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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 2/2023

Open Access 25-11-2022 | Acetabular Fracture | Review Article

The relation between surgical approaches for pelvic ring and acetabular fractures and postoperative complications: a systematic review

Authors: Robert A. Timmer, Cassidy Q. B. Mostert, Pieta Krijnen, Sven A. G. Meylaerts, Inger B. Schipper

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 2/2023

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Abstract

Introduction

Although many articles report complications after pelvic ring and acetabular fracture surgery, a general overview of complication rates and potential risk factors is lacking. The current review provides a comprehensive summary of the complications after pelvic ring and acetabular fracture surgery in relation to the surgical approach.

Material and Methods

Pubmed and Embase databases were systematically searched using the key words: pelvic fracture, acetabular fracture, fixation, surgical approaches, complications, and their synonyms. Extracted data included patient and fracture characteristics, surgical approaches, and post-operative complications; surgical site infections (SSI), implant-related complications, malunion and non-union. Study data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

Twenty-two studies (twenty-one retrospective cohort studies, of which three comparative, and one randomized controlled trial) were included in this review. The overall complication rates reported for the included surgical approaches were: 17% for the (Modified) Stoppa approach, 11% for percutaneous fixation, 5% for the Kocher–Langenbeck approach, 7% for the ilioinguinal approach and 31% for external fixation. The most frequent complications were SSI (22%) and neurological (31%) complications, which were most often reported in patients treated with an external fixator. Re-operation rates were comparable for the surgical approaches (4–8%). Two studies reported on risk factors and identified concomitant traumatic injuries, prolonged ICU stay and high body mass index as risk factors for SSI.

Conclusion

External fixation of pelvic fractures is associated with highest complications rates including SSI’s and neurological complications. Although post-operative complications are frequently reported after pelvic fracture surgery, more studies are needed that identify potential risk factors. These will assist the surgeon in (pre)operative decision making and development of preventive strategies.
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Metadata
Title
The relation between surgical approaches for pelvic ring and acetabular fractures and postoperative complications: a systematic review
Authors
Robert A. Timmer
Cassidy Q. B. Mostert
Pieta Krijnen
Sven A. G. Meylaerts
Inger B. Schipper
Publication date
25-11-2022
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 2/2023
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-022-02118-3

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