Management and outcome of open pelvic fractures: a retrospective study of 41 cases

Fracture Types Influence the Likelihood of Lower Urinary Tract Injuries in Patients with Pelvic Fractures

BACKGROUND

The combination of pelvic fractures with lower urinary tract injuries (LUTIs) is a severe traumatic injury. This study was performed to determine the relationship between LUTIs and pelvic fracture types.

METHODS

Patients who sustained pelvic fractures combined with LUTIs between 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2022 in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. The patients' demographics, mechanism of injury, presence of open pelvic fractures, types of pelvic fractures, patterns of LUTIs, and early complications were analyzed. The association between pelvic fracture types and the identified LUTIs was statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

This study involved 54 patients diagnosed with pelvic fractures combined with LUTIs. The overall incidence of pelvic fractures combined with LUTIs was 7.7% (n = 54/698). All patients had unstable pelvic fractures. The male:female ratio was approximately 2.4:1.0. The incidence of LUTIs was higher in men than women with pelvic fractures (9.1% vs. 4.4%). Bladder injuries occurred at roughly equal rates in men and women (4.5% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.966), but urethral injuries were more frequent in men (6.1% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.001). The most common pelvic injury pattern was a type C fracture according to the Tile classification and a vertical-shear-type fracture according to the Young-Burgess classification. The Young-Burgess fracture classification was related to the severity of bladder injury in men (p = 0.037). There was no significant difference in bladder injury according to the two classifications among women (p = 0.524 vs. p = 1.000) or among the entire cohort (p = 0.454 vs. p = 0.342).

CONCLUSIONS

Men and women are equally likely to sustain a bladder injury, but a urethral injury with pelvic fracture is more frequent in men. LUTIs tend to be accompanied by unstable pelvic fractures. It is imperative to be vigilant for potential bladder injury when men sustain vertical-shear-type pelvic fractures.

Management strategy for open pelvic fractures: A 11-year single-centre, retrospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

Open pelvic fractures are commonly associated with life-threatening, uncontrollable haemorrhages. Although management methods for pelvic injury-associated haemorrhage have been established, the early mortality rate associated with open pelvic fractures remains high. This study aimed to identify predictors of mortality and effective treatment methods for open pelvic fractures.

METHODS

We defined open pelvic fractures as pelvic fractures with an open wound directly connected to the adjacent soft tissue, genitals, perineum, or anorectal structures, resulting in soft tissue injuries. This study was performed on trauma patients (age ≥15 years) injured by a blunt mechanism between 2011 and 2021 at a single trauma centre. We collected and analysed the data on the Injury Severity Score (ISS), the Revised Trauma Score (RTS), the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS), length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, transfusion, preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP), resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), therapeutic angio-embolisation, laparotomy, faecal diversion, and mortality.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients with blunt open pelvic fractures were included. The median age was 45 years (interquartile range, 27-57 years) and median ISS was 34 (24-43). The most frequently performed treatment methods were laparotomy (53%) and pelvic binder (53%), followed by faecal diversion (40%) and PPP (38%). PPP was the only method performed at a higher rate in the survival group for haemorrhagic control (41% vs. 30%). Haemorrhagic mortality was present in one case that received PPP. The overall mortality was 21%. In the univariate logistic regression analysis, initial systolic blood pressure (SBP), TRISS, RTS, packed red blood cell transfusion for the first 24 h, and base excess showed statistical significance (p<0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression model, initial SBP was identified as an independent risk factor for mortality (odds ratio, 0.943; 95% confidence interval, 0.907-0.980; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

A low initial SPB may be an independent predictor of mortality in patients with open pelvic fractures. Our findings suggest that PPP might be a feasible method to decrease haemorrhagic mortality from open pelvic fractures, especially for haemodynamically unstable patients with low initial SBP. Further studies are required to validate these clinical findings.

A review of open pelvic fractures with concurrent genitourinary injuries

INTRODUCTION

Open pelvic fractures (OPFs) are uncommon but potentially lethal traumatic injuries. Often caused by high energy blunt trauma, they can cause severe injury to abdominal and pelvic structures. We sought to conduct a review of the literature in order to ascertain the rates of genitourinary injury and vaginal laceration after OPF and the rates of resulting infection and mortality.

