MEDIUM TERM FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF UNSTABLE PELVIC RING FRACTURES

Aim. Unstable pelvic ring fractures are about 6% of all fractures. They occur after high energy mechanism and affect usually young people; they require a long period of rehabilitation with high social-economical cost. The purpose of this study is the evaluation of the medium term outcome of unstable pelvic ring fractures taking into consideration their functional and radiological outcome. Methods. This retrospective study includes 80 patients with unstable pelvic fracture surgically treated from 2002 to 2009. The functional evaluation has been performed using the Majeed score. The mean follow-up was 25 months (range 12-62). Results. In the majority of patients the global life quality resulted reduced: particularly in the sexual field. Prompt surgical treatment and the quality of the reduction showed a strong positive prognostic meaning in order to assure a better functional evaluation. Conclusions. The prognosis of unstable pelvic ring fractures is afflicted by a wide spectrum of relevant dysfunctions. The comprehension of long-term outcome of pelvic ring disruptions could have important prognostic and therapeutic implications, in order to warrant to these patients a better quality of life.