Article

Improved Survival After Pelvic Fracture: 13 Year Experience at a Single Trauma Center Using a Multi-disciplinary Institutional Protocol

September 2015
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 30(1)

Authors:

Objectives: To analyze pelvic fracture mortality rates before and after initiation of a multi-disciplinary pelvic fracture protocol. Design: Retrospective database analysis SETTING:: Prospective data from our Level-I National Trauma Registry of The American College of Surgeons (NTRACS) database. Patients/participants: A total of 1682 trauma patients with pelvic fractures from 2000-2013 were compared with a control group of 42,629 without pelvic fractures. Intervention: Initiation of a multi-disciplinary institutional protocol to guide the initial management of trauma patients with pelvic fractures MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:: Patients were grouped into three periods (Group 1: 2000 - 2003, Group 2: 2004 - 2007, Group 3: 2008 - 2013). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess associations between mortality and age, shock (systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than or equal to 90 mmHg), head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) less than or equal to 8), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and time period. Results: Unadjusted mortality rates decreased (12.5% to 11.0%(p=0.72)) while ISS increased (19.1 to 22.7(p<0.01)). Age, shock, head injury, increasing ISS, and earlier time period were significantly associated with mortality. Adjusted mortality decreased over time (odds ratio (OR) for 2000-2003 versus 2008-2013: 2.05, 95% confidence interval (CI)=(1.26, 3.33) and OR for 2004-2007 versus 2008-2013: 1.71, 95%CI=(1.09, 2.67)). From 2000-2003, an unstable fracture pattern in the healthiest cohort significantly increased mortality compared to the stable fracture pattern cohort (8.6% and 0.0%, P<0.01). In subsequent intervals there was no statistically significant association between stable versus unstable fracture patterns and mortality. Conclusions: Adjusted pelvic fracture mortality rates have significantly decreased over time. In the healthiest patients with unstable pelvic fractures, the mortality rate is now similar to that of patients with stable fracture patterns. With sustained institutional effort to address pelvic fractures, mortality rates can be diminished. Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Trends and predictors of mortality in unstable pelvic ring fracture: A 10-year experience with a multidisciplinary institutional protocol

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2019
World J Emerg Surg

Background: Pelvic ring fracture is often combined with other injuries and such patients are considered at high risk of mortality and complications. There is controversy regarding the gold standard protocol for the initial treatment of pelvic fracture. The aim of this study was to assess which risk factors could affect the outcome and to analyze survival using our multidisciplinary institutional protocol for traumatic pelvic ring fracture. Material and methods: This retrospective study reviewed patients who sustained an unstable pelvic ring fracture with Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 5. All patients were admitted to the emergency department and registered in the Trauma Registry System of a level I trauma center from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017. The annular mortality rate after the application of our institutional protocol was analyzed. Patients with different systems of injury and treatments were compared, and regression analysis was performed to adjust for factors that could affect the rate of mortality and complications. Results: During the 10-year study period, there were 825 unstable pelvic ring injuries, with a mean ISS higher than that of other non-pelvic trauma cases. The annual mortality rate declined from 7.8 to 2.4% and the mean length of stay was 18.1 days. A multivariable analysis showed that unstable initial vital signs, such as systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg (odds ratio [OR] 2.53; confidence interval [CI] 1.11-5.73), Glasgow Coma Scale < 9 (OR 3.87; CI 1.57-9.58), 24 > ISS > 15 (OR 4.84; CI 0.85-27.65), pulse rate < 50 (OR 11.54; CI 1.21-109.6), and diabetes mellitus (OR 3.18; CI 1.10-9.21) were associated with higher mortality. No other specific system in the high Abbreviated Injury Scale increased the rates of mortality or complications. Conclusion: Poor initial vital signs and Glasgow Coma Scale score, higher ISS score, and comorbidity of diabetes mellitus affect the mortality rate of patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures. No single system of injury was found to increase mortality in these patients. The mortality rate was reduced through institutional efforts toward the application of guidelines for the initial management of pelvic fracture.

Patterns, management, and outcomes of traumatic pelvic fracture: Insights from a multicenter study

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2020
J Orthop Surg Res

Background: Traumatic pelvic fracture (TPF) is a significant injury that results from high energy impact and has a high morbidity and mortality. Purpose: We aimed to describe the epidemiology, incidence, patterns, management, and outcomes of TPF in multinational level 1 trauma centers. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with TPF between 2010 and 2016 at two trauma centers in Qatar and Germany. Results: A total of 2112 patients presented with traumatic pelvic injuries, of which 1814 (85.9%) sustained TPF, males dominated (76.5%) with a mean age of 41 ± 21 years. In unstable pelvic fracture, the frequent mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash (41%) followed by falls (35%) and pedestrian hit by vehicle (24%). Apart from both extremities, the chest (37.3%) was the most commonly associated injured region. The mean injury severity score (ISS) of 16.5 ± 13.3. Hemodynamic instability was observed in 44%. Blood transfusion was needed in one third while massive transfusion and intensive care admission were required in a tenth and a quarter of cases, respectively. Tile classification was possible in 1228 patients (type A in 60%, B in 30%, and C in 10%). Patients with type C fractures had higher rates of associated injuries, higher ISS, greater pelvis abbreviated injury score (AIS), massive transfusion protocol activation, prolonged hospital stay, complications, and mortality (p value < 0.001). Two-thirds of patients were managed conservatively while a third needed surgical fixation. The median length of hospital and intensive care stays were 15 and 5 days, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 4.7% (86 patients). Conclusion: TPF is a common injury among polytrauma patients. It needs a careful, systematic management approach to address the associated complexities and the polytrauma nature.

Patterns, Management and Outcomes of Traumatic Pelvic Fracture: Insights from A Multicenter Study

Preprint

Full-text available

Mar 2020

Background: Traumatic pelvic fracture (TPF) is a significant injury results from high energy impact and has a high morbidity and mortality. Purpose: We aimed to describe the epidemiology, incidence, patterns, management, and outcomes of TPF in multinational level 1 trauma centers. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with TPF between 2010 and 2016 at two trauma centers in Qatar and Germany. Results: A total of 2112 patients presented with traumatic pelvic injuries, of which 1814 (85.9%) sustained TPF, males dominated (76.5%) with a mean age of 41±21 years. In unstable pelvic fracture, the frequent mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash (41%) followed by falls (35%) and pedestrian hit by vehicle (24%). Apart from both extremities, chest (37.3%) was the most commonly associated injured region. The mean injury severity score (ISS) of 16.5±13.3. Hemodynamic instability was observed in 44%. Blood transfusion was needed in one third while massive transfusion and intensive care admission were required in a tenth and a quarter of cases, respectively. Tile classification was possible in 1228 patients (type A in 60%, B in 30%, and C in 10%). Patients with type C fractures had higher rates of associated injuries, higher ISS , greater pelvis abbreviated injury score (AIS), massive transfusion protocol activation, prolonged hospital stay, complications, and mortality (p-value <0.001). Two-thirds of patients were managed conservatively while a third needed surgical fixation. The median length of hospital and intensive care stays were 15 and 5 days, respectively. The overall mortality rate was 4.7% (86 patients). Conclusion: TPF is a common injury among polytrauma patients. It needs a careful, systematic management approach to address the associated complexities and the polytrauma nature.

Thromboprophylaxis an update of current practice: Can we reach a consensus?

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2019

Diagnosis, prophylaxis, and management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with fractures remain a highly controversial topic with little consensus in clinical practice or the literature. The following manuscript represents a summary of evidence presented at the 2017 OTA Annual Meeting Symposium; “Thromboprophylaxis an Update of Current Practice: Can We Reach A Consensus?” The need for prophylaxis in pelvic and acetabular fracture patients; the existing body of evidence related to VTE, pulmonary embolism (PE), and prophylaxis for patients with fractures about the knee; current evidence in Edinburgh Scotland, regarding VTE prophylaxis in patients with isolated ankle fractures and the risk of VTE in patients with a hip fracture are topics that are addressed. The reader will benefit from the wisdom of this compilation of global contributions on thromboprophylaxis.

Future directions in the treatment of pelvic fractures with abdominal organ injury: the potential of combined endovascular embolization and external fixation techniques

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2025

Pelvic fractures with abdominal organ injuries are complex and life-threatening conditions that pose significant challenges in trauma care. Current management strategies, including external fixation and interventional radiology techniques such as embolization, have shown promise in stabilizing the pelvis and controlling hemorrhage. However, these approaches face challenges such as the lack of standardized protocols, variability in patient selection, and the need for robust multidisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, the combined use of these modalities may lead to improved outcomes, including reduced mortality and shorter hospital stays, but further research is needed to optimize their application. This review aims to comprehensively explore the potential synergies between endovascular embolization and external fixation in managing these complex injuries. It critically assesses the latest clinical evidence, identifies gaps in current practices, and proposes future directions to enhance treatment effectiveness and patient outcomes.

Anterior internal versus external fixation of unstable pelvis fractures was not associated with discharge destination, critical care, length of stay, or hospital charges

Article

Full-text available

May 2024
EUR J ORTHOP SURG TR

Purpose Determine if anterior internal versus supra-acetabular external fixation of unstable pelvic fractures is associated with care needs or discharge. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed at two tertiary trauma referral centers. Adults with unstable pelvis fractures (AO/OTA 61B/61C) who received operative fixation of the anterior and posterior pelvic ring by two orthopedic trauma surgeons from October 2020 to November 2022 were included. The primary outcome was discharge destination. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) or ventilator days, length of stay, and hospital charges. Results Eighty-three eligible patients were 38.6% female, with a mean age of 47.2 ± 20.3 years and BMI 28.1 ± 6.4 kg/m². Fifty-nine patients (71.1%) received anterior pelvis internal fixation and 24 (28.9%) received external fixation. External fixation was associated with weight-bearing restrictions (91.7% versus 49.2%, p = 0.01). No differences in demographic, functional status, insurance type, fracture classification, or injury severity measures were observed by treatment. Internal versus external anterior pelvic fixation was not associated with discharge to home (49.2% versus 29.2%, p = 0.10), median ICU days (3.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 7.8 versus 5.5 [IQR 4.3], p = 0.14, ventilator days (0 [IQR 6.0] versus 0 [IQR 2.8], p = 0.51), length of stay (13.0 [IQR 13.0] versus 17.5 (IQR 20.5), p = 0.38), or total hospital charges (US dollars 180,311 [IQR 219,061.75] versus 243,622 [IQR 187,111], p = 0.14). Conclusions Anterior internal versus supra-acetabular external fixation of unstable pelvis fractures was not significantly associated with discharge destination, critical care, hospital length of stay, or hospital charges. This sample may be underpowered to detect differences between groups. Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level IV.

Natural History of the Pelvic Binder or “Sheet-wrap” in the Early Treatment of Patients with Life-threatening Pelvic Ring Injuries at a Busy Level One Regional Trauma Center. A Retrospective Study.

