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Injury - 2026-04-07 - Journal Article

AFIS-CL technique: A posterior reduction method enabling three-dimensional control in vertically unstable pelvic ring injuries.

Um J, Chung H, Park S, Sohn HS

case seriesLOE Vn = 5Not reported beyond 'final follow-up'

Topics

arthroplastytrauma
PMID: 41966793DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2026.113255View on PubMed ->

Key Takeaway

The AFIS-CL posterior reduction technique achieved satisfactory radiographic reduction without neurovascular complications or secondary displacement in all 5 patients with vertically unstable pelvic ring injuries.

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Summary

This study describes the AFIS-CL technique—using an anchored reference screw, plate-independent free screw, Jungbluth clamp compression, and Cobb elevator leverage via a posterior approach without skeletal traction—for three-dimensional reduction of vertically unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries. The technique was applied in 5 patients, achieving satisfactory radiographic reduction in all cases. No neurovascular complications and no secondary displacement were observed at final follow-up.

Key Limitation

Five patients with no quantitative reduction outcome data and unreported follow-up duration preclude any assessment of technique efficacy or durability.

Original Abstract

Achieving accurate reduction of a displaced hemipelvis in vertically unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries remains technically challenging. We describe a reproducible posterior reduction technique, termed the Anchored-Free Inter-Screw with Cobb Leverage (AFIS-CL) technique, which utilizes an anchored reference screw, a plate-independent free screw, controlled compression with a Jungbluth clamp, and adjunctive leverage using a Cobb's elevator. Reduction is performed through a posterior approach without skeletal traction, allowing direct intraoperative control of hemipelvic alignment. Sequential correction of vertical, anteroposterior, and rotational displacement is achieved under fluoroscopic guidance, followed by definitive posterior fixation while maintaining the achieved reduction. The technique was applied in five patients with vertically unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries. Satisfactory radiographic reduction was achieved and maintained in all cases without neurovascular complications, and no secondary displacement was observed at final follow-up. The AFIS-CL technique provides a practical and reproducible posterior reduction strategy that may facilitate three-dimensional correction and stable maintenance of reduction in vertically unstable pelvic ring injuries.