Growing rod technique for the treatment of the traumatic spinopelvic dissociation: a technical trick

Background contextTraumatic spinopelvic dissociation, sometimes referred to as U-shaped sacral fracture, is a very rare high-energy trauma. The surgical management of spinopelvic dissociation includes decompression, reduction, and fixation.PurposeWe report a novel surgical technique for the treatment of spinopelvic dissociation that uses growing rods and a pedicle screw system, which is often used to treat patients with early onset scoliosis.Study designThis case report used a technical report of spinopelvic dissociation surgery using spinopelvic fixation and the growing rod technique.Patient sampleOne case was used as the patient sample.Outcome measureRadiographic outcomes, including plain X-ray, three-dimensional computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging scan were the outcome measures.MethodsThe radiographic outcomes were compared preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the 1-year follow-up with bony union.ResultsGrowing techniques improved traumatic sacral angulation, displacement, and canal encroachment, and provided sufficient structural support.ConclusionThe growing rod technique for spinopelvic dissociation under intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring could be a useful alternative surgical option, especially in patients without neurologic deficit.