Failure of pubic symphysis internal fixation

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

MBA.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Male

Complex pelvic fracture involves predominantly the right hemipelvis with marked widening of the pubic symphysis. Comminuted fracture of the right iliac bone extends from the iliac crest through to the right acetabulum, with involvement of the inferior right sacroiliac joint. Further fractures of the superior and inferior pubic rami. The right hip joint is congruent and there is no fracture of the proximal femora.

Possibly undisplaced oblique fracture of the left iliac bone.

Open reduction and fixation plates and screws of the right pelvic fractures and across pubic symphysis. The left iliac bone fracture remains minimally displaced. Extensive subcutaneous edema within the right flank and extraperitoneal spaces in keeping with surgery. The right hip joint is congruent with associated hemarthrosis.

Right iliacus hematoma.

2 weeks post MBA. Acute suprapubic pain and difficulty weight bearing.

The right pubic screws of the pubic symphysis internal fixation plate have pulled through the pubic bone with result widening of the pubic symphysis. The remaining internal fixation hardware is unremarkable.

Right iliolumbar arterial embolization coils.

Case Discussion

The patient underwent revision surgery and followed an expected post operative course with extensive rehab.

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