Fragility Fractures of the Pelvic Ring: Analysis of Epidemiology, Treatment Concepts, and Surgical Strategies from the Registry of the German Pelvic Multicenter Study Group

<b>Background:</b> Fragility fractures of the pelvic ring (FFPs) represent a fast-growing entity in geriatric traumatology with increasing incidence worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology, treatment concepts, and surgical strategies for FFPs based on data collected by the German Pelvic Multicenter Study Group documented in the German Pelvic Fracture Registry. It is the largest cohort study of its kind. <b>Methods:</b> This retrospective cohort study included patients aged 65 years or older after FFPs, as classified according to the Rommens and Hofmann classification. Data were collected from July 2018 onward and analyzed for demographics; fracture classifications; treatment modalities (operative vs. non-operative); and details of surgery, including timing and choice of implants. Patients after high-energy trauma were excluded. Statistical analyses included descriptive metrics and subgroup comparisons. <b>Results:</b> Among 1242 patients (84% female; median age 83.4 years), FFP Type II was the most common fracture type (50.8%), followed by Type IV (21.1%). Non-operative management was employed in 68.8% of cases, while 30.9% underwent surgery. Surgical intervention was more frequent in higher-grade FFPs (e.g., 72.1% in Type IV). The most common surgical technique for the posterior pelvic ring was percutaneous screw fixation (61.3%), with navigation used in 47.4% of cases. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study highlights the variability in treatment strategies for FFPs, with conservative management predominating in lower-grade fractures and surgical approaches increasingly utilized for more complex cases. The findings underscore the need for standardized, evidence-based guidelines and further research to optimize treatment and long-term outcomes for geriatric patients with FFPs.

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Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-04-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14092935
Citations
5
Primary Topic
Pelvic and Acetabular Injuries
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
10.03
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article

Fragility Fractures of the Pelvic Ring: Analysis of Epidemiology, Treatment Concepts, and Surgical Strategies from the Registry of the German Pelvic Multicenter Study Group

Andreas Höch, Stefan Huber, Christian Kleber, Tim Pohlemann et al.
5 citations
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Pelvic and Acetabular Injuries
10.03
article

Fragility Fractures of the Pelvic Ring: Analysis of Epidemiology, Treatment Concepts, and Surgical Strategies from the Registry of the German Pelvic Multicenter Study Group

Andreas Höch, Stefan Huber, Christian Kleber, Tim Pohlemann, David B. Osche, Steven C. Herath, Emmanouil Liodakis
article en
5 citations

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Fragility fractures of the pelvic ring (FFPs) represent a fast-growing entity in geriatric traumatology with increasing incidence worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology, treatment concepts, and surgical strategies for FFPs based on data collected by the German Pelvic Multicenter Study Group documented in the German Pelvic Fracture Registry. It is the largest cohort study of its kind. <b>Methods:</b> This retrospective cohort study included patients aged 65 years or older after FFPs, as classified according to the Rommens and Hofmann classification. Data were collected from July 2018 onward and analyzed for demographics; fracture classifications; treatment modalities (operative vs. non-operative); and details of surgery, including timing and choice of implants. Patients after high-energy trauma were excluded. Statistical analyses included descriptive metrics and subgroup comparisons. <b>Results:</b> Among 1242 patients (84% female; median age 83.4 years), FFP Type II was the most common fracture type (50.8%), followed by Type IV (21.1%). Non-operative management was employed in 68.8% of cases, while 30.9% underwent surgery. Surgical intervention was more frequent in higher-grade FFPs (e.g., 72.1% in Type IV). The most common surgical technique for the posterior pelvic ring was percutaneous screw fixation (61.3%), with navigation used in 47.4% of cases. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study highlights the variability in treatment strategies for FFPs, with conservative management predominating in lower-grade fractures and surgical approaches increasingly utilized for more complex cases. The findings underscore the need for standardized, evidence-based guidelines and further research to optimize treatment and long-term outcomes for geriatric patients with FFPs.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 14(9)
BG Klinik Tübingen (DE), Saarland University (DE), Leipzig University (DE)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Pelvic and Acetabular Injuries
10.03
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