Isolated iliac wing fractures : are they really that benign?

Keywords:

iliac wing ; pelvic fracture ; treatment ; outcome


Published online: Dec 31 2019

Erik Hermans, Michael Edwards, Jan Biert

From the Radboudumc Nijmegen, Department of Surgery, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Abstract

The aim of this study was to review the incidence, management and outcome of isolated iliac wing fractures and to compare them with other type A, B and C fractures.

From 2004 to 2015, the data of 547 patient with a pelvic fracture regarding age, gender, RTS, ISS, treatment, complications and mortality were analyzed and a comparison was made between iliac wing fractures and the other pelvic fractures.

We encountered 30 isolated iliac wing fractures. The ISS, shock class, transfusion rate, complications and mortality were comparable to those of patients with an unstable pelvic fracture. Concomitant injuries were observed in 93% of the patients. None of the fractures were operatively stabilized.

Isolated iliac wing fractures are rare, and operative stabilization of the fracture itself is often not necessary. However, these fractures are serious injuries with characteristics resembling those of patients with an unstable pelvic ring injury