Patient-related quality of life after pelvic ring fractures in elderly

PurposePelvic ring fractures, occurring in elderly patients are a challenging problem. Little known is about the patient-related outcome after these injuries. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of life after pelvic ring injuries in patients aged over 60years.MethodsPatients (60years) with pelvic ring fractures treated in our trauma department between 2004 and 2014 were included. Next to patient data, injury-related details as well as treatment details were assessed. After a follow-up of at least twoyears, the survival rate and the patient-related outcome were evaluated using the SF-36 and the EQ-5D score.ResultsOne hundred ninety-six patients (138 women; 58 men; mean age 75.37.8years) were identified. Ninety-six patients were treated operatively, 100 patients conservatively. The overall complication rate was significantly lower for conservatively compared to operatively treated patients (conservatively 18% vs. operatively 33%; p=0.014). The total mortality rate over 2years is 29% with no significant difference of the two-year survival rate (2-year survival rate: operatively 77% vs. non-operatively 65%; p=0.126). Fifty-five patients completed the SF-36 and EQ-5D score after a mean follow-up of 4.2 +/- 2.9years. The mean physical component score of the SF-36 is 33.6 +/- 8.3, and the mean mental component score is 45.3 +/- 8.4. The mean EQ-5D VAS reached 62.5 +/- 27.9.Conclusion p id=Par4 Elderly patients with pelvic ring fractures show a high mortality rate and a limited patient-related outcome. While the complication rate of conservatively treated patients is lower compared to operated patients, the twoyear survival rate is steady.