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We propose a new technique for sacroiliac fixation for the treatment of pelvic fracture with vertical and horizontal instability (Tile class C). This fixation technique allows control of vertical displacement while allowing, if needed, a certain degree of movement in the horizontal plane to facilitate reduction of anterior lesions. The technique involves insertion of two sacral screws, one in S1 and one in S2, and two iliac screws. The iliac screws are inserted in the posterior iliac crest through two sacroiliac connectors placed on a rod linking the two sacral screws. Vertical displacement is controlled by blocking the screw heads on the connecting rod. If needed, a certain degree of horizontal mobility of the half pelvis can be allowed by loosening the connectors on the rods. This technique was used for 4 patients. Anatomic reduction was achieved and no secondary movement of the osteosynthesis material nor secondary displacement were observed. The quality of the fixation allowed rapid weight bearing in the standing position and early walking without crutches. This type of fixation can only be used for type C12 fractures in the Tile classification.

From December 1990 to July 1995 we performed 171 sub-inguinal revascularizations including 35 popliteal revascularizations and 146 revascularizations of an artery in the leg or foot. Five cases of infection were observed within a delay of 7 and 25 days after the operation. There were 3 men and 2 women (mean age 78 years). Four femoro-tibial bypasses were made for critical ischaemia (2 necroses of the toes, one eschar of the heal, one stage III). There was one femoro-popliteal bypass which was associated with a femoro-femoral for necrosis of the toes. Two bypasses were made with polytetrafluoroethylene, one with Dacron and two with the greater saphenous vein. Signs of sepsis were bleeding in 2 patients who had a venous bypass and septicaemia in 2 patients. Local skin necrosis and/or apparently infected discharge or patent pus were seen in all patients. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 4 patients and Enterobacter cloacae in one. Revascularization was done with an extra-anatomic bypass in 4 patients and with a cryopreserved in situ allograft in 1. Mortality was 20% and amputation rate was 40%. All exposed bypasses were infected but the severity of the infection varied depending on the causal germ, general signs and ischaemia of the limb. Conservative treatment has its limits: 1) intact anastomoses, 2) absence of bleeding, 3) patent bypass, 4) absence of generalized sepsis. Results of in situ revascularization depend on the virulence of the causal germ. Radical treatment (explanation + extra-anatomic revascularization) still has indications in infected infra-inguinal bypass surgery.