Fractures of the pelvis

Acetabular Bone Cement Extension Leading to Bladder Obstruction: An Orthopedic Surgical Complication

Polymethyl methacrylate, commonly known as bone cement, is widely used for implant fixation in orthopedic and trauma surgery due to its excellent adhesive properties and biocompatibility. However, complications such as bone cement extrusion, although rare, can lead to significant morbidity. We present the case of an 86-year-old Hispanic female who presented to the emergency department (ED) with tachycardia, hypertension, and respiratory distress. Her medical history included Parkinson's disease, hiatal hernia, osteoarthritis, colon cancer, and a complex post-hip fracture surgical history. Despite being bedridden, she had been previously in stable health. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a significant hiatal hernia, minimal remaining left lung tissue, a right lung nodule, hydronephrosis, and a large radiopaque mass in the right pelvis extending from the acetabular area. This radiopaque mass was later determined to be bone cement, with a portion extruding into the bladder. The patient was diagnosed with sepsis secondary to a urinary tract infection and hyponatremia; a urology consultation recommended a conservative approach to avoid potential antibiotic resistance. This case report highlights a rare complication of total hip arthroplasty involving bone cement extrusion into the bladder, which led to hydronephrosis and a urinary tract infection (UTI). Although such complications can be asymptomatic, they should be considered in patients with a history of arthroplasty.

Laparoscopic treatment of fourteen cases of pelvic ring disruption: a case series

PURPOSE

Open surgical approaches for the treatment of anterior pelvic arc lesions are associated with several complications. We present the first retrospective descriptive case series on the use of laparoscopy as an alternative.

METHODS

This descriptive, retrospective, single-centre study enrolled all patients who underwent laparoscopy for the treatment of pelvic ring disruption between May 2020 and March 2022. The primary outcome was the procedure failure rate based on conversion to open surgery. Secondary outcomes were the duration of the surgical procedure, x-ray exposure, length of hospitalisation, postoperative pain assessment, and functional scores at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

The study included two females and 12 males. The mean age of the study participants was 44.2 (23-67) years. In total, nine (64.3%) patients had pubic symphysis disjunction, four (28.6%) had bilateral fractures of the obturator frames, and one (7%) had both. None of the patients required conversion to open surgery. The median operating times for symphysis pubis disruption, obturator frame fracture, and patients with both injuries were 90.0 (60-120), 135 (105-180), and 240 min, respectively. The median overall operating time was 102.5 (60-240) min. The median Iowa Pelvic Score and Majeed Functional Score at the last follow-up were 87 (70-99) and 84 (70-100), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic internal fixation is a reliable treatment for pelvic ring disruption. The clinical and radiological outcomes of our patients suggest the usefulness of this technique as an alternative to open approaches.

Operative versus conservative treatment in pelvic ring fractures with sacral involvement

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the performance in activities of daily living (ADL), level of pain, mortality and rate of complications in patients with a pelvic ring fracture with sacral involvement who were treated conservatively compared to a surgically treated patient collective using percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation.

HYPOTHESIS

Conservative treatment does not result in inferior clinical outcome compared to operative treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of 112 conservatively (n=46) or operatively (n=66) treated patients with an isolated posterior or a combined posterior and anterior pelvic ring fracture was performed. The analysis included: age, sex, mechanism of injury, fracture type according to AO/OTA classification, energy of trauma sustained (no-, low-, high-energy trauma), type of treatment (operative or conservative), complications as well as duration of in-hospital stay. To assess clinical and activity outcome, the visual analog scale for pain (VAS), Barthel Scale, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) scores as well as mortality were assessed. The mean follow-up was 29.3±14.6 months. Furthermore, a geriatric subgroup (n=68, age≥60, low-energy trauma only) was analyzed.

RESULTS

The majority of the patients were female (79%) and suffered from low-energy trauma (n=64, 58%). There were no significant differences in the operative and the conservative groups and subgroups concerning VAS, Barthel scores and ASA scores. The survival analyses showed a significantly lower survival rate in the conservative group (41.8±3.6 months) compared to the operative group (55.9±2 months, p=0.002). Similar findings were encountered in the geriatric subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates equivalent clinical outcome in conservatively and surgically treated patients using a percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation at a mid-term follow-up. However, operatively treated patients showed decreased mortality. This needs to be carefully considered in clinical decision-making but must be further explored using a prospective randomized study approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

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

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.

Possible sexual dysfunction in traumatically injured clients: improving the approach at initial assessment

AIM

To explore the perceived barriers experienced by rehabilitation case managers to discussing sexual function with clients after a traumatic injury, at the point of initial assessment. Study design: Small-scale semi-structured interviews were conducted to inform baseline measures for a service improvement proposal within the author's employing company. A qualitative phenomenological methodology was used for the interpretation of the data, with application of framework analysis.

FINDINGS

Case managers within the company do not routinely ask clients about issues of sexual dysfunction at the initial assessment of rehabilitation needs. Identified inhibitors included the client's age, cultural background, the presence of other people during the assessment, embarrassment for either party, or any apparent reservations about the assessment process for the client. These echoed findings from the wider healthcare literature. Prompts to initiating conversations were also identified, including the nature of injury or the openness of the client.

CONCLUSION

In their holistic assessment of clients' rehabilitation needs, and as part of the development of the therapeutic relationship, case managers are ideally situated to encourage conversations concerning issues of sexual dysfunction with clients, having the opportunity to signpost them to the most appropriate support or to facilitate referrals for treatment.

Atypical APC-1 pelvic fracture presenting with pelvic instability: successful management with pubic symphysis fusion

By definition, anteroposterior (AP) compression type 1 (APC-1) injury is a type of pelvic ring injury, which is widely acknowledged as 'stable'. Unstable forms of this injury are very rare and present a challenge for diagnosis and clinical management. Detailed herein is a man in his early 30s, referred to our institution with a 2-year history of pubic symphysis pain following a road traffic accident. Radiological investigation revealed an unstable APC-1 injury. This was subsequently managed with surgical reconstruction leading to the successful return of the patient to former function and recreational activities.

Different Lengths of Percutaneous Transverse Iliosacral Screw in Geometric Osseous Fixation Pathway: A Finite-Element Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the biomechanical performances of the sacroiliac screw fixation of the first sacral vertebra with different lengths of screws using the Finite-Element Method.