Preprint

Full-text available

Aug 2023

Objective:Pelvic binders and “sheet-wraps” (PB/SW) are critical tools in splinting the injured pelvis of severely injured trauma patients. Our study reviews the management, logistics, and documentation of PB/SW use in a busy academic Level 1 Trauma Center. Methods: Adults patients with pelvic ring injury from high energy trauma presenting with shock between July 1, 2015 and June 31, 2017 requiring the use of a PB/SW were included in the study, a retrospective review of the medical records was performed evaluating when, how, and by whom PB/SW’s were applied, removed, or manipulated during early hospitalization. Results:Documentation and management of PB/SW’s werewell below standard benchmarks of other procedures, tools, and interventions used in acutely ill patients. No information was documented about PB/SW application in 44% of the 36 cases when the PB/SW was applied at our center. Alterations to the PB/SW were ineffectually communicated and coordinated between members of the treatment team with all PB/SW removed from 21 of patients treated with an emergency procedure in interventional radiology (15) or the operating room (6). Conclusions:Our use and documentation of PB/SW’s in the early treatment of trauma patients with pelvic injuries in shock appear lacking. Immediate action will be taken to improve on these benchmarks through process improvement with caregiver education, improved communication, and creation of measurable benchmarks. Level of Evidence: Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete descriptionof levels of evidence.

Causes and associations with mortality in patients with pelvic ring injuries with haemorrhagic shock

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2023
EUR J ORTHOP SURG TR

Background: High energy pelvic ring injuries are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and can be accompanied by haemorrhagic shock following associated vascular injury. This study evaluated the causes and predictors of mortality in haemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures. Methods: This retrospective observational study at a Major Trauma Centre reviewed 938 consecutive adult patients (≥ 18yrs) with pelvic ring injuries between December 2014 and November 2018. Patients with features of haemorrhagic shock were included, defined as: arrival Systolic BP < 90 mmHg, Base Deficit ≥ 6.0 mmol/l, or transfusion of ≥ 4 units of packed red blood cells within 24 h. Results: Of the 102 patients included, all sustained injuries from high energy trauma, and 47.1% underwent a haemorrhage control intervention (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta-REBOA, Interventional Radiology-IR, or Laparotomy). These were more often required following vertical shear injuries (OR 10.7, p = 0.036). Overall, 33 patients (32.4%) died; 16 due to a head injury, and only 2 directly from acute pelvic exsanguination (6.1%). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that increasing age, Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) Head ≥ 3 and open pelvic fracture were all independent predictors of mortality, and IR was associated with reduced mortality. Lateral Compression III (LC3) injuries were associated with mortality due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Conclusion: Haemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic ring injuries have a high mortality rate, but death is usually attributed to other injuries or later complications, and not from acute exsanguination. This reflects improvements in resuscitative care, transfusion protocols, and haemorrhage control techniques.

Management of pelvic ring fractures in limited resources country: a retrospective study

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2022
EUR J ORTHOP SURG TR

PurposePelvic ring fractures (PRFs) management needs adequate facilities and human resources. However, the prehospital ambulance management role in Indonesia is insufficient. Many hospitals have limited resources that necessitate patients to be referred to higher trauma centers. This study aims to describe the state of PRFs management at a level 1 trauma center in limited-resource country.Methods We conducted retrospective studies of PRFs management from 2011 to 2021 at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. We analyzed patient’s management flow from injury, referral process, initial to definitive treatment, mortality, and Majeed functional score.ResultsFrom 109 patients, 30.3% were non-referrals that came without ambulance, while 69.7% were referrals using an ambulance. All non-referral patients came without pelvic binder with 54.5% unstable hemodynamic, while 35.5% of the referrals came with unstable hemodynamic and 72.4% had pelvic binder. Median time for non-referrals reaching our hospital is 12.5 h. Unlike local referrals, 75% of regional and 85.7% of national referrals general improvement had to be improved before being referred. Polytrauma cases were 33.9% with 12 days mean interval to definitive treatment. Mortality rate in this study was 13.8%. During post-operative follow-up with a mean of 4 years, 83% of patients could be followed up and reported 93 median Majeed score.Conclusion The management of PRFs at level 1 trauma center in limited-resource country shows a mortality rate of 13.8% through various limitations such as unimplemented ambulance prehospital management, number of patients who were referred without pelvic binder applied, and the long waiting interval for definitive treatment.

The management of pelvic ring fractures in low-resource environments: review

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2022
EUR J ORTHOP SURG TR

Although improvement of pelvic trauma care has been successful in decreasing mortality rates in major trauma centers, such changes have not been implemented in low-resource environments such as low-middle-income countries (LMICs). This review details the evaluation and management of pelvic ring fractures and recommends improvements for trauma care in low-resource environments. Prehospital management revolves around basic life support techniques. Application of non-invasive pelvic circumferential compression devices, such as bed sheet or pelvic binders, can be performed as early as the scene of the accident. Upon arrival at the emergency department, rapid clinical evaluation and immediate resuscitation should be performed. Preperitoneal pelvic packing and external fixation devices have been considered as important first-line management tools to achieve bleeding control in hemodynamically unstable patients. After patient stabilization, immediate referral is mandated if the hospital does not have an orthopedic surgeon or facilities to perform complex pelvic/acetabular surgery. Telemedicine platforms have emerged as one of the key solutions for informing decision-making. However, unavailable referral systems and inaccessible transportation systems act as significant barriers in LMICs. Tendencies toward more “old-fashioned” protocols and conservative treatments are often justified especially for minimally displaced fractures. But when surgery is needed, it is important to visualize the fracture site to obtain and maintain a good reduction in the absence of intraoperative imaging. Minimizing soft tissue damage, reducing intraoperative blood loss, and minimizing duration of surgical interventions are vital when performing pelvic surgery in a limited intensive care setting.

Pelvic Malunion: A Systematic Review, Dichotomy of Definitions and Treatment

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2022
MED LITH

Background and Objectives: Pelvic nonunion and malunion have been documented as rare complications in pelvic fractures and literature describing these topics is severely limited. Articles dedicated solely to pelvic malunion are nearly nonexistent. We conducted a literature search with the goal of providing a summary of the definition, causes, treatment strategies, and outcomes of pelvic malunion correction. Materials and Methods: An initial review of the literature was performed using the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases. Search terms used were “malunion” AND “pelvic” OR “pelvis”. Duplicate articles, non-English language articles without translations available and non-human subject studies were excluded. Results: Eleven original publications were found describing experiences with pelvic malunion. Seven of the articles were exclusively dedicated to the topic of pelvic fracture malunion, and only two reported on a series of patients treated for malunion with variably staged procedures. Most reports define pelvic pain as the main indication for surgical correction, along with gait disturbance, standing or sitting imbalance, and urinary or sexual dysfunction. Radiographically, vertical displacement of one to two centimeters and rotation of the hemipelvis of fifteen degrees or more have been described in defining malunion. No treatment algorithms exist, and each patient is treated with a unique work-up and operative plan due to the complexity of the problem. Only one series reported a patient satisfaction rate of 75% following malunion treatment. Conclusions: Pelvic malunion is a rare complication of pelvic ring injury and is seldom discussed in the literature. We found two small case series reporting exclusively on malunion treatment and complications. While some of the combination studies made the distinction in the diagnosis of malunion and nonunion, they rarely differentiated the treatment outcomes between the two categories. This paper describes pelvic malunion and highlights the need for more research into surgical outcomes of treatment specifically regarding functionality, patient satisfaction, and recurrence of preoperative symptoms.

Patients with combined pelvic and spinal injuries have worse clinical and operative outcomes than patients with isolated pelvic injuries analysis of the German Pelvic Registry

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2022
BMC MUSCULOSKEL DIS

Background Pelvic fractures are often associated with spine injury in polytrauma patients. This study aimed to determine whether concomitant spine injury influence the surgical outcome of pelvic fracture. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data of patients registered in the German Pelvic Registry between January 2003 and December 2017. Clinical characteristics, surgical parameters, and outcomes were compared between patients with isolated pelvic fracture (group A) and patients with pelvic fracture plus spine injury (group B). We also compared apart patients with isolated acetabular fracture (group C) versus patients with acetabular fracture plus spine injury (group D). Results Surgery for pelvic fracture was significantly more common in group B than in group A (38.3% vs. 36.6%; p = 0.0002), as also emergency pelvic stabilizations (9.5% vs. 6.7%; p < 0.0001). The mean time to emergency stabilization was longer in group B (137 ± 106 min vs. 113 ± 97 min; p < 0.0001), as well as the mean time until definitive stabilization of the pelvic fracture (7.3 ± 4 days vs. 5.4 ± 8.0 days; p = 0.147). The mean duration of treatment and the morbidity and mortality rates were all significantly higher in group B ( p < 0.0001). Operation time was significantly shorter in group C than in group D (176 ± 81 min vs. 203 ± 119 min, p < 0.0001). Intraoperative blood loss was not significantly different between the two groups with acetabular injuries. Although preoperative acetabular fracture dislocation was slightly less common in group D, postoperative fracture dislocation was slightly more common. The distribution of Matta grades was significantly different between the two groups. Patients with isolated acetabular injuries were significantly less likely to have neurological deficit at discharge (94.5%; p < 0.0001). In-hospital complications were more common in patients with combined spine plus pelvic injuries (groups B and D) than in patients with isolated pelvic and acetabular injury (groups A and C). Conclusions Delaying definitive surgical treatment of pelvic fractures due to spinal cord injury appears to have a negative impact on the outcome of pelvic fractures, especially on the quality of reduction of acetabular fractures.

Which general functional outcome measure does a better job of capturing change in clinical status in pelvic and acetabular fracture patients? An analysis of responsiveness over the first year of recovery

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2021

Objective: To compare the responsiveness of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical component score (PCS) to the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) dysfunction index (DI) in pelvic and acetabular fracture patients over multiple time points in the first year of recovery. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Level 1 trauma center. Patients/participants: Four hundred seventy-three patients with surgically treated pelvic and acetabular fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association B or C-type pelvic ring disruption or acetabular fracture) were enrolled into the center's prospective orthopaedic trauma database between January 2005 and February 2015. Functional outcome data were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Main outcome measurements: Evaluation was performed using the SF-36 Survey and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment. Responsiveness was assessed by calculating the standard response mean (SRM), the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and floor and ceiling effects. Results: Three hundred five patients had complete data for both outcome scores. SF-36 PCS and SMFA DI scores showed strong correlation for all time intervals (r = -0.55 at baseline, r = -0.78 at 6 months, and r = -0.85 at 12 months). The SRM of the SF-36 PCS was greater in magnitude than the SRM of SMFA DI at all time points; this was statistically significant between baseline and 6 months (P < .001), but not between 6 and 12 months (P = .29). Similarly, the proportion of patients achieving MCID in SF-36 PCS was significantly greater than the proportion achieving MCID in SMFA DI between baseline and 6 months (84.6% vs 69.8%, P < .001), and between 6 and 12 months (48.5% vs 35.7%, P = .01). There were no ceiling or floor effects found for SF-36 PCS at any time intervals. However, 16.1% of patients achieved the highest level of functioning detectable by the SMFA DI at baseline, along with smaller ceiling effects at 6 months (1.3%) and 12 months (3.3%). Conclusions: SF-36 PCS is a more responsive measure of functional outcome than the SFMA DI over the first year of recovery in patients who sustain a pelvic ring disruption or acetabular fracture. This superiority was found in using the SRM, proportion of patients meeting MCID, and ceiling effects. Furthermore, the SF-36 PCS correlated with the more disease-specific SMFA DI. Level of evidence: Prognostic Level II.

