Factors predicting the need for hemorrhage control intervention in patients with blunt pelvic trauma: a retrospective study

Managing pelvic fractures with haemorrhage using a multidisciplinary team approach: a case report from India

Pelvic fractures with haemorrhage are associated with high mortality and morbidity. This article describes the case of a 21-year-old man who was admitted to the emergency department of a hospital in India with a pelvic fracture and haemorrhage following a road traffic accident. It highlights the crucial role of nurses in coordinating the initial assessment, diagnostic investigations and treatment as well as the ongoing management of patients presenting with such injuries. Timely interventions by a multidisciplinary team are critical for preventing hypovolaemic shock, reducing mortality and limiting disability.

A Combined Model of Vital Signs and Serum Biomarkers Outperforms Shock Index in the Prediction of Hemorrhage Control Interventions in Surgical Intensive Care Unit Patients

BACKGROUND

Distinguishing surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients with ongoing bleeding who require hemorrhage control interventions (HCI) can be challenging. Guidelines recommend risk-stratification with clinical variables and prediction tools, however supporting evidence remains mixed.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated adult patients admitted to the surgical ICU with concern for ongoing hemorrhage under our institution's "Hemorrhage Watch" (HW) protocol and aimed to derive a clinical prediction model identifying those needing HCI with serial vital signs (VS) and serum biomarkers. The HW protocol included ICU admission followed by a 3-h observation period with VS monitoring every 15 min and hourly biomarkers. The primary outcome was the need for HCI (operative and endovascular interventions) within nine hours of ICU arrival. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, blood transfusions, and ICU and hospital length-of-stay. A clinical prediction model was developed by utilizing the variables most associated with HCI in a best subsets regression, which was subsequently internally validated using a Bootstrap algorithm.

RESULTS

305 patients were identified for inclusion and 18 (5.9%) required HCI (3 operative, 15 endovascular). The median age was 70 years (IQR 54, 83), 60% had traumatic injuries, and 73% were enrolled from the emergency department. Blood product transfusion and mortality were similar between the HCI and no-HCI groups. Our analysis demonstrated that a model based on the minimum hemoglobin (9.9 vs 8.1 g/dL), minimum diastolic (57 vs 53 mm Hg) and systolic blood pressures (105 vs 90 mm Hg), and minimum respiratory rate (15 vs 18) could predict HCI with an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.87, outperforming the Shock Index (SI) (AUROC = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of surgical ICU patients with concern for ongoing bleeding, a prediction model using serial VS and biomarkers outperformed the SI and may help identify those requiring HCI.

Stop the bleed " - Prehospital bleeding control in patients with multiple and/or severe injuries - A systematic review and clinical practice guideline - A systematic review and clinical practice guideline

PURPOSE

Our aim was to develop new evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations for bleeding control in patients with multiple and/or severe injuries in the prehospital setting. This guideline topic is part of the 2022 update of the German Guideline on the Treatment of Patients with Multiple and/or Severe Injuries.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Embase were systematically searched until June 2021. Further literature reports were obtained from clinical experts. Randomised controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and comparative registry studies were included if they compared interventions for bleeding control in the prehospital setting using manual pressure, haemostatic agents, tourniquets, pelvic stabilisation, or traction splints in patients with multiple and/or severe injuries. We considered patient-relevant clinical outcomes such as mortality and bleeding control. Transfusion requirements and haemodynamic stability were surrogate outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using NICE 2012 checklists. The evidence was synthesised narratively, and expert consensus was used to develop recommendations and determine their strength.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were identified. Interventions covered were pelvic binders (n = 4 studies), pressure dressings (n = 1), tourniquets (n = 6), traction splints (n = 1), haemostatic agents (n = 3), and nasal balloon catheters (n = 1). Fourteen new recommendations were developed. All achieved strong consensus.

