Pelvic ring injuries. A long term functional outcome study

Eighty patients with pelvic fractures, without hip, spine injuries with neurologic deficits, or traumatic cognitive deficits, 61% treated with external fixators, were reviewed with greater than 5 years of followup. The Short Form-36 General Health Survey, the Iowa pelvic scores, and additional questionnaires concerning return to previous sexual function, occupation, and recreation, and a perception of the worst sequelae of their pelvic trauma were administered. Fractures were classified according to Tile as 25 undisplaced Class A, 31 rotationally displaced Class B, and 24 vertically displaced Class C fractures. Injury severity scores, associated injuries, and mechanisms of injuries were similar across Tile classes. Statistical analysis compared Tile Classes A with B with C and Classes A with B and C. Variations by Tile class among the Short Form-36 survey, Iowa pelvic score, or questionnaire result's were not seen. Approximately 75% of patients returned to their previous sexual function and 80% to their previous occupation. Similarities comparing undisplaced with displaced pelvic fractures question whether reduction of pelvic ring injuries can alter patient long term functional outcomes.