Where Does Interventional Radiology Fit in with Trauma Management Algorithm?

Article

Mar 2021

Trauma is a major cause of death in the United States, particularly in the younger population. Many traumatic deaths, as well as major morbidity, occur secondary to uncontrolled hemorrhage and eventual exsanguination. Interventional radiology plays a major role in treating these patients, and interventional techniques have evolved to the point where they are an integral part of treatment in these critically ill patients. This article reviews the role of interventional radiology in the treatment algorithms for traumatic injury sponsored by major societies and associations.

Contrast blush on CT is a poor predictor of active bleeding on pelvic angiography

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2018

Objective:. Determine if contrast extravasation (CE) on computed tomography (CT), also called CT blush, is a reliable predictor of clinically relevant arterial bleeding from pelvic ring injury. Design:. Retrospective cohort. Setting:. Single level I trauma center. Patients/participants:. A total of 189 patients who underwent pelvic angiography between 1999 and 2015. Intervention:. Demographic and injury data, including Young–Burgess fracture classification, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and clinical data including hypotension and heart rate upon presentation were recorded. Charts, radiographs, and interventional radiology reports and studies were reviewed. Main outcome measurements:. CE on CT scan was noted from reports. Angiography studies were reviewed for active arterial bleeding. Results:. Mean age was 49 years, with 64% male. CE was noted in 111 patients (66%), with increasing frequency over the study period. Patients under age 55 were less likely to have CE (P

Associated abdominal injuries do not influence quality of care in pelvic fractures—a multicenter cohort study from the German Pelvic Registry

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2020
World J Emerg Surg

Background: Pelvic fractures are rare but serious injuries. The influence of a concomitant abdominal trauma on the time point of surgery and the quality of care regarding quality of reduction or the clinical course in pelvic injuries has not been investigated yet. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the prospective consecutive cohort from the multicenter German Pelvic Registry of the German Trauma Society in the years 2003-2017. Demographic, clinical, and operative parameters were recorded and compared for two groups (isolated pelvic fracture vs. combined abdominal/pelvic trauma). Results: 16.359 patients with pelvic injuries were treated during this period. 21.6% had a concomitant abdominal trauma. The mean age was 61.4 ± 23.5 years. Comparing the two groups, patients with a combination of pelvic and abdominal trauma were significantly younger (47.3 ± 22.0 vs. 70.5 ± 20.4 years; p < 0.001). Both, complication (21.9% vs. 9.9%; p < 0.001) and mortality (8.0% vs. 1.9%; p < 0.001) rates, were significantly higher.In the subgroup of acetabular fractures, the operation time was significantly longer in the group with the combined injury (198 ± 104 vs. 176 ± 81 min, p = 0.001). The grade of successful anatomic reduction of the acetabular fracture did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion: Patients with a pelvic injury have a concomitant abdominal trauma in about 20% of the cases. The clinical course is significantly prolonged in patients with a combined injury, with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. However, the quality of the reduction in the subgroup of acetabular fractures is not influenced by a concomitant abdominal injury. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03952026, Registered 16 May 2019, retrospectively registered.

Die Qualität der operativen Versorgung von Beckenfrakturen wird durch eine zusätzliche Abdominalverletzung nicht beeinflusstQuality of operative treatment of pelvic fractures is not influenced by an additional abdominal injury: Eine monozentrische RegisterstudieA monocentric registry study

Article

Jul 2019

Background Pelvic fractures are rare but severe injuries. The influence of a concomitant abdominal trauma on the quality of care regarding operative parameters, such as reduction quality and the clinical course in pelvic injuries has not yet been sufficiently investigated. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed the prospective consecutive data of patients with pelvic injuries treated at the BG Trauma Center in Tübingen in the years 2003–2017. Demographic, clinical and operative parameters were recorded and compared between two groups (isolated pelvic fracture vs. combined abdominal/pelvic trauma). Results A total of 1848 patients with pelvic injuries were treated during this period and 18.6% had a concomitant abdominal trauma. The mean age was 62.3 ± 23.1 years. Comparing the two groups, patients with a combination of pelvic and abdominal trauma were significantly younger (46.3 ± 20.3 years vs. 70.6 ± 20.8 years; p < 0.001). Both the overall complication rate (31.2% vs. 9.4%; p < 0.001) and mortality (5.0% vs. 1.7%; p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the group with a combination of injuries. The time until definitive surgery of the pelvis was significantly longer in the group with combined injuries (6.0 ± 6.4 days vs. 4.5 ± 4.4 days; p = 0.002). The results of postoperative reduction did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion Patients with a pelvic injuries have a concomitant abdominal trauma in approximately 20% of the cases. The clinical course is significantly prolonged in patients with a combined injury and morbidity and mortality rates are increased; however, the quality of the postoperative results is not influenced by a concomitant abdominal injury.

Patients with gunshot wounds to the torso differ in risk of mortality depending on treating hospital

Article

Apr 2019

Previous studies have had conflicting results when comparing risk of mortality in patients with gunshot wounds (GSWs) treated at Level-I and II trauma centers. However, the populations studied were restricted geographically. We hypothesized that patients presenting after a GSW to the torso at Level-I centers would have a shorter time to surgical intervention (exploratory laparotomy or thoracotomy) and a lower risk of mortality, compared to Level-IIs in a national database. The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2010–2016) was queried for patients presenting to Level-I or II trauma center after a GSW to the torso. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. From 17,965 patients with GSWs, 13,812 (76.8%) were treated at Level-Is and 4153 (23.2%) at Level-IIs. There was no difference in the injury severity score (ISS) (p = 0.55). The Level-I cohort had a higher rate of laparotomy (38.9% vs. 36.5%, p < 0.001) with a shorter median time to laparotomy (49 vs. 55 min, p < 0.001) but no difference in rate (p = 0.14) and time to thoracotomy (p = 0.62). After adjusting for covariates, only patients undergoing thoracotomy (OR = 0.66, CI = 0.47–0.95, p = 0.02) or those undergoing non-operative management (NOM) (OR = 0.85, CI = 0.74–0.98, p = 0.03) at a Level-I center had lower risk for death, compared to Level-II. Patients with torso GSWs managed with thoracotomy or NOM at a Level-I center have a lower risk of mortality, compared to a Level-II. Future prospective studies examining variations in practice, resources available and surgeon experience to account for these differences are warranted.

Quality of Reporting on Guideline, Protocol, or Algorithm Implementation in Adult Trauma Centers: A Systematic Review

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2019

Objective: To appraise the quality of reporting on guideline, protocol, and algorithm implementations in adult trauma settings according to the Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0). Background: At present we do not know if published reports of guideline implementations in trauma settings are of sufficient quality to facilitate replication by other centers wishing to implement the same or similar guidelines. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Articles were identified through electronic databases and hand searching relevant trauma journals. Studies meeting inclusion criteria focused on a guideline, protocol, or algorithm that targeted adult trauma patients ≥18 years and/or trauma patient care providers, and evaluated the effectiveness of guideline, protocol, or algorithm implementation in terms of change in clinical practice or patient outcomes. Each included study was assessed in duplicate for adherence to the 18-item SQUIRE 2.0 criteria. The primary endpoint was the proportion of studies meeting at least 80% (score ≥15) of SQUIRE 2.0. Results: Of 7368 screened studies, 74 met inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine percent of studies scored ≥80% on SQUIRE 2.0. Criteria that were met most frequently were abstract (93%), problem description (93%), and specific aims (89%). The lowest scores appeared in the funding (28%), context (47%), and results (54%) criteria. No study indicated using SQUIRE 2.0 as a guideline to writing the report. Conclusions: Significant opportunity exists to improve the utility of guideline implementation reports in adult trauma settings, particularly in the domains of study context and the implications of context for study outcomes.

The Pelvic fracture – indicator of injury severity or lethal fracture?

Article

Jun 2018
INJURY

Background: Presence of pelvic fractures in trauma patients has previously been related to high mortality. However, there are controversies on whether pelvic fractures are the underlying cause of death or if it is rather an indicator of injury severity. We aimed to assess whether the presence of pelvic fracture increased mortality among a cohort of trauma patients or if it was simply an indicator of severe injury. Material and methods: Karolinska University Hospital is the largest trauma centre in Sweden. The hospital is linked to the Swedish National Trauma Registry, "SweTrau". Registry data was collected for the period January 2013 until December 2015 with a one year further follow-up regarding mortality. Patients in the pelvic fracture group were compared to the non-pelvic fracture group and regression analysis was performed adjusting for factors that could possibly affect mortality. Results: Univariable analysis showed that pelvic fracture was associated with an increased mortality, OR 2.4 (CI 1.3-3.4). Multivariable analysis showed that the presence of a pelvic fracture was not associated with an increased 30-day mortality (OR 0.5, CI 0.2-0.9), while factors as Shock (OR 7.1, CI 4.6-10.9), GCS < 9 (OR 6.2, CI 3.9-9.8), ISS > 15 (OR 12.4, CI 8.1-18.9), Age >60 (OR 3.2, CI 2.1-4,9) and ASA 3-4 (OR 4.7, CI 3.1-7.3) were associated with an increased 30-day mortality. Factors affecting 1-year mortality was analysed in the same way and the results were similar. Conclusion: Presence of pelvic fractures in trauma patients is not correlated to increased mortality when adjusted for Age, ISS, ASA, GCS and Shock.

The Effect of Delayed Presentation and Surgery in Pelvic Trauma on Morbidity and Mortality

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2016

Introduction: The presentation of pelvic trauma patients can be time critical. This study will aim to identify the impact of delayed presentation in pelvic trauma patients on morbidity and mortality and identify the effect of time to pelvic surgery on patient outcomes.

Immediate Management of Pelvic Fractures Resulting from Blunt Trauma -A Concise Update

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2015

Technique de prise en charge des hémorragies des traumatismes pelviens fermés

Article

Nov 2016

Clinical and Radiographic Predictors for Angiography in Pelvic Trauma: An Analysis of 1703 patients

Article

Aug 2024
INJURY

Successful Management of a Polytrauma with Open Complex Pelvic Fracture

Article

Feb 2024

Pelvic fractures frequently result from powerful external forces and carry a high risk of concurrent injuries. In these patients, fatalities are often caused by associated injuries. Pelvic fractures cause substantial morbidity and can lead to long-term impairment in physical functioning, as well as difficulties with daily activities and negative psychological health. Surgical intervention is necessary for treating unstable pelvic fractures, which may involve isolated posterior or combined posterior and anterior fixation utilizing screws and plates to restore anatomical alignment and promote natural healing. A 19-year-old female road traffic accident victim in hemorrhagic shock was hemodynamically stabilized and investigated for associated injuries. She was diagnosed with bilateral sacroiliac joint dislocations, bilateral superior and inferior pubic rami fractures and crescent fracture of the right iliac wing, Grade III liver injury, Grade III splenic infarction and hemoperitoneum, lung contusion, and bilateral hemothorax with multiple rib fractures, fracture of the transverse process of L4 and L5 vertebrae. A secondary survey revealed a right sciatic nerve injury, admitted to intensive care and managed by a multidisciplinary approach. Abdomen and thorax injuries were managed conservatively, and meanwhile, the pelvic fracture was stabilized by a damage control protocol, and definitive surgical intervention includes iliac crest wound debridement and pelvic ring open reduction and internal fixation by the Modified Stoppa approach. Abdomen and chest injuries were managed conservatively. Monthly regular follow-up was the first 6 months, was able to walk and sit comfortably at the end of 4 months, and was able to resume her normal routine work and job at 6 months without any pain and limitation of movements. It is essential to promptly identify and assess the injuries and implement appropriate perioperative management by a multidisciplinary team. Temporary stabilization of fracture followed by the management of associated injuries and delayed definite fixation yields the best result in polytrauma patients with pelvic fracture.