CONCLUSION

Bleeding control is the basic objective of treatment. This can be easily justified based on empirical evidence. There is, however, a lack of reliable and high-quality studies that assess and compare methods for bleeding control in patients with multiple and/or severe injuries. The guideline provides reasonable and practical recommendations (although mostly with a low grade of recommendation) and also reveals several open research questions that can hopefully be answered when the guideline is revised again.

Automated Association for Osteosynthesis Foundation and Orthopedic Trauma Association classification of pelvic fractures on pelvic radiographs using deep learning

High-energy impacts, like vehicle crashes or falls, can lead to pelvic ring injuries. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial due to the risks of severe bleeding and organ damage. Pelvic radiography promptly assesses fracture extent and location, but struggles to diagnose bleeding. The AO/OTA classification system grades pelvic instability, but its complexity limits its use in emergency settings. This study develops and evaluates a deep learning algorithm to classify pelvic fractures on radiographs per the AO/OTA system. Pelvic radiographs of 773 patients with pelvic fractures and 167 patients without pelvic fractures were retrospectively analyzed at a single center. Pelvic fractures were classified into types A, B, and C using medical records categorized by an orthopedic surgeon according to the AO/OTA classification system. Accuracy, Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), and F1 score were measured to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the deep learning algorithms. The segmentation model showed high performance with 0.98 accuracy and 0.96-0.97 DSC. The AO/OTA classification model demonstrated effective performance with a 0.47-0.80 F1 score and 0.69-0.88 accuracy. Additionally, the classification model had a macro average of 0.77-0.94. Performance evaluation of the models showed relatively favorable results, which can aid in early classification of pelvic fractures.

Hemorrhagic Shock in Isolated and Non-Isolated Pelvic Fractures: A Registries-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Pelvic fractures resulting from high-energy trauma can frequently present with life-threatening hemodynamic instability that is associated with high mortality rates. The role of pelvic exsanguination in causing hemorrhagic shock is unclear, as associated injuries frequently accompany pelvic fractures. This study aims to compare the incidence of hemorrhagic shock and in-hospital outcomes in patients with isolated and non-isolated pelvic fractures.

METHODS

Registries-based study of trauma patients hospitalized following pelvic fractures. Data from 1997 to 2021 were cross-referenced between the Israel Defense Forces Trauma Registry (IDF-TR), documenting prehospital care, and Israel National Trauma Registry (INTR) recording hospitalization data. Patients with isolated pelvic fractures were defined as having an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) <3 in other anatomical regions, and compared with patients sustaining pelvic fracture and at least one associated injury (AIS ≥ 3). Signs of profound shock upon emergency department (ED) arrival were defined as either a systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg and/or a heart rate >130 beats per min.

RESULTS

Overall, 244 hospitalized trauma patients with pelvic fractures were included, most of whom were males (84.4%) with a median age of 21 years. The most common injury mechanisms were motor vehicle collisions (64.8%), falls from height (13.1%) and gunshot wounds (11.5%). Of these, 68 (27.9%) patients sustained isolated pelvic fractures. In patients with non-isolated fractures, the most common regions with a severe associated injury were the thorax and abdomen. Signs of shock were recorded for 50 (20.5%) patients upon ED arrival, but only four of these had isolated pelvic fractures. In-hospital mortality occurred among 18 (7.4%) patients, all with non-isolated fractures.

CONCLUSION

In young patients with pelvic fractures, severe associated injuries were common, but isolated pelvic fractures rarely presented with profound shock upon arrival. Prehospital management protocols for pelvic fractures should prioritize prompt evacuation and resuscitative measures aimed at addressing associated injuries.

