Sacral fractures.

Department of Orthopaedic Surery, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

Sacral fractures most commonly occur after pelvic ring injuries but occasionally in isolation. Although the true incidence of sacral fractures is unknown, an estimated 30% are identified late. Sequelae of inappropriately treated or untreated sacral fractures include persistent pain, decreased mobility, and neurologic compromise. Because these fractures often result from high-energy trauma, concomitant injuries should be suspected. A thorough physical examination, including a detailed neurologic assessment and radiographic evaluation, is necessary to determine treatment. Computed tomography of the pelvis/sacrum can provide significant information about fracture pattern. Surgical intervention, often as a combination of neural decompression and stabilization, is indicated in patients with neurologic deficits, significant soft-tissue compromise, and lumbosacral instability. Patient satisfaction with surgical intervention has not been definitively documented, although neurologic improvement with timely intervention has been noted.

PMID: 17077338 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]