The use of a curved internal fixation device in adult pelvic Fractures: Short-Term clinical outcomes in high and low energy fractures.

BACKGROUND

Current methods of percutaneous fixation for pelvic and acetabular fractures are limited due to the curvature of the pelvic anatomy. The goals of fixation are to reduce pain, improve mobility and decrease length of stay. An implant specifically designed for use in the curved osseous fixation pathways of the pelvis may allow for more stable fixation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to examine the results of a new method of fixation (CurvaFix®) for pelvic and acetabular fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of CurvaFix was employed and evaluated for implant fixation, complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), and inpatient mobility and then compared to current standards of care from the literature for percutaneous fixation.

RESULTS

A curved intramedullary device was used to treat 31 low energy and 21 high energy fractures over a median 3.4 months. The median LOS was 7 [1 to 27] days for low and 11 [0 to 68] days for high energy fractures. Median time to first inpatient ambulation was 37 h in high energy fractures and 25 h in low energy injuries. Aggregated complications occurred in 21.3 % (10/46) of patients. Peri-implant failure occurred in 2 patients, with no incidences of hardware failure.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series demonstrates curved internal fixation is a viable option to consider among other treatment modalities for pelvic ring and acetabular fractures and may allow for early inpatient ambulation and a shorter LOS. Comparative studies are needed to confirm this.