Overlapping pubic symphysis dislocation: a case report and proposal of a classification system

Abstract

We report on a rare case of pelvic ring injury with an overlapping pubic symphysis dislocation in a patient who was a pedestrian involved in a motor vehicle accident. She sustained a lateral compression pelvic ring injury with an overlapping pubic symphysis dislocation and a mildly displaced zone 2 sacral fracture. She was treated with open reduction and internal fixation of the pubic symphysis and a percutaneously inserted ilio-sacral screw for the sacral fracture. She recovered well and is asymptomatic at 9 months' follow-up. Only one case has been reported previously that was treated in a similar way. We review the literature, offer recommendations on management and propose a classification system for this injury.