METHODS

First, pelvic CT images were generated from a healthy volunteer, and multislice sagittal views were produced to determine the axis for the first sacral vertebra geometric osseous fixation pathway (GOFP). Subsequently, according to the geometric size and mechanical parameters of the iliosacral screw, the screw models with the same diameter of 7.3 mm and different lengths of 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 110 mm, 120 mm, 130 mm and 140 mm were built. Then the seven screws were assembled with the pelvic model. The maximum von Mises stress and the shape variables were evaluated for the pelvis and the screws.

RESULTS

Results are shown for the pelvic and GOFP screw, respectively. The simulation results show that the maximum von Mises stress in the cortex of the pelvic ring of the pelvis with the 130-mm length screw is the lowest among the pelvic models with different screws. Moreover, the peak displacement of the pelvis with the 130-mm length screw is the smallest. These results indicate that under the standing condition, a 130-mm length screw can decrease the stress concentration and result in a more effective transfer of stress within the reconstructed pelvis. In addition, the displacement of the screw with a 130-mm length is the smallest among all the considered screws. The peak von Mises stresses in the 130-mm length screw and the cortex are still within a low and elastic range below the yielding strengths of the materials.

CONCLUSION

Through the finite element analysis, the GOFP can be used as a safe and effective way for iliosacral screw fixation. The optimal length of the screw may be 130 mm length.

Pelvic ring and acetabular fracture: Concepts of traumatological forensic interest

Fractures of the pelvic ring and acetabulum generally result after high energy trauma. Pelvic fractures, especially, are considered complex injuries from a therapeutic point of view, in relation to the frequent coexistence of skeletal and / or parenchymal lesions affecting other areas, and the abundant bleeding invariably associated with the latter. The systematic study of these injuries, starting from the 1950s, has led to a significant prognostic improvement, while generally remaining a non-negligible degree of disability. The knowledge of the characteristics of the lesions and of the classification systems, as well as an accurate assessment of the anatomo-functional repercussions, represent therefore the fundamental prerequisites for the correct assessment of physical damage. Herein, we aim to examine whether the medico-legal assessment parameters of physical damage being used in Italy and Europe are appropriate and consistent with the complexity of similar injuries.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pelvic and Acetabular Trauma: Experiences From a National Tertiary Referral Centre

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on daily life. Restrictions imposed to help minimise virus transmission have limited both population movement and employment, as well as altering the potential mechanisms of high-energy trauma. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pelvic and acetabular trauma.

Materials and methods

A retrospective observational study of the incidence, causality, patient profile, fracture morphology, and treatment strategy of pelvic and acetabular trauma managed in a national tertiary referral specialist pelvic and acetabular centre between the 1^st of March and 1^st of August 2020 was undertaken and compared to corresponding time periods in the two preceding years.

Results

A total of 78 patients were referred for management following pelvic and acetabular trauma during the study period with a mean age of 52 years (SD +/- 24.2). Overall, 45% and 42% of patients were referred following isolated pelvic or acetabular fractures respectively. The most frequent mechanism of injury was a fall from height (>1m) (42%), with 53% of patients suffering from concomitant injuries and 32% requiring surgical management. While there was a statistically significant difference in mechanism of injury (P=0.026), there was no significant difference in overall incidence, fracture types, incidence of concomitant injuries, or overall proportion requiring surgical intervention during the study period when compared to previous years.

Conclusion

While some variation in the mechanisms of injury have been observed, the overall incidence, patient, fracture, and injury profiles associated with pelvic and acetabular trauma appear to have remained consistent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the number and proportion of those requiring surgical treatment of these fractures have remained stable. Understanding the continued burden of these potentially severe injuries may help guide injury prevention, treatment, and resource allocation as the pandemic continues.

Genitourinary complications in orthopaedic surgery

Genitourinary complications following orthopaedic intervention are uncommon but well-described occurrences and exist on a spectrum of severity. These complications vary depending on the anatomic location and surgical approach, with surgery of the spine, hip, and pelvis of particular concern. Injuries to the urinary tract may present acutely with urinary retention or hematuria. However, they often have a delayed presentation with severe complications such as urinary fistula and recurrent infection. Delayed presentations may place the onus of timely and proper diagnosis on the orthopaedic provider, who may serve as the patient's primary source of long-term follow-up. Detailed knowledge of anatomy and at-risk structures is key to both preventing and identifying injury. Although iatrogenic injury is not always avoidable, early identification can help to facilitate timely evaluation and management to prevent long-term complications such as bladder dysfunction, obstructive renal injury, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain.  Keywords: urologic injury, bladder injury, genitourinary injury, hip arthroplasty, pelvic ring injuries, spine surgery.

New Concealed-Incision Extrapelvic Approach for Pubic Symphysis Diastasis and Parasymphyseal Fractures: Preliminary Results

BACKGROUND

The Pfannenstiel approach, which provides good surgical exposure, has been used for the treatment of pubic symphysis diastasis and parasymphyseal fractures. However, it requires a medium-length incision and moderate soft-tissue dissection, resulting in potential damage to anatomical structures and inferior aesthetic outcomes. Here, we introduce a new concealed-incision extrapelvic approach for the internal fixation of pubic symphysis diastasis and parasymphyseal fractures.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 8 patients with pubic symphysis diastasis and parasymphyseal fractures that had been treated via the concealed-incision extrapelvic approach (the "Fu-Liu" approach). All patients presented for treatment during the period from January 2017 to November 2017. Six of the 8 patients had anterior column fractures, 1 patient had a double-column fracture, and 1 patient had parasymphyseal fractures. Operative time, the amount of blood loss, and postoperative radiographic and computed tomography (CT) findings were recorded. The degree of fracture-healing, complications, function, and satisfaction with the skin incisions were also evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients were followed for at least 21 months (range, 21 to 30 months). Postoperative radiographs and CT scans showed good positioning of plates and screws. The average time before surgery, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss (and standard deviation) were 7.8 ± 3.25 days, 41.9 ± 8.99 minutes, and 18.8 ± 7.8 mL, respectively. No complications (including internal fixation failure, vascular injury, nerve palsy, wound infection, and hernia) occurred in any of the patients, and all patients were satisfied with the appearance of the scar.