METHODS

A review of PubMed was conducted to identify studies reporting the rates of genitourinary injury from OPF. Study characteristics, patient characteristics, and outcomes were collected. The data were pooled, and descriptive statistics were obtained.

RESULTS

Eight studies encompassing 343 patients were included. Average age was 35.1 years (10-85.9), 28% were female, and the average Injury Severity Score was 26.5 (4-75). 95.5% of patients had a blunt mechanism of injury. Motor vehicle collision (23.9%), motorcycle accident (19.7%), and pedestrian struck (19.3%) were the most common etiologies. Overall mortality and infection rates were 31.2% and 18.7%, respectively. 19.7% of patients suffered an injury to the genitourinary system, and 32.4% of females sustained a vaginal laceration.

DISCUSSION

OPFs have the potential for extremely high morbidity and mortality. While much research has been done to prevent early mortality from hemorrhage, there is comparatively little research into late mortality stemming from infection and sepsis. Intravenous antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment, and local antibiotics usage has been encouraged. In patients with a vaginal laceration, it is important to provide antibiotic coverage for vaginal flora.

Management of Open Tile C Pelvic Fractures and Their Outcomes: A Retrospective Study of 30 Cases

Background

Open Tile C pelvic fractures are particularly severe. However, reports on their management and outcomes are relatively rare. This study analyzed the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with open Tile C pelvic fractures and describes our management and outcomes of these injuries.

Methods

This retrospective review included all patients with open Tile C pelvic fractures treated in our department between January 2014 and June 2021. Data on patient demographics, characteristics of the injuries, surgical management, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Thirty patients with a mean age of 34.0 years met the diagnostic criteria. The average Injury Severity Score was 40.3. According to the Tile fracture classification, 6 patients sustained type C1.1, 12 sustained type C1.2, 3 sustained type C1.3, 5 sustained C2 and 4 sustained type C3. Most patients had soft tissue injuries in multiple zones. All patients sustained associated injuries. Management consisted of bed rest in 8 cases, external fixation as the final strategy in 14, conversion from external fixation to internal fixation in 3, open reduction with internal fixation in 5, and amputation in 6. The average amount of packed red blood cells transfused was 33.3 units, the average intensive care unit stay was 11.3 days, the mean number of operations required was 6.2, and the mean length of hospital stay was 81.8 days. The main complications were early soft tissue infections and venous thrombosis. One patient died of sepsis and multi-organ failure. Soft tissue injuries in multiple zones increased utilization of hospital resources whereas anorectal injuries did not. Vascular damage accompanying truck crush injuries had a high amputation rate.

Conclusion

Open Tile C pelvic fractures require multidisciplinary diagnosis and management and consume considerable hospital resources. More emphasis needs to be placed on this complex injury.

The application of the WSES classification system for open pelvic fractures-validation and supplement from a nationwide data bank

Background

Open pelvic fractures are rare but complex injuries. Concomitant external and internal hemorrhage and wound infection-related sepsis result in a high mortality rate and treatment challenges. Here, we validated the World Society Emergency Society (WSES) classification system for pelvic injuries in open pelvic fractures, which are quite different from closed fractures, using the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB).

Methods

Open pelvic fracture patients in the NTDB 2015 dataset were retrospectively queried. The mortality rates associated with WSES minor, moderate and severe injuries were compared. A multivariate logistic regression model (MLR) was used to evaluate independent factors of mortality. Patients with and without sepsis were compared. The performance of the WSES classification in the prediction of mortality was evaluated by determining the discrimination and calibration.

Results

A total of 830 open pelvic fracture patients were studied. The mortality rates of the mild, moderate and severe WSES classes were 3.5%, 11.2% and 23.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). The MLR analysis showed that the presence of sepsis was an independent factor of mortality (odds of mortality 9.740, p < 0.001). Compared with patients without sepsis, those with sepsis had significantly higher mortality rates in all WSES classes (minor: 40.0% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001; moderate: 50.0% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.001; severe: 66.7% vs. 22.2%, p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed an acceptable discrimination of the WSES classification alone for evaluating the mortality of open pelvic fracture patients [area under curve (AUC) = 0.717]. Improved discrimination with an increased AUC was observed using the WSES classification plus sepsis (AUC = 0.767).

