Current consensus and clinical approach to fragility fractures of the pelvis: an international survey of expert opinion.

Introduction: Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) in elderly patients are an underappreciated injury with a significant impact on mobility, independency, and mortality of affected patients and is a growing burden for society/health care. Given the lack of clinical practice guidelines for these injuries, the authors postulate there is heterogeneity in the current use of diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies (both operative and nonoperative), and follow-up of patients with FFP. The goal of this study was to assess international variation in the management of FFP.

Modified Stoppa approach for operative treatment of acetabular fractures: 10-year experience and mid-term follow-up.

Introduction: The (modified) Stoppa approach for acetabular fracture surgery has gained significant popularity and early results have been encouraging but clinical outcome at extensive follow-up is scarce. The purpose of this study is to provide an update on our experience with this approach for operative treatment of acetabular fractures and to assess clinical outcome at mid-term follow-up.

Methods: In this retrospective study, all patients treated operatively for an acetabular fracture using the Stoppa approach over a 10-year period were included.

Management of pelvic ring fracture patients with a pelvic "blush" on early computed tomography.

Background: The sliding computed tomographic (CT) scanner in our trauma resuscitation room can be used early in the assessment of pelvic ring fracture patients. We determined the association between the presence of a pelvic blush on CT scan and the need for pelvic hemorrhage control (PHC). We hypothesized that many pelvic blushes found early in the resuscitation phase can be safely managed without intervention.

Historical Treatment Results of Pelvic Ring Fractures: A 12-year Cohort Study.

Background: Since the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam was appointed as a level-1 trauma center in July 1997, the number of polytrauma patients who were presented has increased. This stimulated us to perform a retrospective analysis on the treatment results of patients with a pelvic ring fracture and to evaluate our treatment strategies.

Materials And Methods: A chart review of all patients with a partially stable fracture (Tile/AO type B) or an unstable fracture (Tile/AO type C) was performed.

External fixation of the pelvic ring: an experimental study on the role of pin diameter, pin position, and parasymphyseal fixator pins.

Background: The mechanical properties of current external fixator systems for unstable (type C) pelvic ring fractures are inferior to internal fixation, and are not optimal for definitive treatment. We explored methods to increase stability of external fixator constructs.

Methods: An experimental model was used for load tests.

Complete Avulsion of the Pectoralis Major Tendon: a Case Report.

Rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is a rare injury, usually occurring during sports activities or after direct trauma. This article describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and treatment of a patient with a complete avulsion of the pectoralis major tendon.

Internal fracture fixation using the Stoppa approach in pelvic ring and acetabular fractures: technical aspects and operative results.

Background: The ilioinguinal approach is well established for the treatment of pelvic fractures. As an alternative, the modified Stoppa approach can be used to expose pelvic and acetabular fractures. We describe our experience with this approach in patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures with respect to fracture reduction, technical aspects, and the incidence of intra- and postoperative complications.

External fixators for pelvic fractures: comparison of the stiffness of current systems.

We evaluated the stiffness of external fixation (EF) systems with a reproducible, standardized human pelvic replica of aluminum and perspex in which a type C pelvic ring injury was created. 12 EF systems were analyzed in 2 situations that necessarily occur during a walking cycle. Endpoints were defined as 15 mm of dislocation or tolerance of the maximum load in each situation.