Functional outcomes of the anterior subcutaneous internal pelvic fixator (INFIX) technique for pelvic ring injuries: A case series

• Published in: Injury Vol. 52; pp. S54 - S59
• Main Authors: Alencar, Daniel Figueiredo, Azi, Matheus Lemos, Souza, Roberto Almeida Rego, Silva, Lucas Rebouças, Costa Jr, Humberto Lima, Sadgursky, David, Daltro, Gildásio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2021
• Subjects: Anterior pelvic injury; Anterior subcutaneous internal pelvic fixation; Complications; INFIX; Iowa Pelvic Score; Pelvic ring injury; INFIX; Anterior pelvic injury; Anterior subcutaneous internal pelvic fixation; Pelvic ring injury; Complications; Iowa Pelvic Score
• ISSN: 0020-1383; 1879-0267
• DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.05.031

•The INFIX technique is an alternative to external and internal fixation for treating pelvic ring injuries.•The INFIX technique is associated with reduced complication rates.•Treating pelvic ring injuries with the INFIX technique is associated with good to excellent functional results in most patients. Anterior external fixation is a well-established technique for treating pelvic ring injuries, but many complications are associated with it. The subcutaneous anterior internal fixator (INFIX) technique is associated with reduced complication rates and is less uncomfortable for patients. This study evaluated functional outcomes among patients with pelvic ring injuries treated using the INFIX method. In this retrospective case series, patients treated using the INFIX technique were reviewed for functional outcomes, using the Iowa Pelvic Score (IPS). Thirty-four patients, of mean age 39.2 years, were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 1.2 years. Twenty-three of the 34 patients experienced reduction classified as excellent, and eleven as good, with no instances of moderate or poor reduction. One patient developed implant exposure and infection during follow-up. Twenty-six ultimately experienced an excellent or good functional result. The average final IPS was 79.4 (range: 48–100). Our results reinforce prior evidence that the INFIX method is safe for fixating pelvic ring lesions. Most of our patients also experienced excellent or good functional recovery, suggesting that this technique is a viable option for treating certain pelvic ring injuries.