Does a prehospital applied pelvic binder improve patient survival?

Article

Jan 2024
INJURY

Concomitant severe traumatic brain injury is not associated with increased red blood cell transfusion volumes in patients with pelvic fractures: A retrospective observational study

Article

Dec 2023
INJURY

Rehabilitation approaches and strategies in the management of adult patients following pelvic fractures: a scoping review protocol (Preprint)

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2022

Background: Pelvic fractures can lead to disability and a poor health-related quality of life, thereby contributing to the burden of disease in South Africa. Rehabilitation plays an important role in improving the functional outcomes in patients with pelvic fractures. However, there is limited published research that presents optimal interventions and guidelines to improve outcomes in affected individuals. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine and map the range of and gaps in rehabilitation approaches and strategies used by health care professionals globally in the management of adult patients with pelvic fractures. Methods: The synthesis of evidence will follow the framework outlined by Arksey and O'Malley and supported by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The identification of research questions; the identification of relevant studies; the selection of eligible studies; charting data; collating, summarizing, and reporting of the results; and consultation with relevant stakeholders will be undertaken. Peer-reviewed articles written in English; from quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies; and searched through Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library will be considered. Studies eligible for selection will be full-text articles written in English about adult patients with pelvic fractures. Studies on children with pelvic fractures and on interventions following pathological pelvic fractures as well as opinion papers and commentaries will be excluded from the study. Rayyan software will be used for title and abstract screening to determine inclusion in the study and to improve collaboration between the reviewers. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (version 2018) will be used to appraise the quality of the studies. Results: This protocol will guide a scoping review to examine and map the range of and gaps in rehabilitation approaches and strategies used by health care professionals globally in the management of adult patients with pelvic fractures, irrespective of level of care. Impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in patients with pelvic fractures will be highlighted, which will give an indication of the rehabilitation needs of the affected individuals. Results of this review might provide evidence for health care professionals, policy makers, and scholars to aid rehabilitative care and further integration of patients into health care systems and community. Conclusions: The rehabilitation needs of patients with pelvic fractures will be drawn from this review and will be presented in a flow diagram. Rehabilitation approaches and strategies in the management of patients with pelvic fractures will be identified to guide health care professionals in the promotion of quality health care for these patients. Trial registration: OSF Registries osf.io/k6eg8; https://osf.io/k6eg8. International registered report identifier (irrid): PRR1-10.2196/38884.

Tratamiento de las fracturas de pelvis APCII. Variables que afectan el resultado final

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2022

Introducción: Las fracturas de pelvis se asocian frecuentemente a un trauma de alta energía. La tasa de mortalidad varía del 5% al 46%. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar si las variables analizadas se asociaron con el resultado final del tratamiento de las fracturas de pelvis APCII (AO/OTA: 61B2.3). Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluó a 23 de 79 pacientes luego de aplicarles los criterios de selección. Las fracturas fueron clasificadas, según Young y Burgess, en una radiografía panorámica de pelvis, de entrada y de salida, y tomografía computarizada. Se evaluó el resultado clínico según la escala funcional de Majeed. Las variables evaluadas fueron: tratamiento en la urgencia, lesiones asociadas, días de espera hasta la cirugía, fijación utilizada, reducción posquirúrgica inmediata, infección del sitio quirúrgico. Resultados: No se halló una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el tipo de tratamiento realizado en la urgencia, las lesiones asociadas, los días de espera hasta la cirugía y el tipo de fijación, con el resultado final a largo plazo. Los pacientes que tuvieron una reducción posoperatoria inmediata <1 cm y los que no sufrieron una infección del sitio quirúrgico obtuvieron mejores resultados funcionales, de manera estadísticamente significativa. Conclusión: Las variables calidad de la reducción posquirúrgica inmediata e infección del sitio quirúrgico en pacientes con fractura de pelvis APCII se asocian directamente con los resultados funcional y clínico a largo plazo.

Fractura de pelvis inestable. Estudio de Cohorte longitudinal

Article

Feb 2021

Resumen Introducción No hay consenso sobre el paradigma de tratamiento óptimo para pacientes que se presentan con fractura de pelvis inestable y más si se asocia a inestabilidad hemodinámica. El estudio se realizó para determinar la experiencia en el manejo de pacientes con una fractura inestable de la pelvis, con o sin inestabilidad hemodinámica, en un centro de referencia de trauma de Medellín, Colombia, como un paso inicial para avanzar protocolos adaptados a las necesidades particulares de nuestra población. Materiales & Métodos Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, observacional que incluyó pacientes con fractura pélvica por traumatismo. Se recogieron datos demográficos, signos vitales de admisión, presencia de shock al ingreso (según escala ATLS), método de control de hemorragias, requerimiento de transfusión y mortalidad global. Se realizó análisis de un subgrupo de pacientes que se presentaron con signos de Shock hemodinámica grave asociado, definido como ATLS III- IV al ingreso y requerimiento de hemoderivados de más de 8UI en las primeras 48 horas. Resultados Un total de 567 pacientes con fractura pélvica de cualquier tipo, entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2018, identificados en las bases de datos de la institución, de los cuales 149 pacientes presentaron un patrón de fractura inestable de la pelvis (FIP). El 68.1% de los pacientes eran varones, con una edad media de 34 RIQ; 30 años y una puntuación de gravedad de la lesión (ISS) de 34 RIQ: 20. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue del 13.3%. La angioembolización y la colocación de fijadores externos fueron el método más común de control de hemorragias utilizado. Un total de 37 pacientes (27%) se sometieron intervención para el control de la hemorragia en las primeras 48 horas. Hubo 37 pacientes con fractura pélvica admitidos en estado de shock grave o requerimiento de más de 8U hemoderivados, 17 pacientes requirieron intervención en la pelvis, únicas o combinadas. La mortalidad calculada para estos pacientes fué de 32%. Discusión Los pacientes con FPI admitidos en nuestra institución tienen una alta mortalidad y es aún mayor en los pacientes quienes se presentan con Shock grave. Se utilizaron varios métodos para el control de la hemorragia de forma semejante a las indicadas en la literatura actual. Requerimos un esfuerzo institucional sostenido para tratar las fracturas pélvicas y disminuir la mortalidad de nuestros pacientes y conocer nuestra población nos permite orientar las estrategias de manejo. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Traumatic Injuries of the Pelvis

Article

Feb 2020

Traumatic injuries of the hip and pelvis are commonly encountered in the emergency department. This article equips all emergency medicine practitioners with the knowledge to expertly diagnose, treat, and disposition these patients. Pelvic fractures occurring in young patients tend to be associated with high-energy mechanisms and polytrauma. Pelvic and hip fractures in the elderly are often a result of benign trauma but are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Complications After Pelvic Arteriography in Patients With Pelvic Ring Disruptions

Article

Aug 2018

Introduction: Pelvic angiography with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is an established intervention for management of pelvic arterial hemorrhage. This study analyzes complication rates after angiography among patients with pelvic trauma treated in the context of a multidisciplinary institutional pelvic fracture protocol. Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted. Demographics, fracture type, embolization (ie, unilateral versus bilateral and selective versus nonselective), and complications (ie, pseudoaneurysm, renal failure, soft-tissue necrosis/infection, and anaphylactic reactions) were noted. Results: Eighty-one patients with pelvic ring injuries underwent angiography from 2009 to 2013. Complications among 41 patients who underwent angiography with TAE were compared with a control group of 40 patients who underwent angiography without TAE. Eight of 41 patients with TAE had complications (19.5%) compared with 3 of 40 (7.5%) in the control group (P = 0.19). The overall complication rate was 13.6%. Conclusions: The use of angiography with TAE as part of an institutional pelvic fracture protocol involves an acceptable rate of complications. Level of evidence: III.

Percutaneous Versus Open Treatment of Posterior Pelvic Ring Injuries: Changes in Practice Patterns Over Time

Article

May 2018
J ORTHOP TRAUMA

Objective: To determine how the utilization of open versus percutaneous treatment of posterior pelvic ring injuries in early career orthopaedic surgeons has changed over time. Methods: Case log data from surgeons testing in the trauma subspecialty for Part II of the ABOS examination from 2003 to 2015 were evaluated. CPT codes for percutaneous fixation (27216) and open fixation (27218) of the posterior pelvic ring were evaluated using a regression analysis. Results: A total of 377 candidates performed 2,095 posterior ring stabilization procedures (1,626 percutaneous, 469 open). Total case volume was stable over time (β=-1.7 (1.1), p=.14). There was no significant change in the number of posterior pelvic ring fracture surgery cases performed per candidate per test year (β= 0.1 (0.1), p=.50). The proportion of posterior pelvic ring cases performed percutaneously increased significantly from 49% in 2003 to 79% in 2015 (β= 1.0 (0.4), p=.03). There was a significant decrease in the number of open cases reported per candidate (β= -0.07 (0.03), p=.008). Discussion and conclusion: Early career orthopaedic surgeons are performing more percutaneous fixation of the posterior pelvic ring and less open surgery. The impact of this change in volume on surgeon proficiency is unknown and warrants additional research.

Acute Management of the Traumatically Injured Pelvis

Article

Feb 2018
EMERG MED CLIN N AM

Severe pelvic trauma is a challenging condition. The pelvis can create multifocal hemorrhage that is not easily compressible nor managed by traditional surgical methods such as tying off a blood vessel or removing an organ. Its treatment often requires reapproximation of bony structures, damage control resuscitation, assessment for associated injuries, and triage of investigations, as well as multimodality hemorrhage control (external fixation, preperitoneal packing, angioembolization, REBOA [resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta]) by multidisciplinary trauma specialists (general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, endovascular surgeons/interventional radiologists). This article explores this complex clinical problem and provides a practical approach to its management.

Consequences of Falls in Older Patients

Article

Jul 2017

Ground-level falls are the most common type of trauma in older patients. These injuries may be unrecognized because of vulnerability to injury from apparently minor mechanisms, susceptibility to less common injuries, distracting injuries, altered pain perception, and sometimes impaired cognition. Physiologic changes associated with aging and medical comorbidities may obscure clinical instability. Hospitalists must be familiar with common injuries, such as pelvic fractures. Given the increase in the incidence of pelvic fractures coupled with high mortality and morbidity, hospitalists can impact care by aggressively modifying osteoporotic risk factors and effectively collaborating with other disciplines.