CONCLUSIONS

We can effectively stabilize pubic symphysis diastasis and parasymphyseal fractures with use of the Fu-Liu approach, which can also enable retrograde anterior column screw placement. The Fu-Liu approach is simple, safe, and minimally invasive, and the aesthetic outcome is more acceptable than that associated with the Pfannenstiel approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The use of external fixation in the emergency department: applications, common errors, complications and their treatment

The use of an external fixator (EF) in the emergency department (ED) or the emergency theatre in the ED is reserved for critically ill patients in a life-saving attempt. Hence, usually only fixation/stabilization of the pelvis, tibia, femur and humerus are performed. All other external fixation methods are not indicated in an ED and thus should be performed in the operating room with a sterile environment.Anterior EF is used in unstable pelvic lesions due to anterior-posterior compression, and in stable pelvic fractures in haemodynamically unstable patients.Patients with multiple trauma should be stabilized quickly with EF.The C-clamp has been designed to be used in the ED to stabilize fractures of the sacrum or alterations of the sacroiliac joint in patients with circulatory instability.Choose a modular EF that allows for the free placement of the pins, is radiolucent and is compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Planning the type of framework to be used is crucial.Avoid mistakes in the placement of EF. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:204-214. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190029.

Regional Injury Classification and Treatment of Open Pelvic Fractures

OBJECTIVES

To propose the regional injury classification of open pelvic fracture and summarize the characteristics of its treatment.

METHODS

Clinical data for 67 open pelvic fractures treated from January 2001 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 48 male and 19 female patients. The patients were aged from 12 to 68 years old, and their pelvic fractures were categorized according to Tile classification (type A: 23 cases; type B: 19 cases; type C: 25 cases). Main injury distribution: pubic perineum, 29 cases; ilioinguinal, 20 cases; and sacroiliac, 7 cases. There were 5 cases of ilioinguinal-perineum and 6 cases of sacroiliac-perineum injury. Based on the region of the injury, the mortality and combined injury of each group were observed. The relationship between regional injury groups and death was examined.

RESULTS

Following active treatment, 28 patients died. The mortality rate was 41.8% (28/67), with 39 patients surviving. The average follow-up time was 6 months (3 months to 1 year after discharge). Majeed pelvic fracture score: the score was excellent in 12 cases, good in 14 cases, fair in 9 cases, and poor in 4 cases; there was an excellent and good rate of 66.7%. Open pelvic fracture regional injury classification includes: the perineal type (type I); the ilioinguinal type (type II); the sacroiliac type (type III); and the composite type (type IV). All types were independent of each other, and the mortality of open pelvic fractures was positively correlated with this classification, with a correlation coefficient of 0.620 (P = 0.001 < 0.05; the difference was statistically significant). In this study, cystourethral injury, anorectal injury, and infection were the main combined injuries of type I. The type II and III injuries were mainly iliac vascular injuries. The main combined injuries of type IV were infection, injury of ilium vessels and its branches. There was a statistical difference among the combined injuries of each subtype (P = 0.001 < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The criteria for regional classification were clear, the mortality of the four subtypes increased gradually, and the incidence of combined injury of each subtype varied. Each subtype had different therapeutic characteristics.

Pelvic fractures: experience of pelvic ring fractures at a major trauma centre

In this review, we discuss the imaging classification of pelvic ring fractures in the context of our experience of reporting trauma computed tomography (CT) in a major trauma centre. Pelvic ring fractures are potentially significant injuries with risk of significant haemorrhage and morbidity. This review details the use of classification systems in determining the mechanism and severity of injury, with discussion of the features of the Young and Burgess classification system. We demonstrate the different types of pelvic ring fracture with examples from trauma CT, and with reference to the distribution and frequency of these injuries in trauma patients. This review will allow the reader to assess trauma CT for significant pelvic ring injury and identify features of instability.

Long-Term Patient-Reported Functional Outcome of Polytraumatized Patients With Operatively Treated Pelvic Fractures

OBJECTIVES

To report the long-term functional outcome of a cohort of patients with operatively treated unstable pelvic fractures using validated patient-reported outcome measures.

DESIGN

Long-term observational study using prospective and retrospective data.

SETTING

Tertiary referral pelvic trauma center, Bristol, United Kingdom.

PATIENTS

Seventy-four polytraumatized patients with operatively treated unstable pelvic ring injuries (50 OTA/AO type B and 24 OTA/AO type C, mean Injury Severity Score 17) treated between 1994 and 2005.

INTERVENTION

Sixty-four (86%) patients were treated with internal fixation. The remaining 10 patients (14%) were treated with either combined percutaneous posterior fixation and anterior external fixation or external fixation in isolation.

MAIN OUTCOME

Patient-reported functional outcome.

MEASUREMENTS

Short Form-36, with UK norm-based comparator scores and EQ-5D-3L.

RESULTS

Patients were between 11 and 22 years after injury (mean 15 years). We found no significant association between fracture classification and outcome score, but compared with age- and sex-matched scores for a UK population, differences were statistically significant in 3 of the 8 domains of health: physical function (P = 0.04), bodily pain (P = 0.001), and vitality (P = 0.001). The level of disability remained constant for these patients compared with their patient-reported outcome measure scores reported 8 years previously.

CONCLUSION

Patients who sustain an unstable pelvic fracture continue to have significant functional limitations compared with an uninjured population. These changes were not found to be related to age, injury pattern, genitourinary injury, or neurological injury. Functional outcome scores did not change over the 2 long-term time points.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Influence of energy absorbers on Malgaigne fracture mechanism in lumbar-pelvic system under vertical impact load

Malgaigne fractures are the most common and widespread pelvic injuries resulting from the shear forces the action mechanism of which has not been explained in the literature yet. Military accidents with improvised explosive devices (IED) perfectly reflect this type of pelvic fracture. The finite element (FE) model of lumbar-pelvic complex (LPC) was developed based on computed tomography (CT) scans with the seat including steel frame, padding and soft tissue. The correlation coefficients of both low (100 N) and high (500 N) loads were greater than that currently obtained in the literature due to the presence of muscle force, pubic symphysis and joint cartilage. The dynamic analysis was performed to determine the influence of varying kinds of foam materials i.e. polyurethane, aluminium honeycomb structured and polyurethane auxetic foam on the stress/strain distribution in LPC under vertical impact load with the velocity of 7 m/s. Performed analysis showed the first fracture occurred in the L5 vertebrae resulting in the sacroiliac ligaments disruption and stress concentration in the pelvic ring causing further fractures of the wing of ilium, pubis and ischium bones. This results clearly explain the inconclusive findings about the second fracture that occurs in the pelvic area under a vertical impact load. The applied seat padding foam significantly reduced the stresses transmitted to the anatomical structures, thereby avoiding the risk of pelvic fracture. The analysis has proven that the auxetic polyurethane foam can be used as a good energy absorber.

