Atypical APC-1 pelvic fracture presenting with pelvic instability: successful management with pubic symphysis fusion

Sophia M Wakefield; Vasileios Giannoudis; Matteo Messori; Peter V Giannoudis

doi:10.1136/bcr-2022-252473

Atypical APC-1 pelvic fracture presenting with pelvic instability: successful management with pubic symphysis fusion

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Dec 22;15(12):e252473. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-252473.

Authors

Sophia M Wakefield¹, Vasileios Giannoudis¹, Matteo Messori¹, Peter V Giannoudis²

Affiliations

¹ Academic Department of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
² Academic Department of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK [email protected].

Abstract

By definition, anteroposterior (AP) compression type 1 (APC-1) injury is a type of pelvic ring injury, which is widely acknowledged as 'stable'. Unstable forms of this injury are very rare and present a challenge for diagnosis and clinical management. Detailed herein is a man in his early 30s, referred to our institution with a 2-year history of pubic symphysis pain following a road traffic accident. Radiological investigation revealed an unstable APC-1 injury. This was subsequently managed with surgical reconstruction leading to the successful return of the patient to former function and recreational activities.

Keywords: Orthopaedic and trauma surgery; Orthopaedics; Trauma.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Fracture Fixation, Internal
Fractures, Bone* / complications
Fractures, Bone* / diagnostic imaging
Fractures, Bone* / surgery
Humans
Male
Pain
Pelvic Bones* / injuries
Pubic Symphysis* / diagnostic imaging