Three-in-one protocol reduces mortality of patients with haemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures—a five year multi-centred review in Hong Kong

Preperitoneal pelvic balloon tamponade-an effective intervention to control pelvic injury hemorrhage in a swine model

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the effects of the volume of preperitoneal balloon (PPB) on arterial and venous hemorrhage in a swine pelvic fracture model. Methods: Twenty-four swine were randomized into 0-mL, 500-mL, 800-mL, and 1000-mL intra-hematoma PPB groups. They were subjected to open-book pelvic fracture and reproducible injuries in the external iliac artery and vein. The pelvic binder and IH-PPBs with different volumes of fluid were applied to control the active hemorrhage after arterial and venous injuries. The survival time and rate during 60-min observation and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images were the primary endpoints in this study. Secondary endpoints included survival rate within 70 min, peritoneal pressure, hemodynamics, blood loss, infusion fluid, blood pH, and lactate concentration. Results: Our results indicated that the 800-mL and 1000-mL groups had a higher survival rate (0%, 50%, 100% and 100% for 0, 500, 800, and 1000-mL groups respectively; p < 0.0001) and longer survival time (13.83 ± 2.64, 24.50 ± 6.29, 55.00 ± 6.33, and 60.00 ± 0.00 min for 0, 500, 800, and 1,000 groups respectively; p < 0.0005) than the 0-mL or 500-mL groups during the 60 min observation. Contrastingly, survival rate and time were comparable between 800-mL and 1000-mL groups during the 60-min observation. The IH-PPB volume was associated with an increase in the pressure of the balloon and the preperitoneal pressure but had no effect on the bladder pressure. Lastly, the 1000-mL group had a higher mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance than the 800-mL group. Conclusion: IH-PPB volume-dependently controls vascular bleeding after pelvic fracture in the swine model. IH-PPB with a volume of 800 mL and 1000 mL efficiently managed pelvic fracture-associated arterial and venous hemorrhage and enhanced survival time and rate in the swine model without evidences of visceral injury.

Availability and use of resources for emergency fracture care of pelvic trauma associated with haemorrhagic shock in Latin America: A cross-sectional study

Determining the true availability of resources and understanding the level of training of surgeons involved in the treatment of patients with pelvic fractures and haemorrhagic shock is critical. In the herein study, the availability of technical, technological, and human resources for the care of this injury in Latin America region was analysed, and the preferences of orthopaedic trauma surgeons when performing interventions for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with pelvic trauma and associated haemorrhagic shock was described. A cross sectional web-based survey containing questions on knowledge, attitudes, and practices with respect to imaging resources, emergency pelvic stabilization methods, and interventions used for bleeding control was sent to 948 Latin America orthopaedic trauma surgeons treating pelvic fractures in the emergency department. Differences between regional clusters, level of training, type of hospital, and pelvic surgery volume were assessed. 368 responses were obtained, with 37.5% of respondents reporting formal training in pelvic surgery and 36.0% having available protocol for managing these patients. The most frequently used interventions were the supra-acetabular pelvic external fixator and pelvic packing. Limited hospital and imaging resources are available for the care of patients with pelvic trauma and associated haemorrhagic shock throughout Latin America. In addition, the training of orthopaedic trauma surgeons dealing with this type of injury and the volume of pelvic surgeries per year is heterogeneous. It should be urgently considered to develop management protocols adapted to Latin America according to the availability of resources, as well as to promote training in this severe life-threatening traumatic condition.

Three-dimensional navigation-guided percutaneous trans-symphyseal screw for mechanically unstable pubic symphysis diastasis

Minimally invasive trans-symphyseal screw (TSS) for pubic symphysis diastasis was recently advocated, and its feasibility and reproducibility under 3D-navigation guidance are explored. Fifteen cases between 2016 and 2021 with a background of pubic symphysis diastasis are reviewed in this case series. Twenty-two TSS were inserted with an average Injury Severity Score of 35.3. Sixty percent received a one-stage procedure including fracture reduction, intra-operative 3D imaging, and planning followed by execution. The mean operative time and blood loss were 132 minutes and 160 ml, respectively. Average fracture healing was 5.8 months with two delayed unions at 9 months. The pubic symphysis distance was maintained in all cases at 6 months post-op. The average Marjeed score, Multicenter Study Group Pelvic Outcome Score, and Numeric pain rating scale were 60.2, 6.5, and 2.7, respectively. We conclude that 3D-navigation-guided percutaneous TSS restores pelvic stability and provides satisfactory pain control, and thus a safe and effective alternative to open reduction internal fixation.

Effect of angioembolization for isolated complex pelvic injury: A post-hoc analysis of a nationwide multicenter trauma database in Japan

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Complex pelvic injuries are among the types of trauma with the highest mortality. Treatment strategies should be based on the hemodynamic status, the anatomical type of fracture, and the associated injuries. Combination therapies, including preperitoneal pelvic packing, temporary mechanical stabilization, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, and angioembolization, are recommended for pelvic injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of urgent angioembolization alone on severe pelvic injury-associated mortality.

DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS

We used the Japan Trauma Data Bank database, a multicenter observational study, to retrospectively identify adult patients with isolated blunt pelvic injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] score: 3-5) from 2004 to 2018.

OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS

The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. We subdivided patients into two groups, those who underwent urgent angioembolization and non-urgent angioembolization, and compared their mortality rates. We performed multiple imputation and multivariable analyzes to compare the mortality rates between groups after adjusting for known potential confounding factors (age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale score, systolic blood pressure on hospital arrival, Injury Severity Score, pelvic AIS score, laparotomy, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, and external fixation) and for within-hospital clustering using the generalized estimating equation.

MAIN RESULTS

We analyzed 4207 of 345,932 trauma patients, of whom 799 underwent urgent angioembolization. The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher in the urgent embolization group than in the non-urgent embolization group (7.4 vs. 4.0%; p < 0.01). However, logistic regression analysis revealed that the mortality rates of patients with urgent angioembolization significantly decreased after adjusting for factors independently associated with mortality (odds ratio: 0.60; 95% confidence interval: 0.37-0.96; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Urgent angioembolization may be an effective treatment for severe pelvic injury regardless of the pelvic AIS score and the systolic blood pressure on hospital arrival.

Positive impact of trauma center to exsanguinating pelvic bone fracture patient survival: A Korean trauma center study

Background:

Trauma center and multidisciplinary management protocols have been proven to improve the outcomes of severely injured patients. Hemorrhage from pelvic injury is associated with high mortality and is a common cause of preventable trauma death. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the establishment of a trauma center and management protocols on the outcomes of hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures.

Methods:

Hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures were reviewed retrospectively over a 10-year period. They were grouped into the pre-phase and post-phase, which were defined as before and after the establishment of a trauma center and protocols, respectively. Basic characteristics and outcomes were compared between periods.

Results:

This study enrolled a total of 106 patients. Basic and physiological characteristics were not significantly different in both phases. Pre-peritoneal packing and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of aorta were only performed in the post-phase (pre-peritoneal packing, N = 27; resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of aorta, N = 10). In the post-phase, the time from emergency department arrival to hemostatic intervention was significantly shorter (269 ± 132.4 min vs 147.2 ± 95.5 min, p < 0.0001), and mortality due to acute hemorrhage was significantly lower (p = 0.003; absolute risk reduction: 0.22; relative risk reduction: 0.72). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, injury severity score, and the pre-phase as independent risk factors for mortality.

Conclusion:

The establishment of a trauma center and multidisciplinary management protocols, such as pre-peritoneal packing and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of aorta, improved the outcomes of hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures.

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.

Management of pelvic injuries in hemodynamically unstable polytrauma patients - Challenges and current updates

Pelvic injuries are notorious for causing rapid exsanguination, and also due to concomitant injuries and complications, they have a relatively higher mortality rate. Management of pelvic fractures in hemodynamically unstable patients is a challenging task and has been variably approached. Over the years, various concepts have evolved, and different guidelines and protocols were established in regional trauma care centers based mainly on their previous experience, outcomes, and availability of resources. More recently, damage control resuscitation, pelvic angioembolization, and acute definitive internal fixation are being employed in the management of these unstable injuries, without clear consensus or guidelines. In this background, we have performed a computerized search using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed databases on studies published over the past 30 years. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate available literature on the current epidemiology, diagnostics, resuscitation, and management options of pelvic fractures in polytraumatized patients with hemodynamic instability with particular focus on damage control resuscitation, pelvic angioembolization, and acute definitive internal fixation.

The 10 commandments of exsanguinating pelvic fracture management

Background:

Unstable pelvic fractures are highly lethal injuries.

Objective:

The review aims to summarize the landmark management changes in the past two decades.

Methods:

Structured review based on pertinent published literatures on severe pelvic fracture was performed.

Results:

Ten key management points were identified.

Conclusion:

These 10 recommendations help diminish and prevent the mortality. (1) Before the ABCDE management, preparedness, protection, and decision are essential to optimize patient outcome and to conserve resources. (2) Do not rock the pelvis to check stability, avoid logrolling but prophylactic pelvic binder can be life-saving. (3) Computed tomography scanner can be the tunnel to death for hemodynamically unstable patients. (4) Correct application of pelvic binder at the greater trochanter level to achieve the most effective compression. (5) Choose the suitable binder (BEST does not exist, always look for BETTER) to facilitate body examination and therapeutic intervention. (6) Massive transfusion protocol is only a temporizing measure to sustain the circulation for life maintenance. (7) Damage control operation aims to promptly stop the bleeding to restore the physiology by combating the trauma lethal triad to be followed by definitive anatomical repair. (8) Protocol-driven teamwork management expedites the completion of the multi-phase therapy including external pelvic fixation, pre-peritoneal pelvic packing, and angio-embolization, preceded by laparotomy when indicated. (9) Resuscitation endovascular balloon occlusion of aorta can reduce the pelvic bleeding while awaiting hospital transfer or operation theater access. (10) Operation is the definitive therapy for trauma but prevention is the best treatment, comprising primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