Impact of Pelvic Fracture Sites on Fibrinogen Depletion in Patients with Blunt Trauma: A Single-Center Cohort Study

Background: We aimed to examine the association of pelvic fracture sites with the minimum fibrinogen level within 24 h after hospital arrival. Methods: We conducted a single-center cohort study using health records review. We included patients with pelvic fractures transported by ambulance to a tertiary-care hospital from January 2012 to December 2018 and excluded those transported from other hospitals or aged younger than 16 years. The pelvic fracture was diagnosed and confirmed by trauma surgeons and/or radiologists. We classified the fracture sites of the pelvis as ilium, pubis, ischium, acetabulum, sacrum, sacroiliac joint diastasis, and pubic symphysis diastasis, and each side was counted separately except for pubic symphysis diastasis. We performed linear regression analysis to evaluate the association between pelvic fracture sites and the minimum fibrinogen level within 24 h of arrival. Results: We analyzed 120 pelvic fracture patients. Their mean age was 47.3 years, and 69 (57.5%) patients were men. The median Injury Severity Score was 24, and in-hospital mortality was 10.8%. The mean minimum fibrinogen level within 24 h of arrival was 171.4 mg/dL. Among pelvic fracture sites, only sacrum fracture was statistically significantly associated with the minimum fibrinogen level within 24 h of arrival (estimate, −34.5; 95% CI, −58.6 to −10.4; p = 0.005). Conclusions: Fracture of the sacrum in patients with pelvic fracture was associated with lower minimum fibrinogen levels within 24 h of hospital arrival and the requirement of blood transfusion.

Endovascular management of pelvic trauma

Traumatic pelvic injuries are an important group of acquired pathologies given their frequent association with significant vascular compromise. Potentially fatal as a consequence of rapid hemorrhage, achievement of early hemostasis is a priority; endovascular management of traumatic pelvic arterial injuries is an important potential option for treatment. Precipitated by any number of mechanisms of trauma, pelvic vascular injury necessitates timely patient assessment. Variable patterns of arterial injury may result from blunt, penetrating or iatrogenic trauma. Selection of the most appropriate imaging modality is a priority, ensuring streamlined access to treatment. In the case of CT, this is complemented by acquisition of the most appropriate phase of imaging; review of both arterial and delayed phase imaging improves the accuracy of detection of low-flow hemorrhage. In cases where surgical intervention is not deemed appropriate, endovascular treatment provides an alternative means for cessation of hemorrhage associated with pelvic injuries. This may be achieved in a selective or nonselective manner depending on the patient's clinical status and time constraints. Consequently, a detailed understanding of vascular anatomy is essential, including an appreciation of the normal variant anatomy between males and females. Additional consideration must be given to variant anatomy which may co-exist in both sexes. This review article aims to provide a synopsis of endovascular management of pelvic vascular injury. Through case examples, available treatment options will be discussed, including thrombin injection and transcatheter arterial embolization. Furthermore, potential adverse complications of pelvic arterial embolization will be highlighted. Finally, in view of the potential severity of these injuries, a brief overview of initial management of the hemodynamically unstable patient is provided.

Effects of nonselective internal iliac artery angioembolization on pelvic venous flow in the swine model

BACKGROUND

Pelvic angioembolization (AE) is a mainstay in the treatment algorithm for pelvic hemorrhage from pelvic fractures. Nonselective AE refers to embolization of the bilateral internal iliac arteries (IIAs) proximally rather than embolization of their tributaries distally. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of nonselective pelvic AE on pelvic venous flow in a swine model. We hypothesized that internal iliac vein (IIV) flow following IIA AE is reduced by half.

METHODS

Nine Yorkshire swine underwent nonselective right IIA gelfoam AE, followed by left. Pelvic arterial and venous diameter, velocity, and flow were recorded at baseline, after right IIA AE and after left IIA AE. Linear mixed-effect model and signed rank test were used to evaluate significant changes between the three time points.

RESULTS

Eight swine (77.8 ± 7.1 kg) underwent successful nonselective IIA AE based on achieving arterial resistive index of 1.0. One case was aborted because of technical difficulties. Compared with baseline, right IIV flow rate dropped by 36% ± 29% (p < 0.05) and 54% ± 29% (p < 0.01) following right and left IIA AE, respectively. Right IIA AE had no initial effect on left IIV flow (0.37% ± 99%, p = 0.95). However, after left IIA AE, left IIV flow reduced by 54% ± 27% (p < 0.01). Internal iliac artery AE had no effect on the external iliac arterial or venous flow rates and no effect on inferior vena cava flow rate.

