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

Background context Traumatic 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. Purpose We 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 design This case report used a technical report of spinopelvic dissociation surgery using spinopelvic fixation and the growing rod technique. Patient sample One case was used as the patient sample. Outcome measure Radiographic outcomes, including plain X-ray, three-dimensional computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging scan were the outcome measures. Methods The radiographic outcomes were compared preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the 1-year follow-up with bony union. Results Growing techniques improved traumatic sacral angulation, displacement, and canal encroachment, and provided sufficient structural support. Conclusion The growing rod technique for spinopelvic dissociation under intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring could be a useful alternative surgical option, especially in patients without neurologic deficit.