Analysis of the use of original metal structures for anterior pelvic ring fixation

Abstract

Introduction: Stabilization of chronic injuries of the pelvic ring with standard methods may result in plate breach, destabilization of the implant and the need for repeated operations. Therefore, it has become necessary to use special tactical approaches in surgical treatment of chronic injuries for fixing traumatic foci and searching for adapted implant designs for such cases. Thus, an original plate has been developed. Purpose To study the features of fixation of chronic injuries of the pelvic ring using an original plate in comparison with the standard approach. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the surgical treatment performed using the developed plate (Group 2) and a group of patients who underwent fixation of the anterior pelvic ring with two reconstruction plates (Group 1). Results In group 1, four patients (16.7 %) had failed osteosynthesis within two weeks to two months after the operation. In group 2, thirty patients underwent surgical treatment using the developed design, and destabilization of the metal construct was detected only in 2 patients (6.6 %). In one case, migration of plate screws was detected after 3 years during routine X-ray study while the patient was not bothered by pain and did not feel any instability. Discussion Analyzing the positive and negative aspects of the methods used, we made a choice in favor of internal plating. Due to cases of destabilization of fixation using one or two plates, an original metal structure was developed and applied to strengthen fixation. Conclusion Changing the standard approaches to the treatment of chronic injuries (after 3 weeks since injury) of the anterior pelvic ring enables to create conditions for stable fixation, using the original monolithic plate, despite the rigidity of the pelvic ring in chronic injuries.