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23 Jul 2025
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Complex Bilateral Pelvic Ring Injury with APC2 and APC3 Patterns


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Clinical Details

Clinical and radiological findings:  A 31-year-old male sustained a complex pelvic ring injury after falling from a shipping container and landing on an oil drum. The injury pattern included an Anterior-Posterior Compression (APC) type 2 injury on one side and an APC type 3 injury on the contralateral side, with bilateral anterior "saloon door" pubic rami fractures. Initial clinical examination indicated a significant pelvic instability, but no neurovascular compromise was noted. Radiological assessment, including pelvic X-rays and CT scans, confirmed the bilateral pelvic ring disruption with intact posterior ligaments on the APC2 side.

Preoperative Plan

Planning remarks:  The preoperative plan involved a "round-the-world" approach, beginning with the posterior aspect of the APC2 side. The plan was to achieve screw reduction of the sacroiliac (SI) joint posteriorly, followed by fixation of the anterior ramus fracture to stabilize the hemi-pelvis. For the APC3 side, the strategy was to achieve reduction of the anterior elements (symphysis and ramus) first, followed by posterior stabilization using a percutaneous mega screw.

Surgical Discussion

Patient positioning:  The patient was positioned supine on a radiolucent table to allow for intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging and access to both anterior and posterior aspects of the pelvis.

Anatomical surgical approach:  A posterior approach was initially planned for the APC2 side, but screw reduction was achieved percutaneously due to intact posterior ligaments. An anterior approach was utilized for the symphysis pubis and ramus fractures, involving an open reduction and internal fixation with plating. The APC3 side was managed with a combination of open anterior reduction and percutaneous posterior screw fixation.

Operative remarks: 

The surgeon noted that achieving a stable hemi-pelvis on the APC2 side facilitated subsequent reduction maneuvers on the APC3 side. The decision to avoid opening the posterior aspect of the APC3 side was based on achieving satisfactory reduction of the anterior elements first. An antegrade wire was used for ramus screw placement, delaying final screw insertion until posterior stabilization was complete to ensure optimal alignment.

Postoperative protocol:   Postoperative rehabilitation included non-weight bearing (NWB) status for 6 weeks, progressing to partial weight bearing (PWB) as tolerated from week 7, with full weight bearing (FWB) anticipated by 12 weeks post-surgery.

Follow up:   Not specified.

Orthopaedic implants used:   Percutaneous SI screws, anterior symphyseal plate, antegrade wire for ramus screw placement, mega screw for posterior stabilization.

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