A cost minimization analysis comparing minimally-invasive with open reduction surgical techniques for pelvic ring fracture

The aim of the present study was to compare the in-hospital direct medical costs of patients with pelvic fracture treated with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). A retrospective, single-center, cohort, and comparative study was performed. Administrative information and clinical results, in addition to cost data, were collected and analyzed. A cost minimization analysis method was used to evaluate the costs of two different surgical techniques. A total of 128 patients diagnosed with pelvic fracture were included in this study; 62 were treated with MIS and 66 underwent ORIF. No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of patients' clinical baseline characteristics. The operative time, length of incision, intra-operative blood loss, and post-operative length of stay in the MIS group were significantly different compared with those in the ORIF group. The cost-minimization analysis demonstrated that the cost effectiveness of MIS was better than ORIF as the MIS was associated with a significantly lower total in-hospital direct medical cost ($8,900 vs. $5,786, P=0.032), compared with ORIF. The cost-minimization analysis demonstrated that for similar clinical baseline characteristics as well as outcomes, there were differences in direct hospitalization cost of two surgical techniques, and MIS had a lower cost on average than ORIF.

Iliac screw for reconstructing posterior pelvic ring in Tile type C1 pelvic fractures

BACKGROUND

It is often difficult to achieve stable fixation in Tile type C1 pelvic fractures and there is no standard fixation technique for these types of injuries.

HYPOTHESIS

Iliac screw fixation can be used for treating Type C1 pelvic fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on 47 patients who underwent iliac screw fixation in posterior column of ilium (PCI) for Tile type C1 pelvic fractures from July 2007 to December 2014. All patients were treated with fracture reduction, sacral nerve root decompression (if needed), internal fixation by iliac screw and connecting rod. The data on surgical time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative neurologic functions and postoperative complications were analyzed. Patients were follow-up for at least 12months.

RESULTS

The mean surgical time was 148minutes, and the mean intraoperative bleeding volume was 763ml. Patients were encouraged in-bed activities immediately after surgery. The postoperative Majeed functional score was 48-100 points (mean 80.2), corresponding to an excellent and good recovery of 91.5%. Postoperative X-radiographs and CT scans indicated satisfactory fracture reduction.

DISCUSSION

Iliac screw fixation combined with sacral nerve canal decompression could effectively restore pelvic alignment and improve neurological functions for complex pelvic trauma.

Clinical predictors of specialist treatment requirements in pelvic fracture: A retrospective cohort study

Objectives and background

To describe the pelvic fracture population presenting to a district hospital in New Zealand and investigate whether clinical measurements can predict subsequent transfer to specialist tertiary care units. Early transfer to tertiary care is associated with improved surgical outcomes and cost-effectiveness, but there has as yet been little research into predictive markers for referral.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of all patients admitted with pelvic fracture to the intensive care unit of Hastings Memorial Hospital, New Zealand from 2005 to 2014. The primary outcome was transfer to specialist tertiary care. Secondary outcomes were total duration of hospitalisation and conservative vs. surgical management. Clinical variables including age, sex, observations and comorbidities were analysed against these outcomes using logistic regression.

Results

Data from 40 patients were collected (24 male, 16 female; median age: 44 years). Median distance from the hospital was 22.6 km, with 27 (67.5%) patients transported by land and 13 (32.5%) arriving by helicopter. Median time from receipt of emergency call to arrival at hospital was 60 min. Three patients died and 14/40 (35%) required transfer to tertiary centres. Damage to intra-abdominal structures such as spleen, liver and bladder lacerations were associated with transfer to tertiary care, unadjusted relative risk 3.34 (95% confidence intervals: 1.39–8.05).

Conclusion

Despite a 10-year recruitment window, only 40 patients were included in this study, limiting its statistical power. Nonetheless, our data suggest that pelvic fracture patients with injuries to intra-abdominal viscera are more likely to require tertiary care transfer.

Minimal Access Fixation of Longitudinal Sacral Fractures: The Posterior Internal Fixator with a Minimum of Three Years of Follow-Up

OBJECTIVE

It is a novel choice to have reduction and internal fixation for sacral fracture with iliac screws starting around the posterior superior iliac spine and percutaneously interconnected.

METHODS

This prospective work was performed at Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt, during the period from January 2013 until January 2016. Fifty consecutive cases of longitudinal fractures of the sacrum were treated surgically using ileoileal fixation via minimal-access surgery.

RESULTS

According to Pohlemann clinical score, 42 patients (84%) were rated to have excellent clinical result, 6 patients (12%) had a good clinical result, and 2 patients (4%) had a fair clinical result. Regarding social scoring, 34 patients returned back to their jobs with the same level of effort and recreational activities (68%). Ten patients returned to work but with changes in their capabilities and decreases in recreational activities (20%). Six patients changed their profession to another one that required less effort (12%). Regarding radiologic scores, 15 patients (30%) had maximum radiologic scoring (excellent), 30 patients (60%) had good, and 5 patients (10%) had fair reduction. In total, 33 patients (66%) had an excellent final result (10/10); 9 patients (18%) had a good final result (9/10), and 8 patients (16%) had a fair result (7-8/10).

CONCLUSIONS

Fractures of the sacrum are challenging injuries regarding methods of fixation, choice of surgical approach, and the possibility of postoperative complications. Minimal-access ileoileal fixation provides a safe, rapid, and easy method for the fixation of such fractures. It is suitable for critical patients, as it is fast and performed with minimal blood loss. Also, because it does not require an image intensifier, it can be used in least-equipped situations, such as in war scenarios.