Algorithm of diagnosis and treatment of patients with pelvic trauma complicated with retroperitoneal hemorrhage

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2017

Introduction. Despite great diagnostic and therapeutic advances, the amount of complications and mortality rate in patients with retroperitoneal hemorrhage associated with pelvic trauma remains high. The primary aim of treatment in such patients is early recognition and arrest of bleeding source and intensive therapy. Thus, the development of diagnostic and treatment algorithm is important for improvement the results of treatment of patients with pelvic trauma complicated by retroperitoneal hemorrhage.The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of patients with pelvic trauma complicated with retroperitoneal hemorrhage.Material and Methods. Retrospective comparative analysis was performed in 374 patients with pelvic fractures complicated with retroperitoneal hemorrhage who were admitted to our hospital from 2007 to 2015. The study group consisted of 164 patients who were treated according to the new algorithm for diagnosis and treatment. The control group consisted of 210 patients who were not treated with the developed algorithm.Results. Clinical use of the developed algorithm led to reduction in mortality from 12.2 to 9.7%. The number of common complications decreased from 41.3 to 25.0%, and local complications decreased from 28.6 to 18.9%. The time of patients’ activation after the definitive fixation of pelvis reduced from 17.5 to 7.6 days. The average hospital stay decreased from 46.1 to 35.2 days.Conclusion. The developed diagnostic and treatment algorithm helped reduce mortality rate, the number of general and local complications in patients with pelvic trauma complicated by retroperitoneal hemorrhage as well as the duration of bed rest and hospital stay.

Management Strategy of Bleeding Pelvic Fracture

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2016

Although there have been some improvements in mortality and morbidity associated with bleeding pelvic fractures, patients with unstable pelvic fracture are still a therapeutic challenge for the trauma surgeon. Outcomes may be improved through multidisciplinary approaches to control hemorrhage and temporarily stabilize the fracture. Angioembolization has been successfully used for decades but there are some limitations. Recently, pelvic stabilization with extraperitoneal pelvic packing was introduced as an alternative or adjunctive therapy. Appropriate management algorithm is needed to successfully manage patients with pelvic bone fracture. Key Words: Hemorrhage; Pelvis; Fractures, Bone; Therapy

Tecnica di gestione delle emorragie dei traumi pelvici chiusi

Article

Mar 2017

La gestione dei pazienti con trauma pelvico chiuso accettati in stato di instabilità emodinamica resta segnata da un’importante mortalità. Questi feriti devono, quindi, imperativamente essere ricoverati nel più breve tempo possibile e, se possibile, direttamente dal luogo dell’incidente in un centro ospedaliero che disponga di tutte le risorse necessarie e di un’organizzazione adeguata all’urgenza vitale. L’emorragia pelvica può essere di origine ossea, venosa o arteriosa. L’esaurimento dell’emorragia di origine ossea è assicurato dalla riduzione della frattura che evita la mobilizzazione del focolaio di frattura e riduce il volume morto del bacino, quello dell’emorragia di origine venosa può essere assicurato dal tamponamento interno dovuto alla contenzione mentre quello di origine arteriosa può essere assicurato solo con l’angiografia, il packing pelvico extraperitoneale o la legatura, la riparazione o il bypass transitorio vascolare. Quando il paziente è entrato o rischia di entrare in un circolo vizioso emorragico (instabilità emodinamica persistente, acidosi, presenza di un’ipotermia inferiore o uguale a 34 °C, trasfusioni di cinque o più unità di sangue), deve essere gestito secondo i principi del damage control, con o un’embolizzazione in estrema urgenza, eventualmente preceduta da un’occlusione aortica con palloncino o un tamponamento pelvico mediante laparotomia e/o una riparazione rapida delle lesioni vascolari, se si è ad addome aperto. La prevenzione e il trattamento della sindrome compartimentale addominale sono indispensabili in questa situazione. Nell’infortunato in relativa stabilità, è la presenza di una perdita attiva del mezzo di contrasto che fa porre un’indicazione di embolizzazione. La gestione di questi pazienti è complessa e multidisciplinare e comporta spesso dei gesti iterativi che richiedono un’equipe specializzata per le lesioni uretrali, anosfinteriche e osteoarticolari, con un ruolo preponderante della rieducazione.

Técnica de tratamiento de las hemorragias de los traumatismos pélvicos cerrados

Article

Feb 2017

El tratamiento de los pacientes con traumatismos pelvicos cerrados que ingresan con inestabilidad hemodinamica sigue estando asociado con una importante mortalidad. Estos pacientes traumaticos deben ingresar imperativamente en el mas breve plazo y, si es posible, directamente desde el lugar del accidente a un centro hospitalario que disponga del conjunto de recursos necesarios y una organizacion adecuada para la urgencia vital. La hemorragia pelvica puede ser de origen oseo, venoso o arterial. El control de la hemorragia de origen oseo se asegura mediante la reduccion de la fractura que evita la movilizacion del foco de fractura y disminuye el volumen muerto de la pelvis; el de la hemorragia de origen venoso se puede asegurar mediante el taponamiento interno debido a la contencion, y el de origen arterial solo se puede asegurar mediante la arteriografia, el packing pelvico extraperitoneal o la ligadura, reparacion o incluso derivacion vascular provisional. Si el paciente ha entrado o esta en riesgo de entrar en un circulo vicioso hemorragico (inestabilidad hemodinamica persistente, acidosis, presencia de una hipotermia igual o inferior a 34 ̊C, transfusion de cinco o mas concentrados de hematies), debera tratarse segun los principios del control lesional (damage control) con, o bien una embolizacion de extrema urgencia en ocasiones precedida de una oclusion aortica por balon, o bien mediante un taponamiento pelvico por laparotomia y/o una rapida reparacion de las lesiones vasculares si se esta a abdomen abierto. La prevencion y el tratamiento del sindrome compartimental abdominal son imperativos en esta situacion. En el paciente en relativa estabilidad, la presencia de una fuga activa de medio de contraste establecera la indicacion de embolizacion. El tratamiento de estos pacientes es complejo, multidisciplinario y a menudo consta de procedimientos iterativos que precisan un equipo especializado para las lesiones uretrales, anoesfinterianas y osteoarticulares, con un lugar preponderante de la rehabilitacion.

Factors Associated With Pelvic Fracture-Related Arterial Bleeding During Trauma Resuscitation: A Prospective Clinical Study

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2013

To determine predictors of Pelvic Fracture Related Arterial Bleeding (PFRAB) from the information available in the Emergency Department (ED). prospective cohort study. single level-1 Trauma Centre. In 3-year period ending in Dec 2008 consecutive high-energy pelvic fracture patients > 18 years old were included. Patients who arrived >4h after injury or dead on arrival were excluded. Patient management followed ATLS and institutional guidelines. Collected data included: patient demographics, mechanism of injury, vital signs, acid-base status, fluid resuscitation, trauma scores, fracture patterns, procedures and outcomes. Potential predictors were identified using standard statistical tests: Univariate analysis, Pearson correlation (r), receiver operator characteristic (ROC) and decision tree analysis. Observational study. PFRAB was determined based on angiography or CT-angiogram or laparotomy findings. From the 143 study patients 15 (10%) had PFRAB. They were significantly older, more severely injured, more hypotensive, more acidotic, more likely to require transfusions in ED and had higher mortality rate than non-PFRAB patients. No single variable proved to be strong predictor but some had significant correlation with PFRAB. Useful predictors identified: worst base deficit (BD), (ROC: 0.77, cut-off: 6mmol/L, r=0.37), difference between any two measures of BD within 4 hours ([INCREMENT]BD) > 2mmol/L, transfusion in ED (yes/no) and SBP worst less than 104mmHg. Demographics, injury mechanism, fracture pattern, temperature and pH had poor predictive value. BD < 6mmol/L, [INCREMENT]BD > 2mmol/L, SBP < 104mmHg and the need for transfusion in ED are independent predictors of PFRAB in the ED. These predictors can be valuable to triage blunt trauma victims for pelvic haemorrhage control with angiography. Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Pelvic Fractures and Mortality

Article

Full-text available

Feb 1997

A retrospective study of all patients (N = 343) with pelvic fractures admitted to our trauma service was conducted to evaluate the impact of pelvic fractures on mortality. All patients sustained additional injuries with an average Injury Severity Score (ISS) of twenty. Thirty-six patients died. This group had more severe pelvic fractures as graded by the Tile classification as well as a greater number and severity of associated injuries. Six patients died as a direct result of pelvic hemorrhage. In six other patients, pelvic fractures contributed to their demise. The other twenty-four patients died from brain injury, thoracic hemorrhage, or other non-pelvic causes. Overall mortality for patients with pelvic fractures was 10.5 percent This was a 1.4 fold increase in mortality compared to other trauma patients during the same time period without pelvic fractures. Mortality was dramatically increased in patients over sixty years of age (37 percent mortality compared to 8 percent). This greater than four-fold increase in deaths in the elderly appears to be an age related effect because the elderly patients generally had a lower ISS and less severe pelvic trauma than younger patients. We conclude that sustaining a pelvic fracture places the patient at an increased risk of death. Pelvic fractures contributed directly to death in one-third of the mortalities, one-third died from complications associated with pelvic fractures, and one-third died from other causes.

The injury severity score A method for describing patients with multiple injuries and evaluating emergency care

Article

Jan 1984
J Trauma Inj Infect Crit Care

Demographic epidemiology of unstable pelvic fracture in the United States from 2000 to 2009: Trends and in-hospital mortality

Article

Jan 2014

Unstable pelvic fracture is predominantly caused by high-energy blunt trauma and is associated with a high risk of mortality. The epidemiology in the United States is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the epidemiology of unstable pelvic fracture based on patient and hospital demographics in the United States during the last decade. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify patients who were hospitalized with unstable pelvic fracture from 2000 to 2009, using the International Classification of Diseases-9th Rev.-Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. The primary outcome parameter consisted of analyzing the temporal trends of in-hospital admissions for unstable pelvic fracture and the associated in-hospital mortality. The data were stratified by demographic variables, including age, sex, race, and hospital region in the United States. From 2000 to 2009, there were 24,059 patients in total; among these, 1,823 (7.6%) had open fractures, and 22,236 (92.4%) had closed fractures. The population growth-adjusted incidence was stable over time (p = 0.431). The incidence was the lowest in the northeastern region. The in-hospital mortality rate in patients with unstable pelvic fracture was 8.3% (21.3% for open fracture, 7.2% for closed fracture) and remained stable over time (p = 0.089). The in-hospital mortality rate was higher in several subgroups of patients, such as older patients, male patients, African-American patients, and patients in the northeastern region. During the last decade, the incidence of unstable pelvic fracture has remained stable over time in the United States. The in-hospital mortality rate in patients with unstable pelvic fracture was 8.3% and remained stable over time. The rate in patients with an open fracture was approximately three times higher than that in patients with a closed fracture. The incidence was the lowest, but the in-hospital mortality rate was the highest in the northeastern region compared with the other three regions. Prognostic and epidemiologic, level III.

