MR study was to examine whether ruptured iliolumbal ligaments could be diagnosed in types B and C pelvic ring fractures. The influence of triangular lumbopelvic stabilization (TLPS) was also investigated with respect to stiffening of the lumbopelvic region., Material and Methods: Using a 1.5 Tesla MRI, 20 patients with types B and C fractures were examined to identify ruptured iliolumbal ligaments. In a retrospective study of 30 patients previously stabilized with a TLPS, pain scores, clinical instability testing and measuring of the segmental dislocation in extension, flexion and lateral flexion based on x-rays were also investigated., Results: Of the patients 3 (1 type B, 2 type C fractures) had incompletely ruptured iliolumbal ligaments. In five patients pain intensity and localization could be significantly correlated with clinical instability of the lumbopelvic region, segmental hypermobility and instability., Conclusion: Pelvic ring fractures types B and C can be associated with ruptured iliolumbal ligaments. Lumbopelvic instability can be correlated with early implant loosening of TLPS.

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after pelvic trauma and surgical stabilisation of pelvic and acetabular fractures under medicamentous prophylaxis., Patients and Method: Within 20 months we prospectively included 50 patients. 25 had an isolated pelvic trauma, 25 patients had multiple injuries. 21 of them were polytrauma patients (average ISS: 31.4; min. 26 pts., max. 50 pts.), four patients had additional highly unstable spine fractures or fractures of the lower extremities. Low molecular-weight heparin (Enoxaparin 40 g/d) was administered on average within 24 hours of injury in 44 cases, one patient received low-dose heparin (Liquemin 15,000 to 22,500 I. E./d), five patients received both. 31 patients were treated operatively and 19 conservatively. Colour-flow duplex ultrasonography was performed within 72 hours of injury and stabilisation of the pelvic and acetabular fracture, or weekly. By means of ultrasound, 97 to 100 % of the deep and superficial leg veins could be examinated safely, as well as 88 to 89 % of the external iliac veins and 64 to 66 % of the common iliac veins. Only in 36 to 40 % of the patients the internal iliac veins were visible by ultrasound., Results: Proximal DVTs were detected postoperatively in two patients (4 %), one patient (2 %) died after a fatal P. E. before the scheduled duplex scan., Conclusion: Early medicamentous prophylaxis can prevent deep vein thrombosis after pelvic trauma. Delayed applications due to pelvic operations are risk factors. In such cases duplex scanning should be performed routinely and postoperative medicamentous prophylaxis should be increased.

Background: The assessment of multiple aspects of male sexual function after pelvic fracture., Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study of male sexual function was conducted. Patients admitted with traumatic pelvic fracture between January 1995 and June 2001 were included. One hundred and two patients were invited by mail. After performing a standardized clinical examination including an interview, the patients were asked to answer a questionnaire at home. Sexual dysfunction was classified as erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory dysfunction, sensory loss in genital region, and pain during sexual activity. ED was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The pelvic injury was classified using Tile's classification., Results: Complete data of 77 men were available (age 35 +/- 13). A total of 47 patients (61%) reported limitations in sexual function. Persistent ED was found in 15 patients (19%). The patient's report of ED could be verified by a low IIEF score in 14 cases. Injury patterns, which may increase the incidence of sexual dysfunction, could be identified. A ruptured symphysis appeared to bear a risk of temporary ED. Comparing compression and distraction in type B injuries, patients with distraction injury showed more severe sexual function. Posterior ring disruptions seemed to increase the risk of persistent problems, possibly caused by nerve damage., Conclusions: This study emphasizes that major pelvic trauma may impair sexual function in men. The results demonstrate an objective measurement of ED by the IIEF as well as an extended spectrum of complaints. The IIEF questionnaire might be considered to identify patients that need further medical evaluation.

Background: Unstable fractures of the posterior pelvic ring are frequently combined with severe hemorrhage. In 80% of cases the bleeding originates in the ruptured presacral venous plexus or the fracture itself. Arterial bleeding is less common. The pelvic clamp introduced by Ganz can make it possible to stabilise the pelvis, with subsequent compression of the fracture planes and reduction of the intrapelvic volume in such cases, so improving the prognosis. Use of the pelvic clamp can be integrated into the management in the emergency room with no problem., Methods: This paper presents the authors' own modification of the technique for using the pelvic clamp in the emergency situation when only a clinical examination of the patient has been possible and also analyses specific problems that arise in this situation. To this end, the data relating to 29 polytraumatised patients with unstable posterior pelvic ring fractures were analysed in a retrospective study., Results: In all, 8 complications were seen in 6 patients. There were 2 cases of pin malposition and 2 of over-compression of the ossa coxae and local wound problems. Secondary pin dislocation was observed in 1 case. In all these cases it was possible to correct the pelvic clamp, so that emergency stabilisation was practicable without further surgical intervention. Minor complications were found in 2 patients. These took the form of bleeding at the pin-insertion site. In 1 case an unstable transiliacal fracture was found, and in this case it was not possible to stabilise the posterior pelvic ring with the pelvic clamp. No iatrogenic lesions were detected following application of the pelvic clamp., Conclusion: In the hands of an experienced and practised user application of the pelvic clamp is a safe method for emergency stabilisation of the posterior pelvic ring in polytraumatised patients, even without blood volume control. Problems can be solved and do not generally mean the pelvic clamp cannot be used. The immediate radiological check (e.g. during the emergency CT -scan performed for primary diagnosis) is a must, however.

