Internal fixation of displaced fractures of the sacrum

The results of internal fixation in 30 patients with displaced fractures of the sacrum were retrospectively reviewed. All fractures were displaced at least 1 cm. Neurologic injuries occurred in 40% (12 of 30) patients. In 17 patients who underwent open reduction, the preoperative displacement averaged 24 mm and the postoperative displacement averaged 4 mm. In the 13 patients in whom percutaneous fixation was done, the preoperative displacement averaged 15 mm and the postoperative displacement averaged 5 mm. All 30 fractures united. This review of 30 patients with displaced sacral fractures suggests that open reduction and iliosacral screw fixation leads to better reduction of the fracture site than does closed reduction and percutaneous fixation. Functional assessment indicated that the presence of a neurologic injury is the most important predictor of compromised outcome in patients with displaced sacral fractures.