Conclusions

The WSES guidelines can be applied to evaluate patients with open pelvic fracture with accurate evaluation of outcomes. The presence of sepsis is recommended as a supplement to the WSES classification for open pelvic fractures.

Management and outcomes of open pelvic fractures: An update

BACKGROUND

Open pelvic fractures remain challenging in terms of their management. The purpose of this narrative review was to evaluate the latest advances made in the management of these injuries and report on their clinical outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A literature review was undertaken focusing on studies that have been published on the management of open pelvic fractures between January 2005 and November 2019. Information extracted from each article include demographics, mechanism of injury, injury severity score (ISS), classification of pelvic ring fracture, classification of open soft tissue, specific injury zone classification, number of cases with hemodynamic instability, number of cases that received blood transfusions, amount of packed red blood cells transfused during the first 24 h, number of cases with anorectal trauma, urogenital injury, number of fecal diversional colostomies and laparotomies, angiographies and embolization, preperitoneal pelvic packings, length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) and in hospital, and mortality.

RESULTS

Fifteen articles with 646 cases formed the basis of this review. The majority of patients were male adults (74.9%). The mean age was 35.1 years. The main mechanism of injury was road traffic accidents, accounting for 67.1% of the injuries. The mean ISS was 26.8. A mean of 13.5 units of PRBCs were administered the first 24 h. During the whole hospital stay, 79.3% of the patients required blood transfusions. Angiography and pelvic packing were performed in a range of 3%-44% and 13.3%-100% respectively. Unstable types of pelvic injuries were the majority (72%), whilst 32.7% of the cases were associated with anorectal trauma, and 32.6% presented with urogenital injuries. Bladder ruptures were the most reported urogenital injury. Fecal diversional colostomy was performed in 37.4% of the cases. The mean length of ICU stay was 12.5 days and the mean length of hospital stay was 53.0 days. The mean mortality rate was 23.7%.

CONCLUSION

Mortality following open pelvic fracture remains high despite the evolution of trauma management the last 2 decades. Sufficient blood transfusion, bleeding control, treatments of associated injuries, fracture fixation and soft tissue management remain essential for the reduction of mortality and improved outcomes.

Early fixation strategies for high energy pelvic ring injuries - the Zurich algorithm

In isolated high energy pelvic ring injuries, early surgical and nonsurgical fixation belongs to the rescue tools required for rapid recovery. With the increasing use of pelvic binders on scene, these patients frequently arrive in a better condition at the level I trauma centre than without any measures of immobilisation. We describe our surgical tools to achieve rapid fixation within the first hours after arrival, taking into account if additional injuries or special stations are relevant.

Epidemiologic, Postmortem Computed Tomography-Morphologic and Biomechanical Analysis of the Effects of Non-Invasive External Pelvic Stabilizers in Genuine Unstable Pelvic Injuries

Unstable pelvic injuries are rare (3–8% of all fractures) but are associated with a mortality of up to 30%. An effective way to treat venous and cancellous sources of bleeding prehospital is to reduce intrapelvic volume with external noninvasive pelvic stabilizers. Scientifically reliable data regarding pelvic volume reduction and applicable pressure are lacking. Epidemiologic data were collected, and multiple post-mortem CT scans and biomechanical measurements were performed on real, unstable pelvic injuries. Unstable pelvic injury was shown to be the leading source of bleeding in only 19%. All external non-invasive pelvic stabilizers achieved intrapelvic volume reduction; the T-POD^® succeeded best on average (333 ± 234 cm³), but with higher average peak traction (110 N). The reduction results of the VBM^® pneumatic pelvic sling consistently showed significantly better results at a pressure of 200 mmHg than at 100 mmHg at similar peak traction forces. All pelvic stabilizers exhibited the highest peak tensile force shortly after application. Unstable pelvic injuries must be considered as an indicator of serious concomitant injuries. Stabilization should be performed prehospital with specific pelvic stabilizers, such as the T-POD^® or the VBM^® pneumatic pelvic sling. We recommend adjusting the pressure recommendation of the VBM^® pneumatic pelvic sling to 200 mmHg.

