UC Davis

Summary

Spinopelvic dissociation injuries are complex injuries defined as discontinuity between the appendicular and axial skeleton. Fracture patterns are variable, but U-type and H-type fractures are common and often present with kyphotic deformity along with translational displacement and impaction. The ideal method of fixation has not been established for these injuries. The goals of treatment include restoration of alignment, stability, and neural decompression as needed. Traditional methods of lumbopelvic fixation have spanned the upper sacral fracture site. Our novel modified method of lumbopelvic fixation directly instruments the S1 body. This allows for direct manipulation of the fracture which we theorize improves reduction and increases stability across the fracture. This article characterizes the injury patterns, outlines the modified technique, and reports the clinical and radiographic outcomes of our modified lumbopelvic fixation technique and construct.