Outcome of Haemodynamically Unstable Open Pelvic Fracture Patients Managed with “3-in-1” Pelvic Damage Control Protocol in a Major Trauma Centre

Introduction

Open pelvic fractures are one of the most challenging and severe injuries of orthopaedics. These patients usually are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Therefore, multiple studies have suggested different methods to deal with this challenging problem. Our hospital is one of the few trauma centers in Hong Kong that deals with these patients. We have developed a “3-in-1” pelvic damage control protocol that strategically treats patients with pelvic injuries with open fractures. This article aims to review the outcomes of patients suffering from open pelvic fractures, admitted from January 2011 to 2016.

Patients & Methods

All patients diagnosed with hemodynamically unstable open fracture admitted from January 2011 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. All these patients were treated with our hospital's “3-in-1” pelvic damage control protocol. We analyzed their demographics, associated injuries, Injury Severity and final outcomes.

Results

Twelve consecutive patients were included in this study. Seventy-five percent (n = 9) of them were successfully resuscitated and discharged from hospital as their final outcome.

Conclusion

Our hospital's “3-in-1” pelvic damage control protocol improves the survival rate of patients suffering from haemodynamically unstable open fracture, including open fracture. External fixation of pelvis, retroperitoneal packing and emergency angiography with embolization play important and inseparable roles in management of these critical patients. Adequate wound lavage, timely urinary and faecal diversion will improve the overall morbidity and survival further.

Vertical shear pelvic injury: evaluation, management, and fixation strategies

Vertical shear pelvic ring fractures are rare and account for less than 1% of all fractures. Unlike severely displaced antero-posterior compression and lateral compression pelvic fractures, patients' mortality is lower. Nevertheless, patients must be managed acutely using well-defined ATLS protocols and institution-specific protocols for haemodynamically unstable pelvic ring fractures. The definitive treatment of vertical shear pelvic fractures is however more controversial with a paucity of literature to recommend the ideal reduction and fixation strategy. While the majority of injuries can be reduced and fixed in a closed manner, orthopaedic traumatologists should be familiar with the contraindications to those techniques as well as options such as tension band plating and lumbo pelvic fixation. Our paper reviews the acute management, associated injuries and definitive reduction and fixation strategies of vertical shear pelvic fractures. In addition, we propose a treatment algorithm for the selection of the most appropriate fixation technique.

The use of external fixators in the definitive stabilisation of the pelvis in polytrauma patients: Safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the complications and outcomes (functional/radiographic) of Pelvic External Fixators applied as part of the definitive fixation in polytrauma patients.

DESIGN

A single center retrospective chart review.

SETTING

A level-1 trauma center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed all the polytrauma patients (ISS>16) between 2007 and 2012 that had a PEF applied more than 30days. Complications including infection, aseptic loosening, neurological injury, loss of reduction, non-union and mal-union were recorded. Pelvic asymmetry and Deformity Index (DI) were measured at the immediate postoperative radiographs and final follow-up. The functional outcome at final follow up was estimated using a scale previously reported by Chiou et al.

RESULTS

59 patients with mean age of 38.4 (16 - 81) years and mean ISS score 28 (16- 66) were included. The PEFs were applied for mean duration of 56 (30-104) days. The average follow-up was 403days. 22 injuries were type B and 37 type C (AO/OTA). The most common symptomatic complications were pin site infection in 11 (18.6%) and loosening in 5 (8.5%) cases. 44 (74.5%) patients had satisfactory functional outcome. The immediate post-operative and final asymmetry and DI were compared between the two pelvic injury groups (type B and C fractures). The difference in displacement progression was more for type C injuries (p=0.034) but no correlation to the functional outcome was evident.

CONCLUSION

PEF can be used as definitive alternative stabilization method in specific situations at polytrauma setting. Radiological displacement occurred in both type B and C injuries but the clinical outcome was not correlated to this displacement. Complications related to PEF do not affect the final clinical outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III.

To log-roll or not to log-roll - That is the question! A review of the use of the log-roll for patients with pelvic fractures

Pelvic fractures are one of the most serious injuries in polytrauma - massive haemorrhage is a major complication and the leading cause of death. The assessment and early management of these injuries in the Emergency Department (ED) focuses on the recognition of haemodynamic instability and should follow Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines. The log-roll technique, although an accepted practice in trauma care, has been reported to be inadvisable when a pelvic fracture is suspected. This paper, which includes a case study, briefly explains the pathophysiology and initial management of pelvic fractures. It aims to emphasise how the use of the log-roll can affect the haemodynamic stability of a patient with a pelvic fracture, highlighting gaps in research, along with the ethical and legal implications associated with polytrauma care. It also encourages practitioners to consider reasonable alternatives to the log-roll technique when beneficial and applicable.

Fractures of the pelvic ring

Traumatic disruptions of the pelvic ring are high energy life threatening injuries. Management represents a significant challenge, particularly in the acute setting in the presence of severe haemorrhage. Initial management is focused on preserving life by controlling haemorrhage and associated injuries. Advances in prehospital care, surgery, interventional radiology and the introduction of treatment algorithms to streamline decision making have improved patient survival. As more patients with unstable pelvic injuries survive, the poor results associated with nonoperative management and increasing patient expectations of outcome are making surgical management of these fractures increasingly common. The aim of operative fracture fixation is to correct deformity and restore function. The advent of percutaneous fixation techniques has reduced the morbidity previously associated with large operative exposures and internal fixation.

Internal versus external fixation of the anterior component in unstable fractures of the pelvic ring: pooled results from a systematic review

PURPOSE

Improving reduction of the pelvic ring improves long-term functional outcomes for patients. It has been demonstrated that posterior internal fixation is necessary to adequately control fractures to the posterior ring and there is evidence that supplementing this with fixation of the anterior ring improves stability. It is accepted that internal fixation provides greater stability than external fixation of the anterior ring but long-term differences in radiographic and functional outcomes have not yet been quantified.

METHODS

A search of electronic databases, reference lists and review articles from 1989 to 2015 yielded 18 studies (n = 884) that met our inclusion criteria. We included studies that discussed pelvic ring injuries in adults, reported functional or radiological outcomes or complications by anterior ring intervention and exceeded 14 patients. We excluded biomechanical and cadaver studies.