Clinical features and risk factors for mortality in patients with open pelvic fracture: A retrospective study of 46 cases

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the clinical features, current management strategies, and outcomes of open pelvic fracture patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of data on patients with blunt trauma and open pelvic fractures admitted to our trauma center over a 5-year period (January 2013 to December 2017). Demographic as well as clinical data including injury mechanism, injury severity score (ISS), fracture classifications, transfusion requirements, interventions, length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and prognosis were investigated. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to identify the risk variables of death. Finally, a brief literature review was performed to understand the current capacity of treatment and prognosis of this type of injury.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (36 male and 10 female) were included in this study, mean age 43.2 ± 14.2 years. The overall mortality rate was 17.4%; 43.5% of the patients were hypotensive (systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg) on arrival. The average ISS was 31.7 ± 6.7, and the average packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion during the first 24 h was 9.6 ± 7.4 units. Five patients (10.9%) underwent transcatheter arterial embolization in the early stage of management. The average hospital and ICU length of stay were 53.0 ± 37.6 days and 14.3 ± 15.3 days, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found in ISS, PRBC units received with the first 24 h, SBP, lactate and base excess on admission, and mechanism of injury when comparing between the death and the survival groups (p < 0.05). ISS and lactate on admission were found to be the independent risk factors for mortality.

CONCLUSION

The mortality rate of open pelvic fractures remains high. ISS and lactate on admission were the independent risk factors for mortality. Optimization of the trauma care algorithms for early identification and treatment of this injury could be the key to decreasing mortality.

The Road to Survival for Haemodynamically Unstable Patients With Open Pelvic Fractures

Management of haemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries has been simplified into treatment algorithms to streamline care and emergent decision making in order to improve patient outcomes whilst decreasing mortality and morbidity. Pelvic ring injuries are most commonly a result of high-velocity and energy forces that exert trauma to the pelvic bones causing not only damage to the bone but the surrounding soft-tissue, organs, and other structures and are usually accompanied by injuries to other parts of the body resulting in a polytraumatised patient. Open pelvic fractures are a rare subset of pelvic ring fractures that are on the more severe end of the pelvic fracture continuum and usually produce uncontrolled haemorrhage from fractured bone, retroperitoneal haematomas, intraabdominal bleeding from bowel injury, soft tissue injuries to the anus, perineum, and genitals, fractures of the pelvic bones, causing bleeding from cancellous bone, venous, and arterial injuries combined with bleeding from concomitant injuries. This is a very complex and challenging clinical situation and timely and appropriate decisions and action are paramount for a positive outcome. Consequently, open pelvic fractures have an extremely high rate of mortality and morbidity and outcomes remain poor, despite evidence-based improvements in treatment, knowledge, and identification of haemorrhage; in the pre-hospital, critical care, and operative settings. In the future utilisation of haemostatic drugs, dressings, devices, and procedures may aid in the time to haemorrhage control.

Long-term outcomes of major trauma with unstable open pelvic fractures: A population-based cohort study

Aims

The aims of this study were to describe the profile and longer-term outcomes of major trauma patients with unstable open pelvic fractures.

Patients and methods

An observational study was performed using data from the population-based Victorian State Trauma Registry. Adult (≥16 years) major trauma patients who had sustained an unstable open pelvic fracture between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2017 in Victoria (Australia) were included. Patient demographics, injury event, severity and management data were extracted. Patients were followed up at 6, 12 and 24 months post-injury to collect information about health status, function and return to work.

