Comparative outcome of different treatment options for fragility fractures of the sacrum

Abstract

Background Fragility fractures of the sacrum (FFS) have been detected more and more frequently in recent times, and the incidence will continue to increase due to increasing life expectancy. The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and clinical outcome of conservative, interventional and surgical treatment of FFS. Methods Retrospectively, 292 patients (276 women, 16 men) with confirmed FFS were followed up over a period of 5 years. The age of the women was Ø 81.2 (58–99) and that of the men Ø 78.1 (76–85) years. The pain was quantified using a VAS. A fracture classification was carried out considering X-rays, CT and MRI examinations. A QCT of the lumbar spine was performed to quantify bone mineral density. Fractures were recorded, taking X-rays and medical history into account. An interdisciplinary case conference determined the individual treatment concept with classification into conservative, interventional or surgical treatment. Over the course pain and independence was measured, complications and patient satisfaction were documented. A vitamin D determination was done, and existing comorbidities were included. Results Patients with a pain level of < / = 5 benefited from the conservative therapy measures, with pain levels > 5 significantly delaying the development of mobility. After sacroplasty, the pain reduced significantly, which caused a rapid improvement in mobility without any significant difference being found between vertebro- (VSP), balloon (BSP), radiofrequency (RFS) and cement sacroplasty (CSP). The planned osteosynthesis was carried out as planned. In terms of pain reduction and mobilization, the patients benefited from osteosynthesis, although more complex fracture types with lumbopelvic stabilization took longer. Overall, there were no deaths during the hospital stay. Mortality after 12 months was 21.7% for the conservative, 8.4% for the interventional and 13.6% for the surgical therapy group; the differences are significant. For patients in the conservative therapy group who were difficult to mobilize due to pain, the mortality increased to 24.3%. Over 24 months, patients achieved the best independence after sacroplasty. At 12 and 24 months, subjective satisfaction with the therapies was best after sacroplasty, followed by osteosynthesis and conservative measures. All patients had a pronounced vitamin D deficiency and manifest osteoporosis. Cardiovascular pathologies were the main concomitant diseases. Conclusions Patients with FFS with a low level of pain benefit from conservative therapy measures, whereby complications and mortality increase significantly in the case of persistent immobilizing pain. Patients with an unacceptable level of pain resulting from non-dislocated fractures benefit significantly from sacroplasty. Patients with unstable and displaced fractures should be operated on promptly. Different techniques are available for sacroplasty and osteosynthesis, which lead to an improvement of independence and a reduction in mortality.