CONCLUSION

The effect of unilateral and bilateral IIA AE on IIV flow appears to be additive. Despite bilateral IIA AE, pelvic venous flow is diminished but not absent. There is abundant collateral circulation between the external and internal iliac vascular systems. Arterial embolization may reduce venous flow and improve on resuscitation efforts in those with unstable pelvic fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic, level IV.

Pelvic Fractures and Associated Injuries in Patients Admitted to and Treated at Emergency Department of Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Background

Pelvic fractures are high-risk injuries that require careful evaluation due to significant patient morbidity and mortality associated with damage to major blood vessels, nerves, and organs. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess pelvic fractures and associated injuries among patients presented at the emergency department of Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study with a retrospective facility-based data collection technique. All patients who were managed for pelvic fracture from September 2018 to February 2021 were included. The patient’s chart number was collected from the orthopedics surgery morning register sheet and their case folders were retrieved from the medical record department. We used a structured and pretested checklist, and chart review for data collection. The collected data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi Info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with a pelvic fracture.

Results

We studied 64 cases of pelvic fracture during the study period. Pelvic was common among males with a ratio of 7:1 and young population (15–35 years). The most common associated injuries were lower extremity 23 (35.9%), abdominal injuries 16 (25.0%), and urethral injury in 13 (20.3%). Moreover, most patients with pelvic fracture have Tile A fracture 56.3%, Tile C in 20 (31.3%), and Tile B in 8 (12.5%) patients. The road traffic accident was the most common cause of pelvic fracture in 56.3%, followed by fall down accident (28.1%), and bullet injury (12.5%).

Conclusion

The incidence of pelvic fracture was high in the study area. It reflects the need for strong and multi-sectoral collaboration to prevent pelvic fracture. Additionally, it needs a careful, systematic management approach for survival, healing, and to address the associated complexities and the polytrauma nature.

Pelvic packing and angio-embolization after blunt pelvic trauma: a retrospective 18-year analysis

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of pelvic trauma related hemorrhage is challenging and remains controversial. In hemodynamically unstable patients suspected for massive bleeding, pre-peritoneal packing (PPP) with temporary external fixation (EF) and subsequent trans-arterial embolization (TAE) can be performed in order to control bleeding. In hemodynamically stable patients suspected for minor to moderate bleeding, primary TAE with EF may be performed. The goal of this study was to determine effectiveness and safety of both strategies.

METHODS

Retrospectively, patients that received treatment for pelvic trauma-related hemorrhage at two level 1 trauma centers located in the United States between January 2001 and January 2019 were evaluated. Both centers advocate subsequent TAE in addition to PPP and EF in hemodynamically unstable patients, and primary TAE in stable patients. Demographic and clinical data was collected and mortality, ischemic and infectious complications were determined.

RESULTS

In total, 135 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 61 hemodynamically unstable patients suspected for massive pelvic bleeding underwent primary PPP (45%) and 74 stable patients suspected for minor/moderate bleeding underwent primary TAE (55%). In total, 37/61 primary PPP patients underwent EF (61%) and 48 underwent adjunct TAE (79%), performed bilaterally in 77% and unselective by use of gelfoam in 72% of cases. Primary TAE patients received embolization bilaterally in 49% and unselective in 35% of cases. Exsanguination-related deaths were found in 7/61 primary PPP patients (11%). There were none among the primary TAE patients. Potentially ischemic in-hospital complications, of which one could be considered severe (gluteal necrosis), occurred more in patients that received bilateral unselective TAE compared to all other TAE patients (p=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Primary TAE appears to be an effective and safe adjunct for (minor) pelvic hemorrhage in hemodynamically stable patients. Primary PPP followed by EF and adjunct bilateral unselective TAE with gelfoam appears effective for those suspected of massive pelvic bleeding. This unselective embolization approach using gelfoam might be related to (ischemic) complications. When considering the amount and severity of complications and the severity of pelvic trauma, these might not outweigh the benefit of fast hemorrhage control.

