OBJECTIVETo study the characteristic and surgical treatment of traumatic lumbo-sacro-pelvic injuries.

METHODSA retrospective study was carried out on 8 cases with traumatic lumbo-sacro-pelvic injuries between August 2005 and February 2008, which included 6 male and 2 female, aged from 21 to 52 years with a mean age of 38.4 years. ISS scores were undertaken to evaluate the injury severity of the cases after admission. Measures were taken to treat the emergency that affected the patients' lives. After the patients' conditions were stable, lumbo-iliac fixation was performed to treat traumatic lumbo-sacro-pelvic injuries. Imaging examinations were made to observe the reduction of fracture after operation. Injury of nerve was evaluated with ASIA score, and ASIA scores of preoperation and the last follow-up were analyzed statistically with paired t test.

RESULTSThe group was followed up for 9 to 25 months, averaging 16.9 months. Postoperative imaging examinations showed satisfied reduction of fracture. The preoperative ASIA sensory score and motor score were 35.8+/-5.3 and 31.9+/-6.4 respectively, while the sensory score and motor score were 51.8+/-13.8 and 38.2+/-7.5 at the last follow-up respectively. The sensory and motor functions were improved significantly after operation (P<0.01). The functions of urination and defecation of 6 cases were recovered for different degree after operation. In all of the cases, no aggravated injury of nerve occurred.

CONCLUSIONSTraumatic lumbo-sacro-pelvic injuries is a kind of severe injury of lumbo-sacro-pelvic region. It can be treated with lumbo-iliac internal fixation and fine clinical effect can be gained.