title: Lumbopelvic fixation and sacral decompression for a U-shaped sacral fracture: case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  U-shaped sacral fractures are highly unstable, can cause significant neurological deficits, lead to progressive deformity and chronic pain if not treated appropriately.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To report a case of a U-shaped sacral fracture treated with lumbopelvic fixation and decompression of sacral roots in a 23-year-old man.
  
  
  METHODS
  Decompression of the sacral roots combined with internal reduction and lumbopelvic fixation using iliac screws.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Restitution of lumbosacropelvic stability and recovery of sphincter function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lumbopelvic fixation is effective in restoring lumbosacralpelvic stability and allows full mobilization in the postoperative period. Good neurological recovery can be expected in the absence of discontinuity of the sacral roots.
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery Service, Hospital Mater Dei, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. mdvilela@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Marcelo D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Vilela
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jermani
authors.forename: Bruno P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Braga
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012447:Sacrum / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome