The need for reduction in displaced pelvic ring disruptions is well established, but actual techniques to perform this difficult task are evolving. Reduction is often difficult, especially if minimally invasive techniques are used. This pelvic reduction frame (Starr Frame LLC, Richardson, TX) provides stabilization of the intact hemipelvis to the operating table and facilitates multiplanar reduction of the injured hemipelvis with the use and manipulation of external fixator pins. With the pelvis reduced and locked on the frame, the surgeon is free to place, or teach, fixation in a controlled manner. This lessens the usual assistance, training, and hardware placement difficulties associated with the surgical treatment of these injuries. The basic surgical technique and 2 cases of acute fracture treatment are presented.
From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
Accepted for publication February 16, 2009.
One of the authors, Dr. Adam J. Starr, may receive royalties from a commercial entity from the sale of the device which is the subject of this manuscript. Dr. Lefaivre and Dr. Reinert have certified that they have no commercial associations.
No outside funding was received in support of this work, and none of the authors has received anything of value in exchange for their work on this manuscript.
Reprints: Kelly A. Lefaivre, MD, FRCSC, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Room G8.323, Dallas, TX 75390-8870 (e-mail: kellylefaivre@hotmail.com).