Results

There were 67 patients. The mean (SD) age was 41.4 (18.3) years, and 66% were male. Seventy-six per cent were road traffic injuries, 96% were managed at Level 1 trauma centres and all were multi-trauma patients. A third were Tile C fractures and 80% underwent surgical stabilisation of the pelvic injury. Eighty per cent were admitted to intensive care. The in-hospital mortality rate was 9%. Most (89%) survivors were discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. The proportion classified as ‘severe disability’ on the Glasgow Outcome-Scale Extended declined from 38% at 6 months to 19% at 24 months. The overall three-level EuroQoL five-dimensional instrument score increased with time indicating better health status, and 50% of patients returned to work by 24 months.

Conclusions

Major trauma with unstable, open pelvic fracture is rare. Low in-hospital mortality was observed. Most survived to hospital discharge and outcomes improved with time post-injury, but 75% of patients experienced persistent pain and ongoing mobility and activity restrictions.

Risk factors for complications and in-hospital mortality: An analysis of 19,834 open pelvic ring fractures

BACKGROUND

Open pelvic fractures are rare injuries, associated with high patient morbidity and mortality. Few studies have investigated the impact of patient demographics, comorbidities, and injury related factors on complication and mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to: (1) identify the overall incidence of complications and mortality after open pelvic fractures, (2) compare patient factors between those who did and did not develop complications, (3) identify perioperative independent risk factors for complications and mortality.

METHODS

A query was performed for patients with open pelvic fractures between 2007 and 2017 using the American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank. Patient and injury specific variables were collected and complications were identified using International Classification of Disease Ninth and Tenth edition Codes. Patient demographic and perioperative data was compared using Fisher's exact test and chi-square test for categorical variables, and Welch's t-test for continuous variables. Using pooled data from multiple imputations, logistic regressions were used to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals of independent risk factors for complications.

RESULTS

A total of 19,834 open pelvic fracture cases were identified, with 9622 patients (48.5%) developing at least one complication. Patients who developed complications were older (35.0 vs 38.1 years), and had higher Injury Severity Scores (17.7 vs 26.5), lower Glasgow Coma Scores (14.2 vs 11.7), and a larger proportion presenting with hypotension (21% vs 6.9%). After pooled regression involving 19 factors, these were the strongest independent predictors of inpatient complication and mortality.

CONCLUSION

We report a mortality rate of 14%, with an inclusive complication rate of 48.5%. Evaluating risk factors for morbidity and mortality for this devastating orthopaedic injury provides knowledge of an inherently sparse population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, Retrospective study.

Management and outcome of pelvic fracture associated with vaginal injuries: a retrospective study of 25 cases

Background

Pelvic ring fractures associated with vaginal injuries were rarely reported due to low incidence. The displaced segments of pelvic ring may increase the risk of vaginal injury. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the correlation between pelvic fracture and vaginal injury.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 25 patients with pelvic fractures associated with vaginal injury treated at our institution. The medical records of these patients were collected and 24 patients were followed-up for 10–36 months.

Results

All patients suffered anterior pelvic ring fracture. Young-Burgess fracture classification and compromised pubic symphysis were related to severity of vaginal injury. Gauze packing was done in 6 patients and 18 patients received surgical repair. Infection occurred in 6 patients, among them 4 were due to delayed diagnosis. Factors associated with pelvic outcome were age, urethral injury, and infection. Four patients suffered pain in sexual intercourse but no influence factor found correlated to sexual function.

Conclusion

VS type pelvic fracture and compromised pubic symphysis were related to higher severity of vaginal injury. Disruption of anterior ring and an unstable pelvic ring caused by forces on coronary and axial plane may increase the risk of vaginal injury.

Trial registration

ChiCTR1900020540. Registered 28 January 2019. Retrospectively registered. Trial registry: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

