Pelvic Fracture Surgery.
Edited By: M.L. Chip Routt, Jr., M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005
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Considering surgeryTypes of surgery recommended Displaced (misaligned) pelvic fractures may be stabilized by either
internal or external fixations (after accurate realignment of the bone
fracture fragments or dislocation sites).Who should consider pelvic fracture surgery? Patients with unstable and displaced pelvic ring disruptions should
strongly consider surgical realignment and stabilization. The decision
to have surgery should be discussed by the patient and physician.
What happens without surgery? If nothing is done, the fracture fragments may not heal for a variety
of reasons, and may cause a painful nonunion. If union occurs in a
displaced location (malunion), chronic pain may result due to leg
length inequality and compensatory scoliosis, among other problems. If
the pelvic fracture heals in a good location, the patient may have few
symptoms as a result.Surgical options Pelvic external fixation consists of pins usually inserted into the
iliac bones and then connected together by clamps and bars. Internal
fixation refers to plates and screws applied directly onto the fracture
sites after realignment. Combinations of both techniques are frequently
chosen for certain fracture patterns.Effectiveness The procedure is effective when excellent realignment and stable
fixation of the displaced fracture is accomplished. A well aligned and
healed pelvic fracture is the best starting point for a successful and
long lasting result.Urgency In situations of ongoing hemorrhage associated with the pelvic
fracture, delaying surgery can be deadly. Early pelvic stability can be
life-saving. Surgery soon after the pelvic fracture avoids the problems
associated with prolonged recumbency such as pneumonia, skin
ulceration, and others.Risks Bleeding, wound infection, fixation failure, and blood clots are but a
few of the associated complications of pelvic surgery. Unfortunately,
the pelvis contains major abdominal organs, blood vessels, and nerves
which further complicate the surgery.Managing risk Complications are managed aggressively and according to the patient's overall clinical condition.Surgery for pelvic fracture at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA
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