Skip to main content
Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology : Official Journal of the Italian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology logoLink to Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology : Official Journal of the Italian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
. 2007 Dec 14;8(4):192–194. doi: 10.1007/s10195-007-0091-y

Open reduction and internal fixation of an unstable pelvic ring injury during pregnancy

F Alvi 1, A Kumar 1,2,, A D Clayson 1
PMCID: PMC4875011

Abstract

We report a case of an unstable vertical shear injury of the pelvis in a pregnant patient with a viable foetus. The combination of skeletal traction and pelvic external fixation failed to achieve satisfactory reduction. Open reduction and internal fixation of the pubic symphysis and the left sacro-iliac joint were performed without affecting the pregnancy. At the one-year follow-up, the patient was completely asymptomatic. We feel that surgical treatment of pelvic fractures can be offered to pregnant patients after thoroughly considering the potential benefits and dangers of surgery to the patient and the foetus.

Key words: Internal fixation, Pregnancy, Pelvis

References

  • 1.Speer D.P., Peltier L.F. Pelvic fractures and pregnancy. J Trauma. 1987;12:474–480. doi: 10.1097/00005373-197206000-00004. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 2.Semba R.T., Yasakawa K., Gustilo R.B. Critical analysis of results of 53 Malgaigne fractures of the pelvis. J Trauma. 1983;23:35–537. doi: 10.1097/00005373-198306000-00016. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 3.Copeland C.E., Bosse M.J., McCarthy M.L., et al. Effect of trauma and pelvic fracture on female genitourinary, sexual, and reproductive function. J Orthop Trauma. 1997;11:73–81. doi: 10.1097/00005131-199702000-00001. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 4.Ali J., Yeo A., Gara T.J., et al. Predictors of foetal mortality in pregnant trauma patients. J Trauma. 1997;42:782–785. doi: 10.1097/00005373-199705000-00005. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 5.Korovessis P., Baikousis A., Stamatakis M., et al. Medium and long-term results of open reduction and internal fixation for unstable pelvic ring fractures. Orthopaedics. 2000;23:1165–1171. doi: 10.3928/0147-7447-20001101-15. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 6.Ward E.F., Tomasin J., Van der Griend R.A. Open reduction and internal fixation of vertical shear pelvic fractures. J Trauma. 1987;27:291–295. doi: 10.1097/00005373-198703000-00011. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 7.Dunlop D.J., McCahill J.P., Blakemore M.E. Internal fixation of an acetabular fracture during pregnancy. Injury. 1997;28:481–482. doi: 10.1016/S0020-1383(97)00039-9. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 8.Pals S.D., Brown C.W., Friermood T.G. Open reduction and internal fixation of an acetabular fracture during pregnancy. J Orthop Trauma. 1992;6:379–381. doi: 10.1097/00005131-199209000-00020. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 9.Yosipovitch Z., Goldberg I., Ventura E., Neri A. Open reduction of acetabular fracture in pregnancy. A case report. Clin Orthop. 1992;282:229–232. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 10.Gin T. Pharmacokinetic optimisation of general anaesthesia in pregnancy. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1993;25:59–70. doi: 10.2165/00003088-199325010-00004. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Articles from Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology : Official Journal of the Italian Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology are provided here courtesy of Springer-Verlag

RESOURCES