Pelvic Ring Disruptions: Effective Classification System and Treatment Protocols

Article

Jul 1990

From January 1, 1985, to September 10, 1988, 210 consecutive patients with high-energy pelvic ring disruptions (exclusive of acetabular fractures) were admitted to a statewide referral center for adult multiple trauma. They were treated by one of four attending orthopaedic traumatologists per protocol as determined by their injury classification and hemodynamic status; the injury classification system was based on the vector of force involved and the quantification of disruption from that force, i.e., lateral compression, anteroposterior compression, vertical shear, and combined mechanical injury. Of the 210 patients, 162 had complete charts: 126 (78.0%) were admitted directly from the scene, 110 (67.9%) were injured in motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents, 25 (15.0%) were admitted in shock (blood pressure <90 mm Hg), the average Glasgow Coma Score was 13.2, and the average Injury Severity Score was 25.8. Treatment of the pelvic fracture included the following methods (alone or in combination): acute external fixation (45.0; 28.0%), open reduction/internal fixation (22; 13.5%), acute arterial embolization (11; 7.0%), and bedrest (68; 42.0%). Overall blood replacement averaged 5.9 units (lateral compression, 3.6 units; anteroposterior compression, 14.8 units; vertical shear, 9.2 units; combined mechanical, 8.5 units). Overall mortality was 8.6% (lateral compression, 7.0%; anteroposterior, 20.0%, vertical shear, 0%; combined mechanical, 18.0%). The cause of death was associated with the pelvic fracture in less than 50%; no patient with an isolated or vertical shear pelvic injury died. We conclude that the predictive value of our classification system (incorporating appreciation of the causative forces and resulting injury patterns) and our classification-based treatment protocols reduce the morbidity and mortality related to pelvic ring disruption. (C) Williams & Wilkins 1990. All Rights Reserved.

What are Predictors of Mortality in Patients with Pelvic Fractures

Article

Feb 2012
CLIN ORTHOP RELAT R

Our knowledge of factors influencing mortality of patients with pelvic ring injuries and the impact of associated injuries is currently based on limited information. We identified the (1) causes and time of death, (2) demography, and (3) pattern and severity of injuries in patients with pelvic ring fractures who did not survive. We prospectively collected data on 5340 patients listed in the German Pelvic Trauma Registry between April 30, 2004 and July 29, 2011; 3034 of 5340 (57%) patients were female. Demographic data and parameters indicating the type and severity of injury were recorded for patients who died in hospital (nonsurvivors) and compared with data of patients who survived (survivors). The median followup was 13 days (range, 0-1117 days). A total of 238 (4%) patients died a median of 2 days after trauma. The main cause of death was massive bleeding (34%), predominantly from the pelvic region (62% of all patients who died because of massive bleeding). Fifty-six percent of nonsurvivors and 43% of survivors were male. Nonsurvivors were characterized by a higher incidence of complex pelvic injuries (32% versus 8%), less isolated pelvic ring fractures (13% versus 49%), lower initial blood hemoglobin concentration (6.7 ± 2.9 versus 9.8 ± 3.0 g/dL) and systolic arterial blood pressure (77 ± 27 versus 106 ± 24 mmHg), and higher injury severity score (ISS) (35 ± 16 versus 15 ± 12). Patients with pelvic fractures who did not survive were characterized by male gender, severe multiple trauma, and major hemorrhage. Level III, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Survival trends and predictors of mortality in severe pelvic trauma: Estimates from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry Initiative

Article

Apr 2011

The Effect of Pelvic Fracture on Mortality After Trauma: An Analysis of 63,000 Trauma Patients

Article

Dec 2009
J BONE JOINT SURG AM

The understanding of the mortality risk posed by pelvic fracture is incomplete. The purposes of this study were (1) to compare the mortality risk associated with a pelvic fracture with the risk conferred by other injuries and (2) to determine if the association of a pelvic fracture with mortality varies when combined with other known risk factors. Trauma registry records from two level-I trauma centers were examined. Regression analysis was done on 63,033 patients to assess the odds ratio for mortality associated with pelvic fracture compared with other variables such as age, shock, head injury, abdominal or chest injury, and extremity injury. A second analysis was carried out to determine if the impact of a pelvic fracture on mortality varied when combined with other known risk factors for mortality. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that pelvic fracture was significantly associated with mortality (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for mortality associated with a pelvic fracture (approximately 2) was similar to that posed by an abdominal injury. Hemodynamic shock, severe head injury, and an age of sixty years or more all had an odds ratio for mortality greater than that associated with pelvic fracture. For the majority of trauma patients, pelvic fracture is significantly associated with a greater risk of mortality. However, pelvic fracture is one variable among many that contribute to mortality risk, and it must be considered in relation to these other variables.

Emergent Management of APC-2 Pelvic Ring Injuries With an Anteriorly Placed C-Clamp

Article

May 2009

Can anteriorly placed pelvic C-clamps be used successfully in the emergent management of APC-2 pelvic fractures? Prospective cohort. Level 1 trauma center. A single-surgeon series of 24 patients with an anteroposterior compression type 2 pelvic fracture. Application of an anteriorly placed pelvic C-clamp within 2 hours of presentation. Response to hypotension, complications related to pin placement, application time, and symphyseal reduction measured on anteroposterior radiograph. Twenty-four patients with a mean age of 29 years (14-58 years) had an APC-2 pelvic fracture diagnosed by an anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis on presentation. All patients were emergently managed with an anteriorly placed C-clamp applied in the emergency room (10), angiography suite (9), or operating room (5). Eleven patients presented with hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg) and had an average elevation of their blood pressure of 23 mm Hg (10-44 mm Hg). The symphyseal separation was reduced from a mean of 4.5 cm (3-9 cm) to <2 cm in all cases and to <1 cm in 21 of 24 cases. Complications included 1 misdiagnosis of an APC-3 injury and 2 cases in which the clamp became dislodged when the patients were rolled in the intensive care unit. Thirteen patients required laparotomy or angiography for further management after the C-clamp was applied. The C-clamp was easily draped out of the field for both procedures. The pelvic C-clamp can be placed anteriorly as a part of the early management of APC-2 pelvic fractures with a short application time in a variety of patient care areas.

The Mortality Associated with Pelvic Fractures

Article

Oct 1978
SURGERY

The mortality among 604 patients with pelvic fractures was 12%. Pedestrian accidents were the etiologic agent in 27% of the patients, but accounted for 49% of the deaths and for 73% of the deaths primarily due to pelvic fractures. Although 71 of the 72 patients who died sustained concomitant major injuries (mean, 3.1), 60% of the deaths (43 patients) were attributed entirely or in part to pelvic fractures. Of particular interest were the 26 patients in whom the pelvic fracture was the primary cause of death. Ninety-three percent were in shock or had clinical evidence of hypovolemia at the time of admission. Eighteen patients (69%) exsanguinated from their pelvic fractures shortly after hospital admission (mean, 9 hours). They were more elderly than the eight patients who survived their initial resuscitation, but subsequently died of sepsis or of renal failure (mean, 62 vs. 38 years). Sepsis arising in the pelvic hematoma and acute renal failure induced by pelvic hemorrhage and/or pelvic sepsis each accounted for 15% of the deaths. Ninety-one percent of the patients who died primarily of their pelvic fracture had a single or double break in the pelvic ring. Thirty-one precent had open pelvic fractures, and injury associated with a 50% mortality. Twenty-three percent had pelvic fracture related iliac or femoral vessel disruptions, an injury associated with a 75% mortality. Mortality in these patients clearly resulted from ineffective control of pelvic hemorrhage and from the inability to prevent sepsis in the pelvic hematoma.

Pelvic Fractures: An Analysis of Factors Affecting Prehospital Triage and Patient Outcome

Article

Aug 1990

Using an established prehospital regional triage protocol, 175 patients sustaining fractures of the pelvis were managed in a level one trauma center during a 38-month interval. The majority of injuries (51.7%) were caused by motor vehicle accidents and involved an average trauma score (TS) of 13 and an average injury severity score (ISS) of 24. The overall mortality was 16%; 43.5% had open fractures, 13.2% had closed fractures, and 30.6% had been in pedestrian accidents. Significant risk factors for mortality were age, blood pressure on admission, associated injuries, and the presence of an open pelvic fracture. It appears that TS alone is not reliable in prehospital triage of patients with pelvic fractures. Age and mechanism of injury may better identify the patient at risk for morbidity and mortality.

Pelvic ring disruptions: Effective classification system and treatment protocols

Article

Aug 1990
J TRAUMA

From January 1, 1985, to September 10, 1988, 210 consecutive patients with high-energy pelvic ring disruptions (exclusive of acetabular fractures) were admitted to a statewide referral center for adult multiple trauma. They were treated by one of four attending orthopaedic traumatologists per protocol as determined by their injury classification and hemodynamic status; the injury classification system was based on the vector of force involved and the quantification of disruption from that force, i.e., lateral compression, anteroposterior compression, vertical shear, and combined mechanical injury. Of the 210 patients, 162 had complete charts: 126 (78.0%) were admitted directly from the scene, 110 (67.9%) were injured in motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents, 25 (15.0%) were admitted in shock (blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg), the average Glasgow Coma Score was 13.2, and the average Injury Severity Score was 25.8. Treatment of the pelvic fracture included the following methods (alone or in combination): acute external fixation (45.0; 28.0%), open reduction/internal fixation (22; 13.5%), acute arterial embolization (11; 7.0%), and bedrest (68; 42.0%). Overall blood replacement averaged 5.9 units (lateral compression, 3.6 units; anteroposterior compression, 14.8 units; vertical shear, 9.2 units; combined mechanical, 8.5 units). Overall mortality was 8.6% (lateral compression, 7.0%; anteroposterior, 20.0%, vertical shear, 0%; combined mechanical, 18.0%). The cause of death was associated with the pelvic fracture in less than 50%; no patient with an isolated or vertical shear pelvic injury died. We conclude that the predictive value of our classification system (incorporating appreciation of the causative forces and resulting injury patterns) and our classification-based treatment protocols reduce the morbidity and mortality related to pelvic ring disruption.

The Injury Severity Score: A Method for Describing Patients with Multiple Injuries and Evaluating Emergency Care

Article

Apr 1974
J TRAUMA

A method for comparing death rates of groups of injured persons was developed, using hospital and medical examiner data for more than 2,000 persons. The first step was determination of the extent to which injury severity as rated by the Abbreviated Injury Scale correlates with patient survival. Substantial correlation was demonstrated. Controlling for severity of the primary injury made it possible to measure the effect on mortality of additional injuries. Injuries that in themselves would not normally be life threatening were shown to have a marked effect on mortality when they occurred in combination with other injuries. An Injury Severity Score was developed that correlates well with survival and provides a numerical description of the overall severity of injury for patients with multiple trauma. Results of this investigation indicate that the Injury Severity Score represents an important step in solving the problem of summarizing injury severity, especially in patients with multiple trauma. The score is easily derived, and is based on a widely used injury classification system, the Abbreviated Injury Scale. Use of the Injury Severity Score facilitates comparison of the mortality experience of varied groups of trauma patients, thereby improving ability to evaluate care of the injured.

