Complications and outcomes after operative treatment of low-energy pelvic ring and acetabular fractures

BACKGROUND: Fragility fracture of the pelvis (FFP) with a low-energy mechanism of injury is relatively common among the growing geriatric population. The incidence of postoperative complications after surgically treated FFP is not well documented. The aim of this study was to report complications after operatively treated FFP and to determine whether these complications would have a detrimental effect on outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective study of 200 consecutive patients who underwent operative treatment at Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland, between 1.1.2010 and 15.4.2021 for FFP with a low-energy injury mechanism. Postoperative complications were recorded, and associations with outcomes were depicted. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were recorded in 31 (15.5%) patients. Patients with complications had higher intraoperative bleeding (OR 2.8 (1.0-7.9), p = 0.048) and higher ASA classification 3.4 (1.3-8.4), P = 0.009). Patients with complications had longer hospital stays, but no clear association between complications and mortality or discharge location was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of postoperative complications was comparable with that reported in previous literature. Patients who experienced complications had longer hospital stays; however, no definitive association between complications and outcomes was identified.