Surgical Fixation of Sacral Fractures in the Elderly Population: Are There Predictors of Outcome? An Analysis of Return to Ambulation and Residential Living Status

INTRODUCTION: Recent literature suggests that surgical fixation of elderly sacral fractures may reduce time to mobilization and ultimately self-sufficiency. However, it is unclear if predictors of success exist in this subpopulation. The objective of this study was to characterize relative change in ambulation and residential living statuses (pre-injury vs. post-surgery) of elderly patients who received surgical fixation of sacral fractures, as well as determine whether or not demographics and injury characteristics influence these findings. METHODS: Fifty-four elderly patients (≥60 years old) receiving percutaneous screw fixation of sacral fractures were retrospectively reviewed. All fractures were traumatic in nature; insufficiency fractures were excluded. Patient and surgical demographic data, as well as 1-year mortality status, was reported. Primary study endpoints included relative change in patient ambulation and residential living statuses (pre-injury to post-surgery). Statistical analyses were performed to assess relative change in ambulation/living status from pre-injury to post-surgery and to determine if predictors of outcome existed. RESULTS: Of the 54 patients who met inclusion criteria, 4 expired prior to discharge, 2 expired post-discharge, and 4 were lost to follow-up. Of those patients discharged, 95.7% regained some form of ambulation at last follow-up (mean: 22.4 ± 18.9 weeks). Of patients living independent pre-injury, 94.9% would eventually return to independent home living. Neither time-to-surgery, concomitant orthopaedic injury, Charlson Comorbidity Index, or injury mechanism were predictors of final ambulation or residential status (p ≥ 0.07). Mortality at 1-year was 11.1%. DISCUSSION: Operative fixation supported a high rate of return to pre-injury ambulation and residential living status. However, there did not appear to be measures predictive of final functional status. Further efforts with larger, prospective cohorts are warranted.