Biomechanical evaluation of an experimental internal ring fixator (RingFix) for stabilization of pelvic ring injuries on an osteoporotic bone model

Abstract

During the last decades, effective pain reduction and early mobilization were identified as the central priorities in therapy of insufficiency fractures of the pelvis. For operative treatment minimally-invasive stabilization techniques are favored. While there is consensus on the significance of sufficient dorsal stabilization the role of additional fixation of the anterior fracture component stays under discussion. Within the present study we developed an internal ring fixator system (RingFix) with the question whether an in-itself-closed construct can improve stability of the entire ring structure. RingFix was evaluated on an osteoporotic bone model with a standardized FFP IIIc fracture within an established biomechanical setup regarding its primary stabilization potential. Further, it was compared to transiliac–transsacral screw fixation with and without stabilization of the anterior fracture component. The transiliac–transsacral fixation with separate screw fixation of the anterior fracture showed signifi