Association Between Mode of Transportation and Outcomes of Adult Trauma Patients With Blunt Injury Across Different Prehospital Time Intervals in the United States: A Matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) dispatch currently depends on predefined protocols, on first responders' initial assessment, or on medical direction decision in some states. National guidelines do not provide recommendations concerning prehospital time criteria.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to investigate the association between the mode of transportation (HEMS vs. ground EMS [GEMS]) and survival of adult patients with blunt trauma across different prehospital time intervals.

METHODS

This retrospective matched cohort study was carried out using the 2015 National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) dataset. Adult patients with blunt injuries transported via HEMS were selected and matched (1 to 1) for 13 variables to those who were transported by GEMS. Survival rates were calculated for the two groups across different prehospital time intervals.

RESULTS

Patients transported by HEMS (n = 16,269) were compared with those transported by GEMS (n = 16,269). Most patients were aged 16 to 64 years (84.0%), male (69.4%), and white (88.0%). Overall survival rate to hospital discharge was significantly higher in the HEMS group (96.8% vs. 96.2%; p = 0.002). Patients transported by HEMS had higher survival rates in the ≤ 30-min interval (97.7% vs. 93.2%; p = 0.004); GEMS patients had higher survival rates in the 61- to 90-min interval (97.4% vs. 96.5%; p = 0.038). No difference in survival rates between the two groups was observed in intervals > 90 min.

CONCLUSIONS

In adult patients with blunt trauma, HEMS transport was associated with overall improved survival rates mainly in the first 30 min after injury. GEMS transport, however, had a survival advantage in the 61- to 90-min total prehospital time interval.

Effectiveness of kaolin-impregnated hemostatic gauze use in preperitoneal pelvic packing for patients with pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability: A propensity score matching analysis

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the effectiveness of kaolin-impregnated hemostatic gauze use in preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) for patients with hemodynamic instability due to severe pelvic fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between May 2014 and October 2018, 53 of 75 patients who underwent PPP due to hemodynamic instability induced by pelvic fracture were enrolled. Their medical records were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. QuikClot combat gauze (hydrophilic gauze impregnated with kaolin) and general surgical tape were used in 21 patients, while general surgical tape was used in the remaining 32 patients.

RESULTS

As there were differences in the characteristics of patients between the hemostatic gauze (HG) group and control group, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for age, sex, and lactate levels. After PSM, the clinical characteristics between the two groups became similar. There were no differences in the rates of mortality and hemorrhage-induced mortality between the two groups. However, the packed red blood cell (RBC) requirement for an additional 12 hours in the HG group was significantly lower than that in the control group (4.1 ± 3.5 vs. 7.6 ± 6.1 units, p = 0.035). The lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stays tended to be shorter in the HG group than in the control group (11.6 vs. 18.5 days, p = 0.1582; 30.8 vs. 47.4 days, p = 0.1861, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of HG during PPP did not reduce hemorrhage-induced mortality, but did reduce the need for additional packed RBC transfusions in patients with hemodynamic instability due to severe pelvic fractures.

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

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.

An analysis of 979 patients with pelvic fractures stratified by the presence or absence of solid organ injury

BACKGROUND

Pelvic fractures (PF) require high force mechanism and their severity have been linked with an increase in the incidence of associated injuries within the abdomen and chest. Our goal is to assess the impact of solid organ injury (SOI) on the outcome of patients with PF and to identify risk factors predictive of morbidity and mortality among these patients.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a single-center retrospective review of medical records of patients 16 years or older admitted to our level 1 trauma center with pelvic fracture with and without OI associated from blunt trauma between 1/1/2010-7/31/2015.

RESULTS

979 patients with PF were identified. 261/979 (26.7%) had at least one associated SOI. The grade of the SOI ranged from I to III in 246 patients, grade IV in five patients and grade V in 10 patients with SOI sustained a higher pelvic AIS grade and required a statistically significant greater amount of blood products (BP). Thoracic and urogenital injuries were also more common. The mortality of patients with PF was not affected by the presence of SOI. Increasing age, Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Scale, hypothermia and the amount of BP transfused were predictive of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of SOI did not affect the outcome of patients with pelvic fracture, although our results may be linked to the limited number of patients with high grade SOI. The degree of pelvic AIS is predictive of associated injuries within the abdomen and chest.

Hemostasis as soon as possible? The role of the time to angioembolization in the management of pelvic fracture

Introduction

While transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is an effective way to control arterial bleeding associated with pelvic fracture, delayed TAE may increase mortality risk. The purpose of the current study was to determine how time to TAE affects outcomes in patients with pelvic fracture in the emergency department.

Methods

From January 2014 to December 2016, the trauma registry and medical records of patients with pelvic fracture who underwent TAE were retrospectively reviewed. The relationship between the time to TAE and patient outcomes was evaluated. The characteristics of surviving and deceased patients were also compared to search for prognostic factors affecting survival.

Results

Eighty-four patients were enrolled in the current study. Among patients with pelvic fracture who underwent TAE, the overall mortality rate was 16.7%. There were positive relationships between the time to TAE and the requirement for blood transfusion and between the time to TAE and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). Nonsurviving patients were significantly older (57.4 ± 23.3 vs. 42.7 ± 19.3 years old, p = 0.014) and had higher injury severity scores (ISSs) (36.4 ± 11.9 vs. 23.9 ± 10.9, p < 0.001) than were observed in surviving patients. There was no significant difference in the time to TAE between nonsurviving and surviving patients (76.9 ± 47.9 vs. 59.0 ± 29.3 min, p = 0.068). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ISS and age served as independent risk factors for mortality. Every one unit increase in ISS or age resulted in a 1.154- or 1.140-fold increase in mortality, respectively (p = 0.033 and 0.005, respectively). However, the time to TAE serves as an independent factor for ICU LOS (p = 0.015).

Conclusion

In pelvic fracture patients who require TAE for hemostasis, longer time to TAE may cause harm. An early hemorrhage control is suggested.

Trends and efficacy of external emergency stabilization of pelvic ring fractures: results from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry

PURPOSE

External emergency stabilization (EES) of unstable pelvic fractures reduces haemorrhage and mortality. Available are non-invasive procedures (sheet sling and pelvic binder) and invasive procedures (external fixator and pelvic C-clamp). Nevertheless, there is no recommended standard as to which procedure for EES should be used.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data between 2007 and 2016 from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry were used to evaluate 989 patients with in-hospital EES. Besides age, gender and injury severity score (ISS), the fracture classification was evaluated. Furthermore, the frequency of used EES, time to application, their reported efficacy and the frequencies of change to another EES were investigated.

RESULTS

The use of pelvic binders increased up to 40% while all other procedures decreased in frequency over the 10-year period. The ISS was highest in patients treated with a pelvic C-clamp or combination of pelvic C-clamp and external fixator (p < 0.05). Non-invasive stabilization was applied significantly faster than invasive procedures (p < 0.0001). Overall, the reported efficacy was good (at least 70%) for all procedures but with poorest results for the pelvic binder and best for the external fixator (p < 0.00001). Most change to another EES was found for the sheet sling and pelvic binder.

CONCLUSION

In case of suspected unstable pelvic fracture, an EES should be performed, in case of doubt with a non-invasive EES until imaging and final diagnosis. Which method should be used depends on the individual situation and the available information about the overall injury pattern. Invasive EES are preferable for treatment according to Damage Control Orthopaedics.