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. 2021 Aug;141(8):1319-1324.
doi: 10.1007/s00402-020-03597-y. Epub 2020 Sep 26.

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

Peter Obid  1 , Andreas Conta  2 , Philipp Drees  3 , Peer Joechel  4 , Thomas Niemeyer  4 , Norbert Schütz  5
Affiliations

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

Peter Obid et al. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

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 < 0.001). TMT score improved from a mean of 4.15 ± 3.67 preoperatively to a mean of 16.39 ± 4.61 4 weeks postoperatively (Ρ < 0.001). Due to immobilization, patients were not able finish TUGT preoperatively. Four weeks postoperatively TUGT reached a mean of 31.1 ± 11.08 s. There were two surgical complications (one wound healing disorder, one rod dislocation) in two patients that required revision surgery. Two patients developed pneumonia postoperatively.

Conclusions: Minimally invasive lumbopelvic stabilization of sacral fragility fractures is feasible in geriatric patients. Early mobilization of these patients is possible after surgery. The rate of complications is acceptable.

Keywords: Geriatric patients; Lumbopelvic stabilization; Minimally invasive surgery; Outcome; Sacral fragility fracture; Sacral insufficiency fracture.

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