Growing rod technique for the treatment of the traumatic spinopelvic dissociation: a technical trick.

Abstract

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Traumatic spinopelvic dissociation, sometimes referred to as U-shaped sacral fracture, is a very rare high-energy trauma. The surgical management of spinopelvic dissociation includes decompression, reduction, and fixation. PURPOSE: We report a novel surgical technique for the treatment of spinopelvic dissociation that uses growing rods and a pedicle screw system, which is often used to treat patients with early onset scoliosis. STUDY DESIGN: This case report used a technical report of spinopelvic dissociation surgery using spinopelvic fixation and the growing rod technique. PATIENT SAMPLE: One case was used as the patient sample. OUTCOME MEASURE: Radiographic outcomes, including plain X-ray, three-dimensional computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging scan were the outcome measures. METHODS: The radiographic outcomes were compared preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the 1-year follow-up with bony union. RESULTS: Growing techniques improved traumatic sacral angulation, displacement, and canal encroachment, and provided sufficient structural support. CONCLUSION: The growing rod technique for spinopelvic dissociation under intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring could be a useful alternative surgical option, especially in patients without neurologic deficit.