Causes of mortality in patients with pelvic fractures

Article

Sep 1994

During 6 years we treated nearly 500 patients with pelvic fractures. Three hundred forty-eight were admitted directly to our hospital following blunt injuries; these patients formed the basis of this review. There were 220 men and 128 women with an average age of 31 years, a mean Injury Severity Score of 21.8, and an average hospital stay of 16.5 days. Almost two thirds of patients were injured in motor vehicle accidents, and about one eighth were pedestrians struck by a vehicle. Smaller numbers were injured in crushing accidents, motorcycle accidents, falls, and miscellaneous injuries. Only 32 patients (9%) had an isolated pelvic fracture. Associated injuries to the head, chest, abdomen, and upper and lower extremities were frequent, and these injuries often had a greater impact on outcome than the pelvic fracture. Twenty-eight patients died, an overall mortality rate of 8%. Only four deaths (14.3%) were a direct result of the pelvic fracture, and bleeding from a transected femoral artery contributed to one of these deaths. Most deaths were caused by severe head injury, nonpelvic hemorrhage, and multiple organ failure. Although the pelvic fracture may result in prolonged hospitalization, and can be a cause of extended disability, it is an infrequent cause of mortality.

The Hannover Experience in Management of Pelvic Fractures

Article

Sep 1994

Between 1972 and 1993, 1899 patients with fractures of the pelvis were treated at the authors institution. The pelvic ring was fractured in 1479 patients, and 1029 sustained polytrauma. A retrospective study included four parts: (1) Demographic analysis of 1409 patients showed an increase in the severity of pelvic and general trauma during this period. The 17.7% mortality rate was predicted by the Hannover Polytrauma Score and associated extrapelvic blunt trauma. (2) Residual displacement after operative treatment of the pelvis was analyzed in 221 patients. In C type (Tile) fractures residual displacement correlated with external fixation and solely anterior stabilization. (3) Outcome after operative treatment was analyzed in a consecutive series of 58 patients an average of 2.2 years after trauma. Pelvic pain was frequent (Type B 11%, Type C 66%) and correlated with posterior displacement over 5 mm and primary neurological injuries. (4) Mortality after complex pelvic trauma (pelvic fracture with soft tissue injury) decreased from 48.1% to 29.6% during these years. Standardized protocols for primary care and operative procedures of pelvic injuries optimize therapy. Complex pelvic trauma requires early, aggressive surgical management with surgical hemostasis. Further developments in open reduction and internal fixation of the pelvis focus on minimizing additional soft tissue trauma and implants.

Acetabular and pelvic fractures in multiple trauma

Article

May 1997

We see pelvic fractures in about 50% of all multiple trauma patients. In many cases, these pelvic fractures are complicated by complex pelvic traumata, i.e., a pelvic fracture with pelvic vessel damage, neurological, visceral or soft-tissue damage, and therefore have the character of life-threatening lesions. The incidence of complex pelvic trauma is extremely high in cases of vertical and rotation instability. Most problems come from massive bleeding as a result of presacral venous plexus laceration. This venous bleeding usually tampons its self after stabilization, e.g., with an external fixator. In about half of the cases an immediate laparotomy is performed because of remaining circulatory instability, lesions of the urinary tract, or open fractures. In these cases, stabilization of the pelvis is frequently achieved by ORIF, e.g., plating of the symphysis pubis or the SI joint. Internal stabilization of the pelvis facilitates the following treatment in the ICU, especially when prone-supine positioning is mandatory due to pulmonary indications. For this reason we avoid traction techniques in displaced acetabular fractures, and we achieve stability with a joint-bridging external fixator. Treatment of complex pelvic fracture must be integrated in the overall concept of treatment. Differentiated and situation-adapted action is necessary, depending on the particular situation, as well as the personnel and technical equipment.

A protocol for the initial management of unstable pelvic fractures

Article

Oct 1998
AM SURGEON

The initial management of life-threatening hemorrhage associated with severe pelvic fractures has long been a source of debate. A review of the literature reveals that many advocate emergent orthopedic external fixation (EX-FIX) for severe pelvic fractures, whereas others claim greater success with angiographic embolization (ANGIO) as the first line of treatment. Although many have attempted to classify management options by fracture pattern, to date there has been no prospective trial comparing outcomes for each method of treatment. We offer a prospective study of all pelvic fracture patients admitted to our Level I trauma center between July 1994 and July 1995. Patients were classified according to fracture pattern and degree of hemodynamic instability. Those with primarily anterior pelvic ring fractures underwent emergent EX-FIX for control of hemorrhage, whereas those with primarily posterior pelvic ring fractures underwent emergent ANGIO to control hemorrhage. We found that blood product requirements and hospital stay were similar in each group. However, the complication rate was higher in patients who underwent initial emergency EX-FIX, primarily because of failure to adequately control hemorrhage. We conclude that patients with anterior-posterior compression type 2 and 3, lateral compression type 2 and 3, or vertical shear injuries, who are hemodynamically unstable as a result of their pelvic fracture, should undergo immediate ANGIO if laparotomy is not indicated. If laparotomy is indicated, EX-FIX should be placed intraoperatively, followed by postoperative ANGIO.

The role of associated injuries on outcome of blunt trauma patients sustaining pelvic fractures

Article

Nov 2000
INJURY

In order to identify the prognostic factors and to evaluate the impact of associated injuries in the outcome of patients with pelvic fractures, a retrospective review of the medical records of patients admitted with a pelvic fracture during a 42-month period was carried out. Demographic data, the mechanism of injury, the physiologic status on admission, associated injuries, pelvic fracture classification, complications and mortality were analysed. One hundred and three patients were included in the study. Fifty-nine were male, and the mean age was 34. The mean Revised Trauma Score (RTS) and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were 7.1 and 20, respectively. Pedestrian vs vehicle (59%), was the most frequent mechanism of injury. Twenty patients died (19%) most frequently due to "shock". Complications developed in 37 patients (36%), pneumonia being the most frequent. Age greater than 40 years (p=0.02), "shock" upon admission (p=0.002), a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)<9, Head AIS>2 (p<0. 001), Chest AIS>2 (p=0.007), and abdominal AIS>2 (p=0.03) all correlated with increased mortality. No correlation between pelvic fracture classification or fracture stability with mortality was observed. The outcome of patients with pelvic fractures due to blunt trauma correlates with the severity of associated injuries and physiological derangement on admission rather than with characteristics of or the type of fracture.

Evolution of a Multidisciplinary Clinical Pathway for the Management of Unstable Patients With Pelvic Fractures

Article

Jul 2001

To determine whether the evolution of the authors' clinical pathway for the treatment of hemodynamically compromised patients with pelvic fractures was associated with improved patient outcome. Hemodynamically compromised patients with pelvic fractures present a complex challenge. The multidisciplinary trauma team must control hemorrhage, restore hemodynamics, and rapidly identify and treat associated life-threatening injuries. The authors developed a clinical pathway consisting of five primary elements: immediate trauma attending surgeon's presence in the emergency department, early simultaneous transfusion of blood and coagulation factors, prompt diagnosis and management of associated life-threatening injuries, stabilization of the pelvic girdle, and timely insinuation of pelvic angiography and embolization. The addition of two orthopedic pelvic fracture specialists led to a revision of the pathway, emphasizing immediate emergency department presence of the orthopedic trauma attending to provide joint decision making with the trauma surgeon, closing the pelvic volume in the emergency department, and using alternatives to traditional external fixation devices. Using trauma registry and blood bank records, the authors identified pelvic fracture patients receiving blood transfusions in the emergency department. They analyzed patients treated before versus after the May 1998 revision of the clinical pathway. A higher proportion of patients in the late period had blood pressure less than 90 mmHg (52% vs. 35%). In the late period, diagnostic peritoneal lavage was phased out in favor of torso ultrasound as a primary triage tool, and pelvic binding and C-clamp application largely replaced traditional external fixation devices. The overall death rate decreased from 31% in the early period to 15% in the later period, as did the rate of deaths from exsanguination (9% to 1%), multiple organ failure (12% to 1%), and death within 24 hours (16% to 5%). The evolution of a multidisciplinary clinical pathway, coordinating the resources of a level 1 trauma center and directed by joint decision making between trauma surgeons and orthopedic traumatologists, has resulted in improved patient survival. The primary benefits appear to be in reducing early deaths from exsanguination and late deaths from multiple organ failure.

Pelvic Fractures: Epidemiology and Predictors of Associated Abdominal Injuries and Outcomes1

Article

Jul 2002

Pelvic fractures are often associated with major intraabdominal injuries or severe bleeding from the fracture site. To study the epidemiology of pelvic fractures and identify important risk factors for associated abdominal injuries, bleeding, need for angiographic embolization, and death. Trauma registry study on pelvic fractures from blunt trauma. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify risk factors of severe pelvic fractures, associated abdominal injuries, need for major blood transfusion, therapeutic embolization, and death from pelvic fracture. Adjusted relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were derived. There were 16,630 trauma registry patients with blunt trauma, of whom 1,545 (9.3%) had a pelvic fracture. The incidence of abdominal injuries was 16.5%, and the most common injured organs were the liver (6.1%) and the bladder and urethra (5.8%). In severe pelvic fractures (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] > or =4), the incidence of associated intraabdominal injuries was 30.7%, and the most commonly injured organs were the bladder and urethra (14.6%). Among the risk factors studied, motor vehicle crash is the only notable risk factor negatively associated with severe pelvic fracture. Major risk factors for associated liver injury were motor vehicle crash and pelvis AIS > or = 4. Risk factors of major blood loss were age > 16 years, pelvic AIS > or =4, angiographic embolization, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 25. Age> 55 years was the only predictor for associated aortic injury. Factors associated with therapeutic angiographic embolization were pelvic AIS > or =4 and ISS > 25. The overall mortality was 13.5%, but only 0.8% died as a direct result of pelvic fracture. The only pronounced risk factor associated with mortality was ISS>25. Some epidemiological variables are important risk factors of severity of pelvic fractures, presence of associated abdominal injuries, blood loss, and need of angiography. These risk factors can help in selecting the most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Pelvic Fracture in Geriatric Patients: A Distinct Clinical Entity

Article

Jul 2002
J TRAUMA

The purpose of this study was to describe differences in demographics, injury pattern, transfusion needs, and outcome of pelvic fractures in older versus younger patients. This was a retrospective registry review of all patients with pelvic fractures admitted directly from the scene between January 1998 and December 1999. We cared for 234 patients with pelvic fractures during the study period. Mean age was 37.2 years, 51% were men, and mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 19. Overall mortality was 9%. Eighty-three percent were under the age of 55 years and 17% were older than 55 years. Severe pelvic fractures (AP3, LC3) were more common in young patients (p < 0.05). Admitting systolic blood pressure was lower and heart rate higher, although ISS was not different between the two age groups. Older patients were 2.8 times as likely to undergo transfusion (p < 0.005), and those undergoing transfusion required more blood (median, 7.5 units vs. 5 units). Older patients underwent angiography more frequently and were significantly more likely to die in the hospital even after adjusting for ISS (p < 0.005). This was most marked with ISS 15 to 25. Lateral compression (LC) fractures occurred 4.6 times more frequently in older patients than anteroposterior (AP) compression, and 8.2 times more frequently in those older patients undergoing transfusion as compared with AP compression. Ninety-eight percent of LC fractures in older patients were minor (LC1,2). However, older patients with LC fractures were nearly four times as likely to require blood compared with younger patients. In older patients, pelvic fractures are more likely to produce hemorrhage and require angiography. Fracture patterns differ in older patients, with LC fractures occurring more frequently, and commonly causing significant blood loss. The outcome of older patients with pelvic fractures is significantly worse than younger patients, particularly with higher injury severity. Recognition of these differences should help clinicians to identify patients at high risk for bleeding and death early, and to refine diagnostic and resuscitation strategies.

