Iliac wing versus supra-acetabular external fixation in the treatment of unstable pelvic fracture: a clinical efficacy analysis

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of iliac wing versus supra-acetabular external fixation in treatment of unstable pelvic fracture. MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed using clinical data from 60 patients with unstable pelvic fracture (APC type Ⅱ/Ⅲ) who were admitted into our hospital from June 2006 to July 2016. There were 51 patients receiving iliac wing external fixation and 9 patients with supra-acetabular external fixation. Then, their average operation time, the amount of blood loss, the incidence of screw track and infections were studied. The Majeed criteria were adopted to evaluate the prognosis. ResultsPatients receiving iliac wing external fixation showed significantly shorter operative time and less amounts of blood loss, compared with those with supra-acetabular external fixation (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No statistical difference was found as to the screw track infection rate, looseness rate and the excellence rate by Majeed criteria between the two groups (P＞0.05). ConclusionsCompared with supra-acetabular external fixation, iliac wing external fixation is safe, stable and simple to operate, which can be useful in clinical setting. Key words: iliac wing external fixation; supra-acetabular external fixation; unstable pelvic fracture; clinical efficacy