To evaluate and analyse the operative results of percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation in displaced posterior pelvic ring injuries.

Fourteen consecutive patients with displaced posterior pelvic ring injuries (August 1995-June 1998) treated by percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation were reviewed. We analysed the pattern of fracture, associated injury and method of operation including patient's position, complication and functional result.

Seventeen iliosacral screws under fluoroscopic guidance were applied in fourteen patients. During the operations various positions of patients were possible, and all cases were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation except in one case (open reduction and percutaneous screw fixation). Fixation of associated anterior pelvic ring injury was undertakes in eight cases. Screw-related neurovascular injury and other complications such as breakage, loosening, misplacement and redisplacement, nonunion and screw site infection during follow-up period were not found. Satisfactory clinical and radiologic results were achieved during follow-up period except in one case (limping due to leg length discrepancy, malreduction) in this study.

Precise understanding of iliosacral anatomy and its variants, proper patient positioning and appropriate intraoperative interpretation of fluoroscopic iliosacral image are mandatory. We believe percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is a useful addition to treatment options for unstable posterior pelvic ring injury.