title: Percutaneous fixation of traumatic pubic symphysis diastasis using a TightRope and external fixator versus using a cannulated screw.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study was to introduce a new percutaneous technique for the treatment of traumatic pubic symphysis diastasis using a TightRope and external fixator. A comparison between this technique and percutaneous fixation using a cannulated screw was performed.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2009 to December 2013, 26 patients with type II traumatic pubic symphysis diastasis were treated at two level 1 regional trauma centers. Among them, 10 patients were treated with a percutaneous TightRope and external fixator and 16 patients were treated with percutaneous cannulated screw fixation. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Majeed scoring system. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the modified visual analog scale. Radiological results were assessed based on the width of pubic symphysis preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. Postoperative complications were also recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences between the groups in Majeed scores and patient satisfaction (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the width of pubic symphysis preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the final follow-up (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found regarding infection, fixation failure, or the need for revision surgery (p > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The new percutaneous technique using a TightRope and external fixator is a successful alternative for the treatment of type II traumatic pubic symphysis diastasis, which results in similar outcomes comparing to percutaneous cannulated screw fixation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510000, China.
authors.forename: Yongzeng
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Feng
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No.109, Xue Yuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325027, China.
authors.forename: Jianjun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, No.109, Xue Yuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325027, China.
authors.forename: Xiaoshan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, No.183, Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510000, China.
authors.forename: Chuangxin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510000, China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510000, China.
authors.forename: Lifeng
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.1838, Guangzhou Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510000, China. 13858878561@163.com.
authors.forename: Gang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016267:External Fixators / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011631:Pubic Symphysis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D046548:Pubic Symphysis Diastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Cannulated screw; Comparative study; External fixation; Percutaneous reduction; Symphysis pubis diastasis; TightRope fixation