RESULTS

Internal fixation of the anterior pelvic ring had better functional and radiographic outcomes. Residual displacement of >10 mm was less common with internal fixation (ER 0.12, 95 % CI 0.06-0.24) than external fixation (ER 0.31, 95 % CI 0.11-0.62). Unsatisfactory outcomes also occurred at a lower rate (ER 0.09, 95 % CI 0.03-0.22) compared to external fixation (ER 0.32, 95 % CI 0.18-0.50). Losses of reduction (ER 0.02, 95 % CI 0.01-0.04 versus ER 0.07, 95 % CI 0.02-0.21), malunions (ER 0.03, 95 % CI 0.01-0.08 versus ER 0.07, 95 % CI 0.02-0.21) and delayed/non-unions (ER 0.02, 95 % CI 0.01-0.05 versus ER 0.04, 95 % CI 0.02-0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Internal fixation of the anterior pelvic ring as supplementary fixation for unstable injuries to the pelvic ring appears to result in better radiographic and functional outcomes as well as fewer complications. However, data that separated outcomes and complications in relation to interventions of the anterior pelvic ring were limited. More studies looking specifically at outcomes in relation to the type of anterior ring intervention are needed.

Can MDCT Unmask Instability in Binder-Stabilized Pelvic Ring Disruptions?

OBJECTIVE

Pelvic binders may hinder radiologic assessment of pelvic instability after trauma, and avulsive injuries can potentially unmask instability in this setting. We compare the performance of MDCT for the detection of pelvic disruptions in patients with binders to a matched cohort without binders, and we assess the utility of avulsive injuries as signs of pelvic instability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MDCT examinations of 56 patients with binders were compared with MDCT examinations of 54 patients without binders. Tile grading by an experienced orthopedic surgeon was used as the reference standard (A, stable; B, rotationally unstable; C, rotationally and vertically unstable). Two radiologists performed blinded reviews of CT studies in two reading sessions (sessions 1 and 2). In session 1, Tile grade was predicted on the basis of established signs of instability, including pubic symphysis and sacroiliac (SI) joint widening. In session 2, readers could change the Tile grade when avulsive injuries were seen. Diagnostic performance for predicting rotational instability and vertical instability was assessed.

RESULTS

In the binder group, AUCs under the ROC curves for rotational instability increased from fair (0.73-0.77) to good (0.82-0.89) when avulsive signs were considered. In the control group, AUCs were good in both sessions. AUCs for vertical instability were fair with binders in both sessions. Agreement with the reference standard increased from fair (0.30-0.32) to moderate (0.46-0.54) when avulsive signs were considered in the binder group but were in the moderate range for both sessions in the control group. Combined evaluation for inferolateral sacral fractures, ischial spine fractures, and rectus abdominis avulsions resulted in optimal discrimination of rotational instability.

CONCLUSION

Evaluation for avulsive signs improves MDCT sensitivity for the detection of rotational instability but not vertical instability in patients with binders.

Predictors of early versus late mortality in pelvic trauma patients

Background

Risks of predicting time-related in-hospital mortality varies in pelvic trauma patients. We aim to identify potential independent risks predictive of time-related (early versus late) mortality among pelvic trauma patients.

Methods

Local trauma registry data from 2004 through 2013 were reviewed. Mortality causes and timing of death were investigated. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent risks predictive of early versus late mortality in pelvic trauma patients while adjusting for patient demographics (age, sex, race), clinical variables (initial vital signs, mental status, injury severity, associated injuries, comorbidities), and hospital outcomes (surgical interventions, crystalloid resuscitations, blood transfusions).

Results

We retrospectively collected data on 1566 pelvic trauma patients with a mortality rate of 9.96 % (156/1566). Approximately 74 % of patients died from massive hemorrhage within the first 24 h of hospitalization (early mortality). Revised trauma score (RTS), injury severity score (ISS), initial hemoglobin, direct transfer to operating room, and blood transfusion administration in the Emergency Department were considered independent risk factors predictive of early mortality. Age, ISS, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) were deemed risk factors predictive of death after 24 h (late mortality).

Discussion

Given the fact of a substantial number of patients died within the first 24 h of hospital arrival, it is reasonable to consider the first 24 h of hospitalization as the appropriate window within which early mortality may be expected to occur in pelvic trauma patients. The risk factors associated with massive hemorrhage were strong predictors of early mortality, whereas late mortality predictors were more closely linked with comorbidities or in-hospital complications.

Conclusions

While risk factors predictive of early versus late mortality vary, ISS seems to predict both early and late mortality accurately in pelvic trauma patients.

Direct and indirect costs of surgically treated pelvic fractures

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic fractures requiring surgical fixation are rare injuries but present a great societal impact in terms of disability, as well as economic resources. In the literature, there is no description of these costs. Main aim of this study is to describe the direct and indirect costs of these fractures. Secondary aims were to test if the type of fracture (pelvic ring injury or acetabular fracture) influences these costs (hospitalization, consultation, medication, physiotherapy sessions, job absenteeism).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study on patients with surgically treated acetabular fractures or pelvic ring injuries. Medical records were reviewed in terms of demographic data, follow-up, diagnosis (according to Letournel and Tile classifications for acetabular and pelvic fractures, respectively) and type of surgical treatment. Patients were interviewed about hospitalization length, consultations after discharge, medications, physiotherapy sessions and absenteeism.

RESULTS

The study comprised 203 patients, with a mean age of 49.1 ± 15.6 years, who had undergone surgery for an acetabular fracture or pelvic ring injury. The median treatment costs were 29.425 Euros per patient. Sixty percent of the total costs were attributed to health-related work absence. Median costs (in Euros) were 2.767 for hospitalization from trauma to definitive surgery, 4.530 for surgery, 3.018 for hospitalization in the surgical unit, 1.693 for hospitalization in the rehabilitation unit, 1.920 for physiotherapy after discharge and 402 for consultations after discharge. Total costs for treating pelvic ring injuries were higher than for acetabular fractures, mainly due to the significant higher costs of pelvic injuries regarding hospitalization from trauma to definitive surgery (p < 0.001) and hospitalization in the surgical unit (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Pelvic fractures are associated with both high direct costs and substantial productivity loss.

The L5 transverse process fracture revisited. Does its presence predict the pelvis fracture instability?

BACKGROUND

The presence of a L5 transverse process fracture is reported in many texts to be a marker of pelvis fracture instability. There is paucity of literature to support this view. Only two previous studies have been performed on this subject with statistical analysis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional review of all abdominopelvic CT scans performed for blunt abdominal trauma in a Level 1 Trauma Unit between January 2012 and August 2013. A total of 203 patients met our inclusion criteria. Fifty four (54) of these patients had an associated pelvis fracture.