Unlabelled: It was the objective of this investigation to describe the results after stabilisation of pelvic fractures with the pelvic clamp in polytraumatized patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures., Patients: Between 1999 and 2001 11 polytraumatized patients with an average age of 38 years with unstable fractures of the pelvic ring were treated with the "pelvic clamp" (PC)., Method: The patient's data were analysed retrospectively from the moment they were admitted to our department until 48 hours after the treatment with the pelvic clamp. The following data were observed: -- The time period until the pelvic clamp was placed. -- The mean blood pressure. -- The oxygenation level (PaO (2)/FiO (2) coefficient). -- The number of requested blood units. -- The time period until hemodynamic stabilisation took place., Results: 8 patients survived their injuries. 5 of them were admitted primarily to our department (ISS 39.8, PTS 35), the other 3 were secondarily admitted to our department (ISS 48.3, PTS 39). 3 of 11 patients (27 %) died averaged within the first 45 minutes after admittance. They also were treated in other units before admittance to our department. 8 surviving patients showed -- a hemodynamic stabilisation 6 hours after the treatment with the PC. -- an increase of the mean blood pressure about 25 % 20 minutes after the treatment with the PC. -- a stabilisation of the oxygenation level 6 hours after the treatment with the PC. -- a decrease of the number of requested blood units 6 hours after treatment with the PC., Conclusion: Even if the number of patients who were treated is small, the study shows a positive trend in terms of stabilisation of the vital parameters after stabilisation of the pelvic fracture with the pelvic clamp.

Unlabelled: It is the objective of this investigation to describe the early results (2 years outcome) after triangular vertebropelvine stabilisation (TVPS) of unstable fractures of the posterior pelvic ring., Patients: Between 1.1.1997 and 31.12.2000 35 patients were treated. C1 fractures occurred 9 times (25.7 %), C2 injuries 16 times (45.7 %) and 10 patients suffered fom C3 fractures (28.6 %). The mean age of the injured was 36.6 years (15 to 77 years). 22 patients (62.8 %) were treated with the TVPS. Suffering from a monotrauma, mobilisation with full weight bearing of the injured pelvis was resumed immediately on the first postoperative day. In case of polytrauma mobilisation was continued when the additional injuries allowed so, after 8.8 days on average., Results: After an average of 23.4 months 18 of 22 patients with TVPS were controlled. Radiological criteria as well as quality of life were ascertained. It could be proved, that TVPS offered good reduction and stable retention of the pelvic fractures. 16 patients (89.0 %) suffered from moderate or mild pain, 15 (83.3 %) had slight problems in walking. No restriction in the range of motion of the lumbal vertebral column could be observed., Conclusion: The following advantages of the TVPS could be demonstrated: anatomical reduction and stable retention of instable pelvic fractures, full weight bearing from the first day after surgery, and only slight restriction of the quality of life two years after operation

Severe comminuted pelvic ring fractures are often associated by genitourinary and rectal injuries. Because of severe retroperitoneal bleeding, shock management has to be initiated before further diagnosis of the perineal lesions. If normotonic conditions cannot be achieved by volume replacement, a pelvic clamp is indicated providing immediate reduction of the posterior pelvic ring. A subsequent emergency laparotomy has to be considered if stable circulatory conditions cannot be achieved by these emergency procedures. After the initial management of the hypovolemic shock further examination of the rectum by endoscopy and endosonography is performed. Urethral lesions have to be excluded by ultrasound of the bladder, retrograde urethrography and intravenous urography. Urethral and bladder injuries can be initially treated by suprapubic fistula, whereas rectal and pararectal wounds have to be managed by immediate debridement, jet-lavage and wound drainage. Rectal wall and sphincter lacerations are initially restored by suture because delayed reconstructions have poor results. A deviation colostomy is mandatory in cases of colonic and rectal injuries about the internal sphincter.

Eight patients with sacrum fractures combined with pelvic ring fractures type C were treated using a triangular osteosynthesis after reduction of the fracture. The additional vertical stabilization between the lumbar spine and the posterior iliac crest caused the stability, which is necessary for immediate mobilization of patients. Perfect reduction, correct positioning of the hardware, gentle soft tissue treatment, as well as early mobilization of the patient, increases the early and late prognosis considerably, and compensates the operative trauma completely. We observed no infections or redislocations. The described operative treatment is state of the art at our institution.