The Curvafix IM Implant
Revolutionary Treatment for Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis (FFP)
The only bone implant that follows the natural curves of the pelvis, the CurvaFix IM Implant securely holds the fractured bone in place to promote healing—all in a fast, easy, minimally invasive procedure that can provide immediate pain relief, earlier mobility and faster recovery*.
* As compared with bedrest/as demonstrated in early clinical experience
What is a Fragility Fracture of the Pelvis?
As life expectancy has significantly increased in recent decades, there has been a rise in common age-related medical conditions such as osteoporosis—a disease that weakens bones and can increase the risk of fragility fractures.1 A fragility fracture, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a fracture that is caused by an injury that would be insufficient to fracture normal bone.
Many patients with fragility fractures of the pelvis receive conservative management—such as bed rest and pain control—which can lead to limited mobility, lengthy hospitalizations, high nursing home admittance and even death. While surgical treatment should be considered for 80% of patients, only about 10% receive surgery today.2,3
The good news: Surgical treatment for fragility fractures continues to advance as the new standard of care, including the CurvaFix IM Implant.
Fragility Fractures can Occur in Various Parts of the Pelvis
The most common areas for fractures are in one or more of these locations:
- Wing of ilium
- Superior pubic Ramus
- Inferior pubic Ramus
- Pubic symphysis
- Sacrum
- Sacroiliac joints
What Causes a Fragility Fracture of the Pelvis?
In most cases Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis are caused by low energy events such as a fall from a standing or sitting position. When the bones of the pelvis break without an identifiable event, this is referred to as insufficiency fracture of the pelvis. Insufficiency fractures of the pelvis are a type of fragility fracture and are associated with irradiation, long-term immobilization, long-term cortisone intake.4-6
What are the Symptoms of a Fragility Fracture of the Pelvis?
Symptoms of a FFP depend on the severity of the fracture. Pelvic fracture signs and symptoms can include:
- Pain in your groin, hip, abdomen and/or lower back
- More intense pain or difficulty when walking, standing, or moving your legs
- Numbness or tingling in your groin area or legs
- Difficulty urinating7
How is a Fragility Fracture of the Pelvis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of an FFP usually occurs in the emergency room. The patient will receive a physical examination along with other testing that may include one or more of the following diagnostic tools:
- X-rays: X-rays are often the simplest and fastest way to determine if a pelvic fracture has occurred and identify the fracture type and location. In some cases, an X-ray may not be sensitive enough to show if a fracture is present, and additional imaging may be performed.
- CT (Computer Tomography): A CT scan produces images of the inside of the body in greater detail than an x-ray, showing the bones, muscles, organs and blood vessels.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Tomography): Although not as commonly used for an FFP, certain circumstances may require an MRI. This is a noninvasive way for your doctor to examine your organs, tissues and skeletal system. An MRI produces high-resolution images that can help diagnose a variety of problems in the case of an FFP.8
A New Solution for Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis
With the innovative CurvaFix IM Implant, designed specifically for the curved bones of the pelvis, surgical fracture fixation may now be a good option for many patients who suffer from fragility fracture(s) of the pelvis.
Through a minimally invasive surgery (MIS), the CurvaFix IM Implant can achieve strong, stable fracture fixation even in weakened bones—potentially overcoming many of the limitations of today’s conventional implants. To date, the CurvaFix IM Implant has been used to treat hundreds of patients, including many suffering from fragility fractures of the pelvis. Reports from these cases indicate the CurvaFix IM Implant can help reduce pain, enable earlier mobility and improve patient recovery.
Next Steps
If you or a loved one is living with a fragility fracture of the pelvis, surgical treatment including the CurvaFix IM Implant may be an option. Talk with your doctor for more information or find a surgeon offering CurvaFix below.
- Rommens PM, Wagner D, Hofmann A. Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis. JBJS Rev. 2017 Mar 21;5(3):e3.
- Rommens, et. al., Comprehensive classification of fragility fractures of the pelvic ring: Recommendations for surgical treatment, Injury, 2013. Orthopedic News Network, Vol 32, No 2, April 2021.
- Timmer, e. al., Indications for surgical fixation of low-energy pelvic ring fractures in elderly: a systematic review, Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, April 2022.
- Rommens PM, Hopf JC, Herteleer M, Devlieger B, Hofmann A, Wagner D. Isolated Pubic Ramus Fractures Are Serious Adverse Events for Elderly Persons: An Observational Study on 138 Patients with Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis Type I (FFP Type I). J Clin Med. 2020 Aug 3;9(8):2498.
- O’Connor TJ, Cole PA. Pelvic Insufficiency Fractures. Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil. 2014 Dec;5(4):178-90. doi: 10.1177/2151458514548895. PMID: 26246940; PMCID: PMC4252160.
- Wilfred C G Peh, MD; Pelvic Insufficiency Imaging; Mar 09, 2020; Medscape.
- “Pelvic Fractures.” Cleveland Clinic, 8 December 2021, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22176-pelvic-fractures
- Tidy, Colin. “Pelvic Fractures.” Patient, 26 June 2020, https://patient.info/bones-joints-muscles/pelvic-fractures-leaflet