Internal fixator vs external fixator in the management of unstable pelvic ring injuries: A prospective comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the pelvic ring anatomy in unstable anterior pelvic ring injuries is a significant step to reduce the mortality rate associated with these injuries efficiently. There is a debate on using either an anterior subcutaneous pelvis internal fixator (INFIX) or an anterior supra-acetabular external fixator (EXFIX) to manage an unstable anterior pelvic ring fracture. AIM: To compare the functional and radiological outcomes and complications of INFIX vs EXFIX in managing unstable pelvic ring injuries. METHODS: A prospective cohort study included 54 patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures. The patients were divided into two groups; the INFIX group, in which 30 cases were fixed by INFIX, and the EXFIX group, in which 24 patients were treated by EXFIX. The average age in the EXFIX group was 31.17 years (16-57 years), while in the INFIX group, it was 34.5 years (17-53 years). The study included 20 (66.7%) males and 10 (33.3%) females in the INFIX group and 10 (41.7%) males and 14 (58.3%) females in the EXFIX group. The radiological outcomes were evaluated using Matta and Tornetta's score, and the functional outcomes using the Majeed score. RESULTS: The results revealed a statistically significant difference between both groups (P = 0.013) regarding radiological outcomes, according to Matta and Tornetta's score in favor of the INFIX group. Sitting, standing, and walking abilities were measured at a 3-mo follow-up visit using Majeed score modules. It was significantly better among the INFIX group than the EXFIX group in all three modules. At the final follow-up, both groups had no statistically significant difference according to the Majeed score; 92.35 in the INFIX group and 90.99 in the EXFIX group (P = 0.513). A lower surgical site infection rate was noticed in the INFIX group (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Anterior subcutaneous pelvis INFIX is associated with better radiological outcomes and a lower infection rate than anterior supra-acetabular EXFIX in managing patients with unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures.