Minimally invasive lumbopelvic stabilization of sacral fragility fractures in immobilized geriatric patients: feasibility and early return to mobility

Introduction In an aging society, the incidence of sacral fragility fractures is increasing and diagnosis is often delayed. Immobilization has devastating consequences especially in elderly patients. Short-term mobilization of these patients is crucial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the early return to mobility of immobilized geriatric patients with sacral fragility fractures treated with minimally invasive lumbopelvic stabilization. Methods Retrospective analysis of thirteen consecutive patients (13 females) which could not be mobilized with conservative treatment, and thus were treated with minimally invasive lumbopelvic stabilization. Pain intensity measurement on an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Tinetti Mobility Test (TMT), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) were performed preoperatively and 4 weeks postoperatively. Surgical and medical complications were analyzed. Results Mean age at surgery was 83.92 ± 6.27 years and mean ASA score was 2.77 ± 0.42. NRS improved from a mean of 7.18 ± 0.98 preoperatively to a mean of 2.45 ± 0.93 4 weeks postoperatively ( Ρ