RESULTS

Of the 54 patients with pelvis fractures 26 (48%) had an unstable fracture (AO Type B and C) and 28 (52%) had a stable pelvis fracture (AO Type A). Five (19%) of the 26 patients with an unstable pelvis fracture had an associated L5 transverse process fracture. This association was not statistically significant (P=0.724). Seven (12%) of the 28 patients with a stable fracture pattern had an associated L5 transverse process fracture. Three patients (2%) had an L5 transverse fracture in the absence of a demonstrable pelvis fracture. The relative risk of an unstable pelvis fracture in the presence of a L5 transverse process fracture is 1.2 (CI 0.6 2.3).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of an L5 transverse process fracture on an abdominopelvic CT scan is strongly associated with an underlying pelvis fracture (P<0.001). Statistically, its presence however does not strongly predict instability (P=0.724). The latter finding differs from the previously published studies.

Do asymptomatic patients have normal function after percutaneous fixation of the posterior pelvic ring? A case-control pilot study

Background

Following treatment of a posterior pelvic disruption, residual deformity or associated injuries can adversely affect functional recovery. No study has been performed on gait and functional outcome after closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation (CRPSF) of posterior pelvic disruption in clinically asymptomatic patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if gait and functional outcome are different from normal in asymptomatic patients with a posterior pelvic injury after CRPSF, serving as a pilot study in this regard.

Methods

Six asymptomatic patients with no grossly evident gait abnormality, treated by CRPSF for a posterior pelvic disruption, were included in the study (SG). A control group (CG) of six healthy volunteers was created. All participants completed the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2), the Majeed Pelvic Score (MPS), and the Iowa Pelvic Score (IPS). In addition, the participants’ gait was analyzed.

Results

Pelvic drop was significantly smaller on the uninjured side in the SG when compared to the injured side in the SG. There was no significant difference between the injured and uninjured side for other gait parameters within the SG. Knee angle at initial contact was significantly greater on the injured side when compared to the CG. The SG scored statistically worse than the CG on the Physical Component Summary part of the SF-12v2. However, when evaluated by age group using national mean scores, the SG differences were minimal. All six patients in our study scored “excellent” on both MPS and IPS.

Conclusions

Despite having subclinical alterations in gait, asymptomatic pelvic ring injured patients show minimal, if any, evidence of impaired functional outcome following successful reduction of a posterior pelvic disruption treated by CRPSF.

Major haemorrhage in pubic rami fractures

A 62-year-old man presented to the emergency department, having fallen 6 ft from a ladder, with pain over his left hip and shoulder. He was managed according to the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol, and his primary survey showed no haemodynamic compromise. Initial radiographs showed a unilateral left superior and inferior pubic rami fracture, which was treated conservatively. Forty-eight hours post-admission, the patient became tachycardic and hypotensive and was found to have dropped his haemoglobin from 125 to 89 g/L. After resuscitation, a repeat contrast CT scan revealed an enlarging haematoma in his pelvis. This was treated with urgent angioembolisation and the patient was further stabilised in the intensive care unit. This report shows the need for a low threshold in suspecting intrapelvic bleeds in patients with pubic rami fractures, and the need for prompt treatment of such patients, either surgically or radiologically.

Classification of pelvic ring fractures in skeletonized human remains

Pelvic ring fractures are associated with high rates of mortality and thus can provide key information about circumstances surrounding death. These injuries can be particularly informative in skeletonized remains, yet difficult to diagnose and interpret. This study adapted a clinical system of classifying pelvic ring fractures according to their resultant degree of pelvic stability for application to gross human skeletal remains. The modified Tile criteria were applied to the skeletal remains of 22 individuals from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México that displayed evidence of pelvic injury. Because these categories are tied directly to clinical assessments concerning the severity and treatment of injuries, this approach can aid in the identification of manner and cause of death, as well as interpretations of possible mechanisms of injury, such as those typical in car-to-pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents.

Thromboprophylaxis in patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures: A short review and recommendations

The management of thromboprophylaxis in patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures remains a highly controversial topic within the trauma community. Despite anticoagulation, venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains the most common cause of surgical morbidity and mortality in this high-risk patient group. Although various thromboprophylactic regimes are employed, evidence relating to the most effective method remains unclear. Controversies surrounding screening, the use of prophylactic inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) and chemothromboprophylaxis in polytraumatised patients, particularly those with pelvic and acetabular fractures, form the basis of considerable debate. With the absence of a well-designed clinical trial and the presence of ongoing controversies within the literature, this review will explore current treatment options available to trauma surgeons and highlight differing scientific opinions, providing an update on the role of screening and current available preventative measures. We cover existing as well as recent advances in chemical thromboprophylactic agents and discuss external mechanical compression devices, the usefulness of serial duplex ultrasonography and the role of extended chemothromboprophylaxis on discharge. The evidence behind prophylactic IVCF is also considered, along with reported complication profiles. We conclude with a proposed protocol for use in major trauma centres, which can form the basis of local policy for the prevention of VTE in trauma patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures.

Early Total Care versus Damage Control: Current Concepts in the Orthopedic Care of Polytrauma Patients

The management of the polytraumatized orthopedic patient remains a challenging issue. In recent years many efforts have been made to develop rescue techniques and to promote guidelines for the management of these patients. Currently controversies persist between two orthopedic approaches: the Early Total Care and the Damage Control Orthopedics. An overview of the current literature on the orthopedic management of polytrauma patient is provided. Subsequently, femoral shaft fractures, representing extremely common lesions, and pelvic ring injuries, that are associated with a high mortality rate, are analyzed in detail.

Persistent impairment after surgically treated lateral compression pelvic injury

BACKGROUND

Recently, fixation of lateral compression (LC) pelvic fractures has been advocated to improve patient comfort and to allow earlier mobilization without loss of reduction, thus minimizing adverse systemic effects. However, the degree of acceptable deformity and persistence of disability are unclear.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We determined if (1) injury pattern; (2) demographics; (3) final posterior displacement; (4) L5/S1 involvement; (5) associated injuries; and (6) time influence outcome measurements, sexual dysfunction, and pain.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 119 patients with unstable LC injuries treated surgically between 2000 and 2010. There were 52 males and 67 females; mean age was 39 years with a mean body mass index of 27 kg/m(2). All patients underwent clinical examination and radiographic imaging for instability and accompanying injuries. We obtained Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). The minimum followup was 12 months (mean, 33 months; range, 12-100 months).

