• BACKGROUND
    • Anterior plating is the treatment of choice in anterior pelvic ring fractures. In certain situations where pelvis fracture is associated with open wound, infection, abdominal injury or bladder injury - internal fixation with plate is contraindicated. Conventionally, external fixation is done in such cases. However, External Fixation is associated with pin tract infection, pin loosening, difficult wound care and less patient compliance. The present study was conducted to evaluate a possible 'middle path' between the two procedures.
  • METHODS
    • A prospective study was conducted from July 2017 to December 2019.18 adult patients with risk of infection were treated with INFIX. The patients' data was collected on presentation, preoperatively, intra-operatively and post operatively. The patients were followed up with serial radiographs. Functional status was assessed using Iowa Pelvis Score. After radiological union, implant removal was performed. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months after the removal surgery.
  • RESULTS
    • The average age of patients in present study was 39.55 years with a male predominance. 16 out of 18 patients were polytrauma cases with ISS more than 15.50% patients had Lateral Compression type of fracture. Radiological union was seen at an average of 3.5 months. After removal, 78% patients had excellent outcome and 22% patients had good outcome. The complications observed were LFCN irritation (27.78%) and asymptomatic heterotopic ossification (22%).
  • CONCLUSION
    • Present study concludes that INFIX produces excellent outcome in pelvis fractures with risk of infection where anterior plating is contraindicated.