Successful treatment of a patient with multiple trauma including dislocated sacral fracture complicated with caudopathy

• Published in: Geniĭ ortopedii = Genij ortopedii Vol. 28; no. 6; pp. 837 - 841
• Main Authors: Zakirov, R.I., Ahtyamov, I.F., Fayzrakhmanova, G.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics 01.12.2022
• Subjects: case report; combined injury; lumbopelvic fixation; sacral fracture
• ISSN: 1028-4427; 2542-131X
• DOI: 10.18019/1028-4427-2022-28-6-837-841

Introduction Combined injury, as a cause of death, occupies a central place in different age groups and is common for individuals ages 50 and younger. Most sacral fractures are traditionally repaired with screw or plate. However, the fixation can be unreliable in atypical anatomy of the upper sacral segment, U-shaped and H-shaped fractures, compression of nerve structures and failed fixation. Material and methods Reported is a case of a 29-year-old patient who suffered a severe concomitant injury including comminuted fracture-dislocation of the sacrum complicated by caudopathy. Results A good clinical and anatomical result was obtained. She developed a complete regression of neurological symptoms. The patient could ambulate without additional support. The function of the pelvic organs was restored. Discussion For a comparison, two methods were presented: lumbopelvic fixation using two rods and a transverse buckle and triangular fixation with a rod and an additional iliosacral screw. Lumbopelvic fixation is a surgical procedure for unstable pelvic ring injuries that allows immediate weight-bearing. Biomechanical tests showed greater primary stability with triangular lumbopelvic fixation than iliosacral fixation with no stress to the injured area. Bilateral lumbopelvic fixation with a transverse buckle allowed secure fixation of the lumbopelvic junction for fracture healing, protection of the sacroiliac joints preventing the development of transitional kyphosis and maintaining the spine balance with careful surgical handling of the soft tissues.