Background: To evaluate the outcomes of transiliac cerclage with Dall-Miles cable in the internal fixation of the posterior complex in unstable pelvic ring fractures between January 1995 and December 2014.
Material and methods: A study of 42 men injured at work with an average age of 35.2 years (range, 23 to 61) was conducted. The mechanisms of injury were traffic accidents in 25 cases (59.5%), crushing accidents in 12 cases (28.6%), and fall from height in 5 cases (11.9%). Thirty-six cases were polytraumatized patients (85.7%). The patients were evaluated using Majeeds functional score and Mattas radiological criteria.
Results: The average follow-up time was 135.8 45.6 months. The clinical outcomes were excellent in 17 cases (40.5%), good in 19 cases (45.2%), fair in 5 cases (11.9%), and poor in 1 case (2.4%). The radiological outcomes were satisfactory in 32 cases (76.2%) and unsatisfactory in 10 cases (23.8%). All fractures were healed. The sequelae were 3 cases (7.2%) of lower limb dysmetria and 3 cases (7.2%) of chronic neuropathic pain.
Conclusion: The internal fixation of the sacroiliac complex by Dall-Miles cable cerclage reinforced with small fragment plates should be considered as an alternative method for minimally invasive osteosynthesis in selected cases of unstable pelvic ring fractures.
Keywords: cerclage; internal fixation; pelvic instability; pelvic ring fractures.