ABSTRACT

Vascular, neural and visceral injuries may accompany to pelvic fractures due to pelvic anatomy. Visceral injuries associated with fracture type increases the mortality incidence. Conservative treatment, pelvic belt application, external-internal fixations, angioembolization, and open surgery are treatment options for pelvic traumas. Our aim was to evaluate fracture classifications, the use of blood products, methods for hemodynamic stabilization, hospitalization time, mortality and morbidity for the pelvic traumatized patients between 2007-2014 at our institute.

286 pelvic traumatized patients were evaluated retrospectively. Demographics, fracture classifications, treatment methods, the use of blood products, and discharge times were recorded. Direct X-ray and computed tomography were used to image pelvic fractures. Magnetic resonance was used for soft tissue and visceral injuries. Fractures were classified through Young-Burgess classification.

Of the 286 patients 170 were male, 116 were female. Mean age was 45.11±21.52 years for the patients followed at orthopedics clinic, and 39.33±16.39 years for the patients followed at intensive care unit (ICU). For the 39 patients followed at ICU 8 got conservative treatment, 14 got a pelvic belt, 14 got external fixation, and 3 got internal fixation. For the 247 patients followed at orthopedics clinic 137 got conservative treatment, 109 got a pelvic belt, and 1 got external fixation. Mean hospitalization time was 6.13±7.43 days for patients followed at orthopedics clinic, and 21.85±13.44 days for patients treated at ICU. 283 of 286 patients healed; 3 patients were deceased, 1 patient at the orthopedic clinic, and 2 patients at ICU.

The mortality and morbidity rates of the high-energy pelvic traumas are increased by the associated visceral injuries. We believe that multidisciplinary approach may be life-saving for the pelvic traumas who are hemodynamically unstable.

Keywords: Pelvic trauma, mortality