There is a Correlation between Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis and a Circle-Type Morphology of the True Pelvis, but Not with Pelvic Incidence

Abstract

Purpose: Osteoporosis is a major risk factor for the development of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP). There is a lack of information about the influence of anatomical conditions such as Pelvic Incidence and Pelvic Ratio (DT/DS ratio) on this kind of fractures. Methods: This is a monocentric retrospective analysis. X-ray images of the lumbar spine and pelvis and 3D-MPR CT reconstructions of the pelvis were analysed to determine Pelvic Incidence (PI) and Pelvic Ratio (PR) in 141 fragility fractures of the pelvis. Statistical analyses were performed to examine the correlation between these spinopelvic parameters and fragility fractures of the pelvis. Results: A total of 141 fragility fractures of the pelvis (14 men = 9.93%, 127 women = 90.07%) were analysed. According to the FFP-classification we recognized FFP type 1 fractures in 19.15%, FFP type 2 in 41.13%, FFP type 3 in 8.51% and FFP type 4 fractures in 32.21%. The mean PI was 58.83º. There was no statistical correlation between PI and fracture types (p=0.81). The mean PR was 1.099. 57 patients (40.43%) demonstrated a DT/DS ratio ≤ 1.06, corresponding to a circle-type morphology. 24 patients (17.02%) demonstrated a DT/DS ratio ≥ 1.18, corresponding to an ellipse-type pelvis. A circle-type pelvis is significantly more often associated with fragility fractures of the pelvis than an ellipse-type morphology (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of our work demonstrate a strong statistical correlation between the circle-type morphology of the pelvis (PR ≤ 1.06) and fragility fractures of the pelvis. There is no statistical correlation between fragility fractures of the pelvis and Pelvic Incidence.