OBJECTIVETo assess the effects of minimal invasive surgery through an incision near the rectus abdominis muscle for treatment of pelvic fractures sustained in earthquake.

METHODSNine patients with pelvic fractures during Ludian earthquake (August 3, 2014) were treated with minimal invasive surgery through an incision near the rectus abdominis muscle followed by anterior ring fixation and reconstruction plate or posterior ring fixation with percutaneous sacroiliac lag screws. The operative time, incision length, blood loss volume, and pre- and postoperative pain levels were recorded. The surgical complications such as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury and hip adduction incapability were observed.

RESULTSThe minimal invasive surgery achieved satisfactory clinical effects and allowed convenient operation with better surgical exposure, shorter operative time, less blood loss and pain. The patients showed excellent fracture reduction and stable internal fixation without lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury or hip adduction incapability.

CONCLUSIONSThe minimal invasive surgery through an incision near the rectus abdominis muscle is suitable for treatment of pelvic fractures with anteriorly interior fixation, especially in rescuing victims in the event of an earthquake where blood supply can be very limited.