Influencing factors for fragility fractures of the pelvis on length of stay and complication rate.

Purpose: Increasing incidence of fragility pelvic ring fractures (FFP) is driven by demographic. An analysis of the patient population, along with the factors influencing total length of stay (LoS), and endpoints such as complications is essential for a better understanding and treatment of FFP injuries.

Methods: This retrospective data analysis includes all inpatients treated from January 2018 to December 2022, with an FFP. Excluded were patients < 65 years, high-energy trauma, acetabular fractures, or pathological fractures. Collected data included demographics as well as information about comorbidities, diagnostics, therapy, LoS and complications.

Results: A total of 363 patients were included, of which 14% (n = 52) were male and 86% (n = 311) female. The average age was 84.4 ± 6.6 years. While 31.1% (n = 113) were mobile without aid before onset of symptoms there was a significant (p < 0.01) decrease to 5.2% (n = 19) at discharge. Only 43.8% (n = 159) remained self-dependent at discharge, compared to 62.3% (n = 226) before injury (p < 0.01). Significantly longer LoS was found with higher FFP types (p < 0.01), higher number of complications (p < 0.01) as well as operative treatment (p < 0.01) and MRI diagnostics (p < 0.01). A significant increase on the number of complications was found with FFP IV (p = 0.02) and operative treatment (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Higher FFP types, higher number of complications, as well as operative treatment and MRI diagnostics prolonged the total LoS. FFP IV and operative treatment were associated with higher number of complications. By identifying specific factors influencing the inpatient stay, further prospective studies may show improved complication/ mortality rates by optimizing those factors.