We reviewed the clinical result of two techniques of anterior fixation method for unstable pelvic ring injuries, which are external and internal fixation.

A retrospective clinical analysis was performed on 33 cases which had been operated from September 1998 to February 2003.Mean follow-up period is 29 months (range, 12-54 months).Previous to anterior fixation percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation was applied on iliosacral joint in Type C injury. After then plate and screw fixation were done in 17 cases and external fixation in 16 cases as an anterior fixation method. The patient' functional outcome was evaluated by Postel score and comparison between two groups was performed.

In external fixator group the complaints are long duration of application of external fixator, excessive scar formation due to pin tract infection, pain and discomfort (Postel score 9.9;range, 8-11) due to malunion. In internal fixation group all of them showed more than good result and satisfactory to the postoperative condition and clinically (Postel score 11.6;range, 10-12).

An open reduction and internal fixation technique is better than external fixation for the treatment of injured anterior pelvic ring in unstable pelvis fracture.