RESULTS

SMFA subscores were not affected by injury pattern and demographics. Posterior reduction was less than 5 mm with persistent displacement in 99 of 119 (83%). Displacement of 5 to 10 mm did not affect any SMFA subscore at any time interval. Patients with additional lower extremity injuries had worse SMFA scores. Function improved with time. A visual analog scale pain score of 4 or more at 6 months predicted pain and overall SMFA score at last followup.

CONCLUSIONS

Unstable LC pelvic ring injuries result in persistent disability based on validated outcome measurements. Near anatomical reduction can be achieved and maintained. While our findings need to be confirmed in studies with high rates of followup, patients with unstable LC pelvic injuries should be counseled concerning the possibility of some degree of persistent disability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

What are predictors of mortality in patients with pelvic fractures?

BACKGROUND

Our knowledge of factors influencing mortality of patients with pelvic ring injuries and the impact of associated injuries is currently based on limited information.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

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.

METHODS

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).

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSION

Patients with pelvic fractures who did not survive were characterized by male gender, severe multiple trauma, and major hemorrhage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The early management of patients with multiple injuries: an evidence-based, practical guide for the orthopaedic surgeon

There have been many advances in the resuscitation and early management of patients with severe injuries during the last decade. These have come about as a result of the reorganisation of civilian trauma services in countries such as Germany, Australia and the United States, where the development of trauma systems has allowed a concentration of expertise and research. The continuing conflicts in the Middle East have also generated a significant increase in expertise in the management of severe injuries, and soldiers now survive injuries that would have been fatal in previous wars. This military experience is being translated into civilian practice. The aim of this paper is to give orthopaedic surgeons a practical, evidence-based guide to the current management of patients with severe, multiple injuries. It must be emphasised that this depends upon the expertise, experience and facilities available within the local health-care system, and that the proposed guidelines will inevitably have to be adapted to suit the local resources.

Pelvic circumferential compression devices (PCCDs): a best evidence equipment review

PURPOSE

Traumatic disruption of the pelvis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. ATLS(®) guidance advocates temporary stabilisation or 'closure' of the disrupted pelvis with a compression device or sheet. We undertook a best evidence equipment review to assess the ease and efficacy of the application of two leading commercially available devices, the T-POD(®) and the SAM Pelvic Sling™ II.

METHODS

Fifty health care professionals and medical students participated in pelvic circumferential compression device (PCCD) education and assessment. Participants received a 10-min lecture on the epidemiology and aetiology of pelvic fractures and the principles of circumferential compression, followed by a practical demonstration. Three volunteers acted as trauma victims. Assessment included the time taken to secure the devices and whether this was achieved correctly. All participants completed a post-assessment survey.

RESULTS

Both devices were applied correctly 100% of the time. The average time taken to secure the SAM Pelvic Sling™ II was 18 s and for the T-POD(®), it was 31 s (p ≤ 0.0001). Forty-four participants (88%) agreed or strongly agreed that the SAM Pelvic Sling™ II was easy to use compared to 84% (n = 42) for the T-POD(®). Thirty-nine participants (78%) reported that they preferred and, given the choice in the future, would select the T-POD(®) over the SAM Pelvic Sling™ II (n = 11, 22%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that both PCCDs are easy and acceptable to use and, once learned, can be applied easily and rapidly. Participants applied both devices correctly 100% of the time, with successful application taking, on average, less than 60 s.

Corona mortis artery avulsion due to a stable pubic ramus fracture

A 70-year-old woman with osteoporosis fell at home and presented to our emergency department with intense left hip pain. Radiographs revealed a left iliopubic rami fracture and nondisplaced right ischiopubic rami fracture. She was discharged after a 24-hour observation with no clinical changes. Seventy-two hours later, she was readmitted with a painful abdominal mass, progressive oliguria, tachycardia, hypotension, and profuse perspiration with generalized pallor. On physical examination, a painful mass in the hypogastrium and intense inflammation in the thigh and the proximal portion of left knee were found.Emergent multiphase contrast computed tomography revealed a large nonhomogeneous hematoma neighboring the fractured left iliopubic rami, and contrast extravasation indicated arterial bleeding. Selective angiography showed an active hemorrhage from the distal portion of a small branch of the left obturator artery. After embolization of the arterial vessel, the patient was hemodynamically stable. The fracture was rotationally and vertically stable.These fractures are common, especially among the elderly. This type of injury is usually treated conservatively and with active mobilization once the acute pain has subsided. Supraselective embolization after localization of the bleeding vessels by arteriography is recognized as a minimally invasive procedure with excellent outcomes in hemorrhagic complications of pelvic fractures. An apparently benign pubic rami fracture in the setting of hemodynamic instability should raise the suspicion of a corona mortis injury, especially in elderly and anticoagulated patients.

Is a fracture of the transverse process of L5 a predictor of pelvic fracture instability?

In the management of a pelvic fracture prompt recognition of an unstable fracture pattern is important in reducing mortality and morbidity. It is believed that a fracture of the transverse process of L5 is a predictor of pelvic fracture instability. However, there is little evidence in the literature to support this view. The aim of this study was to determine whether a fracture of the transverse process of L5 is a reliable predictor of pelvic fracture instability. We reviewed our hospital trauma database and identified 80 patients who sustained a pelvic fracture between 2006 and 2010. There were 32 women and 48 men with a mean age of 40 years (10 to 96). Most patients were injured in a road traffic accident or as a result of a fall from a height. A total of 41 patients (51%) had associated injuries. The pelvic fractures were categorised according to the Burgess and Young classification. There were 45 stable and 35 unstable fractures. An associated fracture of the transverse process of L5 was present in 17 patients; 14 (40%) of whom had an unstable fracture pattern. The odds ratio for an unstable fracture of the pelvis in the presence of a fracture of the transverse process of L5 was 9.3 and the relative risk was 2.5. A fracture of the transverse process of L5 in the presence of a pelvic fracture is associated with an increased risk of instability of the pelvic fracture. Its presence should alert the attending staff to this possibility.