OTA 2006 Posters


Scientific Poster #62 Pelvis

Combined Pelvic Ring Disruption and Acetabulum Fracture: Description of Associated Injury Patterns in 40 Patients
Greg M. Osgood, MD1 (n);
Theodore Manson, MD2 (n);
Robert V. O'Toole, MD1 (n); Clifford Turen, MD1 (n);
1R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA;
2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore Maryland, USA


Purpose: Combined pelvic ring disruptions and acetabulum fractures are uncommon injuries, even at Level 1 trauma centers. This study was conducted to evaluate the pattern of acetabulum fractures and pelvic ring disruptions that occur together, and to compare this to the injury patterns that have been observed historically for each injury in isolation.

Methods: Between December 1997 and December 2001, 457 isolated acetabulum fractures, 854 isolated pelvic ring disruptions, and 40 combined injuries were evaluated at a Level 1 trauma center. A retrospective review of prospective databases yielded 40 patients with combined injuries comprising 44 acetabulum fractures with pelvic ring disruption. Injuries were classified according to Letournel and Young-Burgess by the senior author. Elementary acetabulum fractures included one anterior wall, 8 anterior column, 2 posterior wall (PW), and 9 transverse fractures. Associated acetabulum fractures included 3 transverse with associated PW, 5 anterior column-posterior hemitransverse, 10 T-type, and 6 associated both-column fractures. There were 21 anterior-posterior compression (APC) pelvic ring injuries, 17 lateral compression (LC) injuries, and one vertical shear injury. Fracture patterns were compared to isolated injury patterns at this institution and to Letournel's large acetabulum fracture series.

Results: The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) for this cohort was 27.9. This patient series included 4.5% PW fractures, which is markedly less than 30% isolated PW fractures at this institution and 24% published by Letournel (P <0.003, Fisher Exact). There were no posterior column fractures or posterior column with associated PW fractures. 73% of acetabulum fractures in this study involved both anterior and posterior columns. There appears to be no predominant acetabulum fracture type in combined pelvic injuries; however, 53% of study patients sustained APC pelvic ring disruptions, exceeding this center's norm of 19% (P <0.001). Overall mortality was 12.5%. Early death was seen in 19% of combined APC injuries, and in 6% of LC injuries.

Conclusion/Significance: This study presents the largest cohort of combined pelvic ring disruptions and acetabulum fractures to date. This population is severely traumatized, with high ISS. Isolated posterior acetabulum fractures are uncommon in these patients. APC pelvic injuries occur frequently and are associated with high mortality.


If noted, the author indicates something of value received. The codes are identified as a-research or institutional support; b-miscellaneous funding; c-royalties; d-stock options; e-consultant or employee; n-no conflicts disclosed, and *disclosure not available at time of printing.
· The FDA has not cleared this drug and/or medical device for the use described in this presentation (i.e., the drug or medical device is being discussed for an "off label" use). · · FDA information not available at time of printing.