Epidemiological study of major pelvic fracture in Hong Kong and analysis of predictors for mortality

Objectives and Background

Pelvic fracture causes significant mortality and morbidities. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of patients with pelvic fracture in Hong Kong and to determine the factors predicting mortality. The result could help to identify high-risk patients who might benefit from more intensive evaluation and intervention.

Method:

Five hundred and eight patients (age > 12 years old) with pelvic fractures were identified from the trauma registries of four designated trauma centres in Hong Kong from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2012. Patient baseline characteristics and outcomes were analysed. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify independent clinical predictors for mortality.

Result:

Mean age was 45.4 ± 19.2 years, 43.3% were female, mean length of hospital stay was 27.9 ± 42.4 days and mean length of intensive care unit stay was 4.8 ± 6.8 days. Injury severity score was 28.9 ± 18.7, revised trauma score was 7.2 ± 2 and 30-day mortality was 20.9%. Stepwise logistic regression identified patient’s age, presenting systolic blood pressure, initial Glasgow Coma Scale, injuries to the thoracic and abdominal regions, first base excess and the volume of red blood cell transfusion required within the first 6 h to be independent risk factors predicting mortality.

Conclusion:

Pelvic fracture is associated with significant risk of mortality in major trauma patients. Clinical characteristics obtained during emergency department resuscitation can help in selecting patients for timely aggressive interventions.

Comparison of Efficacy between 3D Navigation-Assisted Percutaneous Iliosacral Screw and Minimally Invasive Reconstruction Plate in Treating Sacroiliac Complex Injury

The clinical efficacy was compared between 3D navigation-assisted percutaneous iliosacral screw (3DPS) and minimally invasive reconstruction plate (MIRP) in treating sacroiliac complex injury and the surgical procedures of 3DPS were introduced. A retrospective analysis was performed on 49 patients with sacroiliac complex injury from March 2013 to May 2017. Twenty-one cases were treated by 3DPS, and 28 cases by MIRP. Intraoperative indexes as operative time, blood loss, incision length, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications were respectively documented. Quality of reduction was postoperatively evaluated by Matta radiological criteria, and clinical effect was assessed by Majeed scoring criteria at the last follow-up. Operative time and hospital stay were significantly shortened, and blood loss, and incision length were significantly reduced in 3DPS group as compared with those in MIRP group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between 3DPS group and MIRP group in the assessment of reduction and function (P>0.05). It was concluded that both 3DPS and MIRP can effectively treat the sacroiliac complex injury, and 3DPS can provide an accurate, safe and minimally invasive fixation with shorter operative time and hospital stay.

Clinical application of a minimally invasive cement-augmentable Schanz screw rod system to treat pelvic ring fractures

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to analyze the results using the USS fracture MIS system (DePuy Synthes) to treat instable pelvic ring fractures. As its outstanding feature, it is the only Schanz screw and rod system at present that combines angular stability, perforation/fenestration of the screws for cement-augmentation, a variable screw length, and a large screw diameter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective investigation of 134 pelvic ring fractures treated in 2012-2013. Twenty-five patients obtained the abovementioned implant. Besides baseline characteristics of the included patients and the surgical procedure, a clinical/radiological follow-up of six months was analyzed.

RESULTS

Dividing the collective into two groups, I high-energy trauma and II fragility fracture of the pelvis, the following results were recorded: group I: ten patients, six male, age 48.4 ± 19.7 years. Mean ISS 41 ± 22.5, fracture classification: AO/OTA type 61 B₁/C₁/C₃ = 1/5/4. Operative treatment: three transiliac internal fixator, seven iliolumbar fixation, one implant was cement-augmented. Group II: 15 patients, 14 female, age 77.5 ± 10.1 years. Fracture classification according to Rommens: FFP_II/_III/_IV = 6/1/8. Operative treatment: eight transiliac internal fixator, seven iliolumbar fixation, 14 implants were cement-augmented. Overall surgical side complications: 16%. Radiological examination: correct positioning of all ilium screws. Follow-up after six month (16 patients): all showed fracture consolidation. One ilium screw was broken close to the connecting clamp.

CONCLUSION

The investigated Schanz screw rod system is a suitable implant to broaden the established procedures to stabilize dorsal pelvic ring fractures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered at the Clinical Trial Registry University of Regensburg (Number Z-2017-0878-3).