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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Research article

Decision-making, therapy, and outcome in lateral compression fractures of the pelvis – analysis of a single center treatment

Authors: J. Zwingmann, H. Eberbach, P. C. Strohm, N. P. Südkamp, J. Lauritsen, H. Schmal

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Pelvic lateral compression fractures are the most stable of the unstable fractures. Therefore, decision making regarding operative or non-operative therapy is still a matter of debate.

Methods

Factors, influencing decision making for therapy, were explored based on prospectively collected register data of a single Level-1 trauma center. The analysis included epidemiological records such as age and gender, and injury characterizing parameters such as degree of displacement and the Injury Severity Score (ISS). In-hospital mortality and complications served as short-term outcome variables. After matching for relevant confounders, long-term results were compared between operatively and non-operatively treated patients, evaluating the Merle d’Aubigne and the EQ. 5D-3 L scores.

Results

Over an 11-year period (2004–14), 134 patients suffered from lateral compression fractures out of 567 pelvic fractures (33%). After excluding patients with clear indications for operation (complex pelvic fractures and pubic symphysis ruptures) and pediatric fractures, 114 patients could be included in the analysis. Sixty-one patients were treated conservatively (54%), 53 with an operation (46%). The operated patients were younger (43.7 vs 58.3 years), had higher ISS (19.9 vs 15.5 points) and fracture displacements (2.3 vs 4.9 mm) (p < 0.001 for all). The length of hospital stay was shorter in the conservatively treated group (12.7 vs 17.3 days, p < 0.02). Although the types of complications were different, the incidence was not. The mortality was less in the operated group (1.9% vs. 6.6%), however, a logistic regression analysis showed that only the ISS was an independent risk factor, but not the type of therapy. Merle d’Aubigne and EQ. 5D-3 L scores were not different in the matched cohorts.

Conclusion

Decision-making for operative therapy was favored in severely injured young patients with high displacement. However, short- and long-term outcomes showed no difference between operatively and non-operatively treated patients.

Trial registration

DRKS, no. 00000488. Registered 14th July 2010 - Retrospectively registered

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Title: Decision-making, therapy, and outcome in lateral compression fractures of the pelvis – analysis of a single center treatment
Authors: J. Zwingmann
H. Eberbach
P. C. Strohm
N. P. Südkamp
J. Lauritsen
H. Schmal
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-2583-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Decision-making, therapy, and outcome in lateral compression fractures of the pelvis – analysis of a single center treatment

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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