OBJECTIVETo analyze the method and clinical effect of percutaneous reconstruction plate internal fixation for the treatment of unstable pelvic posterior ring fractures.

METHODSFrom March 2004 to October 2008, 36 patients with unstable pelvic posterior ring fractures were treated with percutaneous reconstruction plate internal fixation. Heavy traction was used to correct vertical displacement of sacrum, then arc incisions (3-5 cm) were made from both sides of posterior superior iliac spine to ipsilateral inferior iliac spine along iliac crest. The reconstruction plate was pushed through the cutaneously tunnel to the other incision. There were 26 males and 10 females, the age ranged from 10 to 65 years, with an average of 37.3 years old.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, the duration ranged from 12 to 36 months (means 17.8 months). There were no infection, no vascular nerve injuries and loosening or breakage of the external fixation. All cases attained bone union and lower limbs were equal. The average length of incisions, operative time and intraoperative blood loss were (4.36 +/- 0.99) cm, (42.61 +/- 7.97) min, (168.61 +/- 40.44) ml, respectively. According to the Majeed standards, the functional recovery was excellent in 12, good in 18 and fair in 6.

CONCLUSIONPercutaneous reconstruction plate internal fixation is an ideally safe and effective way to treat unstable pelvic posterior ring fractures, it has many advantages such as minimal invasion, less complications and quicker recovery.