Pelvic Ring Disruptions: Prediction of Associated Injuries, Transfusion Requirement, Pelvic Arteriography, Complications, and Mortality

Article

Oct 2002
J ORTHOP TRAUMA

To determine if age, fracture pattern, systolic blood pressure on arrival, base deficit, or the Revised Trauma Score is predictive of mortality, transfusion requirements, use of pelvic arteriography, later complications, or injuries associated with the pelvic ring disruption. Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. All closed pelvic ring disruptions seen between November 1, 1997 and November 30, 1999 were included. Predictive variables and outcome variables were recorded for each patient. Statistical analysis was used to determine if the above variables were predictive. Shock on arrival and the Revised Trauma Score were significantly associated with mortality, transfusion requirement, Injury Severity Score, and all the Abbreviated Injury Scores except the one for skin. In addition, the Revised Trauma Score was significantly associated with the use of pelvic arteriography and predicted more complications than did shock on arrival. Age was significantly associated with transfusion requirement, Injury Severity Score, the chest and skin Abbreviated Injury Scores, use of arteriography, and death. The mortality rate among patients who presented in shock was 57 percent. A Revised Trauma Score of less than 11 predicted mortality with a sensitivity and specificity of 58 percent and 92 percent, respectively. Shock on arrival predicted mortality with a sensitivity and specificity of 27 percent and 96 percent, respectively. Age greater than sixty years predicted mortality with a sensitivity and specificity of 26 percent and 91 percent, respectively. In our analysis of the fracture patterns, we were unable to demonstrate consistent, meaningful links between specific fracture classes and the outcome variables. Shock on arrival and the Revised Trauma Score are useful predictors of mortality and transfusion requirements, Injury Severity Score, and Abbreviated Injury Scores for the head and neck, face, chest, abdomen, and extremities. In addition, the Revised Trauma Score predicts the use of pelvic arteriography and later complications. Age predicted transfusion requirement, Injury Severity Score, the chest and skin Abbreviated Injury Scores, use of arteriography, and death.

Major pelvic fractures: identification of patients at high risk

Article

May 2005

The identification of high-risk factors in patients with fractures of the pelvis at the time of presentation would facilitate investigation and management. In a series of 174 consecutive patients with unstable fractures of the pelvic ring, clinical data were used to calculate the injury severity score (ISS), the triage-revised trauma score (T-RTS), and the Glasgow coma scale (GCS). The morphology of the fracture was classified according to the AO system and that of Burgess et al. The data were analysed using univariate and multivariate methods in order to determine which presenting features were identified with high risk. Univariate analysis showed an association between mortality and an ISS over 25, a T-RTS below eight, age over 65 years, systolic blood pressure under 100 mmHg, a GCS of less than 8, blood transfusion of more than ten units in the first 24 hours and colloid infusion of more than six litres in the first 24 hours. Multivariate analysis showed that age, T-RTS and ISS were independent determinants of mortality. A T-RTS of eight or less identified the cohort of patients at greatest risk (65%). The morphology of the fracture was not predictive of mortality. We recommend the use of the T-RTS in the acute situation in order to identify patients at high risk.

Early Predictors of Mortality in Hemodynamically Unstable Pelvis Fractures

Article

Feb 2007
J ORTHOP TRAUMA

To determine reliable, early indicators of mortality and causes of death in hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic ring injuries. This was a retrospective review of a prospective pelvic database. In all, 187 hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures (persistent systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg after receiving 2 L of intravenous crystalloid) admitted from April 1998 to November 2004 were included. Intervention was Level 1 Trauma Center-Pelvis Fracture standardized protocol. Main outcome measurements were: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), age, blood transfusion, mortality, and multisystem organ failure (MOF). Group 1 (39 patients) did not survive their injury. Group 2 (148 patients) survived their injury. Fracture pattern (chi(2) = 9.1, P = 0.33), and treatment with angiography/embolization (chi(2) = 0.054, P = 0.84) were not predictive of death. Patients requiring more blood had a statistically significant higher mortality rate. The ISS (t = -5.62, P < 0.001), RTS (t = 6.10, P < 0.001), age >60 years old (chi(2) = 5.4, P = 0.03), and transfusion (t = -2.70, P = 0.010) were statistically significant independent predictors of mortality. A logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that of these variables, RTS was the most predictive independent variable. However, a model including all four variables was superior at predicting mortality. Most deaths were attributed to exsanguination (74.4%) or MOF (17.9%). Predictors of mortality in pelvis fracture patients should be available early in the course of treatment in order to be useful. Death within 24 hours was most often a result of acute blood loss while death after 24 hours was most often caused by MOF. Improved survival will depend upon the evolution of early hemorrhage control and resuscitative strategies in patients at high mortality risk.

Prevalence of Pelvic Fractures, Associated Injuries, and Mortality: The United Kingdom Perspective

Article

Oct 2007

We wished to determine the characteristics of patients with pelvic ring fractures (PGs) in England and Wales, make comparisons to major trauma patients without pelvic injury (NPGs), and determine factors predicting mortality, including the impact of presence of pelvic reconstruction facilities in the receiving hospitals on outcome. Prospective data from 106 trauma receiving hospitals forming the Trauma Audit and Research Network were studied. Between January 1989 and December 2001 data of 159,746 trauma patients were collected in the Trauma Audit and Research Network database. Because of incomplete data, 1,610 pelvic fracture patients and 13,499 patients without pelvic fracture were excluded from detailed analysis. In total, 11,149 patients in the PG and the remaining 133,486 patients in the NPG (control) group were included in the final analysis. There were statistically significantly more patients with an Injury Severity Score >15 in the PG group (n = 3,576; 32.1%) than in NPG group (n = 19,238; 14.4%) (p < 0.001), indicating that pelvic injuries were more often associated with other injuries. The majority of patients sustained Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) 2 pelvic injuries (65.0%), whereas AIS 4 and 5 injuries were found in less than 10% of patients. Pelvic ring injuries were most commonly associated with chest trauma with >AIS 2 severity in 21.2% of the patients, head injuries (>AIS 2) in 16.9%, liver or spleen injuries in 8.0%, and two or more long bone fractures in 7.8%. The 3-month cumulative mortality rate of the patients with pelvic injuries was 14.2% (1,586 patients) versus 5.6% (7,465 patients) of the NPG group. Age, early physiologic derangement, and presence of other injuries (head or trunk) were associated with reduced survival rates. When the expertise to deal with such a group of patients is not available, early transfer under safe conditions should be considered to improve survival rates.

Fracture and Dislocation Classification Compendium - 2007: Orthopaedic Trauma Association Classification, Database and Outcomes Committee

Article

Nov 2007
J ORTHOP TRAUMA

The purpose of this new classification compendium is to republish the Orthopaedic Trauma Association's (OTA) classification. The OTA classification was originally published in a compendium of the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma in 1996. It adopted The Comprehensive Classification of the Long Bones developed by Müller and colleagues and classified the remaining bones. In this compendium, the introductory chapter reviews new scientific information about classifying fractures that has been published in the last 11 years. The classification is presented in a revised format that is easier to follow. The OTA and AO classification will now have a unified alpha-numeric code eliminating the differences that have existed between the 2 codes. The code was significantly revised for the clavicle and scapula, foot and hand, and patella. Dislocations have been expanded on an anatomic basis and for most joints will be coded separately. This publication should stimulate new developments and interest in a unified language to code and classify fractures. Further improvements in classification will result in better patient care and clinical research.

Mortality in Patients With Pelvic Fractures: Results From the German Pelvic Injury Register

Article

Mar 2008

Pelvic and acetabular fractures are rare injuries and account for approximately 3% to 8% of all fractures. Often the result of high energy blunt trauma, most of the patients sustaining pelvic injuries are at high risk of associated injuries strongly influencing outcome and survival rates. Because of anatomic differences it has been suggested that pediatric pelvic fractures are different injuries as compared with that of adults. However, this has been controversially discussed. Aim of this multicenter register study was to identify similarities and differences between pediatric and adult pelvic trauma and evaluate the influence of changes in medical treatment by comparison of two treatment periods. In this multicenter register study, data of 4,291 patients treated from 1991 to 1993 (n = 1,723) or 1998 to 2000 (n = 2,568) for pelvic fractures in one of the 23 participating hospitals were evaluated for age, gender, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Hannover Polytrauma Score (PTS), fracture type (using Tile's classification), peripelvic soft tissue injury, need for emergency measures, mortality, cause of death, and need for operative stabilization. We compared the patients' characteristics of the two treatment periods and pediatric with adult pelvic injuries. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software. There was no difference in terms of ISS, PTS, and presence of peripelvic soft tissue injuries between the two observation periods. Mortality rate dropped significantly from 7.9% to 5% (p < 0.0001) in the latter treatment period. Death was directly attributed to the pelvic injury in 11% from 1991 to 1993. This rate dropped significantly to 7% in the period from 1998 to 2000 (p = 0.020). A type fractures decreased from 61.1% (1991-1993) to 57.1% (1998-2000) of patients (p = 0.028) and except for these simple fractures there was a significant overall trend toward surgical treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed ISS, PTS, concomitant soft tissue injuries, and need for emergency measures as independent risk factors for death whereas surgical stabilization and treatment in the latter treatment period were associated with an increased survival rate. We found no difference between the adult and the pediatric group in terms of ISS and concomitant peripelvic soft tissue injuries. Children were less likely to receive surgical treatment (19.4% vs. 34.5%, p < 0.0001) but requirement for emergency measures was higher in the pediatric group (17.9% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.033). Moreover, we found no significant differences in mortality between both groups (6.1% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.28). Multivariate analysis showed age </=15 years was not an independent risk factor for death. The survival rate of patients sustaining pelvic fracture has improved significantly within the last decade. Most deaths in patients with pelvic fractures are not caused by the pelvic fracture itself but are linked to associated injuries. Despite anatomic and epidemiologic differences there are significant similarities between pediatric and adult patients with pelvic injuries and the mortality rate of children is not different from that of adults.

Improved Survival After Pelvic Fracture: 13 Year Experience at a Single Trauma Center Using a Multi-disciplinary Institutional Protocol

Abstract

No full-text available

Recommended publications

Experienced trauma team leaders save the lives of multiple-trauma patients with severe head injuries

Helmet use is associated with safer bicycling behaviors and reduced hospital resource use following...

The Risk of Death for Jehovahs Witnesses after Major Trauma

Repeat computed tomography scans after pediatric trauma: results of an institutional effort to minim...