Treatment of Partial Traumatic Hemipelvectomy: A Study of 21 Cases

BACKGROUND

Partial traumatic hemipelvectomy (THP) is a catastrophic and life-threatening injury caused by high-energy impact. With advances in prehospital resuscitative techniques, more patients now survive this disastrous injury; however, the management of partial THP still lacks well-established therapeutic protocols. The purpose of this study was to present our experience in managing partial THP in a level-I trauma center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 consecutive patients with partial THP. The key points of successful treatment are hemorrhage control, proper decision-making regarding amputation, treatment of associated injuries, and infection control. Data on patient demographics, injury characteristics, surgical management, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight female and 13 male patients with a mean age of 31.3 years met the diagnostic criteria. The mean follow-up was 51.9 months. Of 17 surviving patients, 7 underwent primary amputation; limbs were successfully preserved in 4; and 6 patients underwent secondary amputation because of infection, organ dysfunction, and limb necrosis. Two patients died during resuscitation, and 2 patients died after amputation. Phantom limb pain, infection, and skin flap necrosis were the major postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

THP requires cooperative multidisciplinary emergency diagnosis and treatment, early surgical intervention, and definitive treatment. Rapid resuscitation, adequate hemostasis, early amputation, and repeated debridement may improve survival.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Review of the Problems of Diagnosis of Endopelvic Haemorrhage, Its Intensity, Volume, and Duration, and Treatment Methods of Circulatory Injuries and Surgical Hemostasis after Pelvic Fractures

Objective. The development of pelvic surgeries is now making new evolutionary jump for us to witness; this would be unimaginable without significant achievements in anesthesiology and new technologies of blood replacement. Methods. This overview presents analysis of 41 domestic and 20 foreign references sources that are devoted to the problematics of treating patients with fluid injuries of pelvis accompanied by retroperitoneal haemorrhage. Results. The following considers details on determination of endopelvic haemorrhage nature, its intensity, volume, and duration, as well as the treatment methods for circulatory injuries and surgical haemostasis. Conclusions. Energy of mechanical influence of traumatizing agent determines the damage levels (system disintegration) for pelvic ring, the bone core, and soft tissue mass. Diagnosis tactics and treatment of patients with disintegrating pelvic damage in the end are determined with volumes and intensity of haemorrhage as well as the character of related damage.

Damage control orthopaedics: State of the art

Damage control orthopaedics (DCO) originally consisted of the provisional immobilisation of long bone - mainly femur - fractures in order to achieve the advantages of early treatment and to minimise the risk of complications, such as major pain, fat embolism, clotting, pathological inflammatory response, severe haemorrhage triggering the lethal triad, and the traumatic effects of major surgery on a patient who is already traumatised (the “second hit” effect). In recent years, new locations have been added to the DCO concept, such as injuries to the pelvis, spine and upper limbs. Nonetheless, this concept has not yet been validated in well-designed prospective studies, and much controversy remains. Indeed, some researchers believe the indiscriminate application of DCO might be harmful and produce substantial and unnecessary expense. In this respect, too, normalised parameters associated with the acid-base system have been proposed, under a concept termed early appropriate care, in the view that this would enable patients to receive major surgical procedures in an approach offering the advantages of early total care together with the apparent safety of DCO. This paper discusses the diagnosis and treatment of severely traumatised patients managed in accordance with DCO and highlights the possible drawbacks of this treatment principle.

Early management of severe pelvic injury (first 24 hours)

OBJECTIVE

Pelvic fractures represent 5% of all traumatic fractures and 30% are isolated pelvic fractures. Pelvic fractures are found in 10 to 20% of severe trauma patients and their presence is highly correlated to increasing trauma severity scores. The high mortality of pelvic trauma, about 8 to 15%, is related to actively bleeding pelvic injuries and/or associated injuries to the head, abdomen or chest. Regardless of the severity of pelvic trauma, diagnosis and treatment must proceed according to a strategy that does not delay the management of the most severely injured patients. To date, in France, there are no guidelines issued by healthcare authorities or professional societies that address this subject.

DESIGN

A consensus committee of 22 experts from the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (Société Française d'Anesthésie et de Réanimation; SFAR) and the French Society of Emergency Medicine (Société Française de Médecine d'Urgence; SFMU) in collaboration with the French Society of Radiology (Société Française de Radiologie; SFR), French Defence Health Service (Service de Santé des Armées; SSA), French Society of Urology (Association Française d'Urologie; AFU), the French Society of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery (Société Française de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique; SOCFCOT), and the French Society of Digestive Surgery (Société Française de Chirurgie digestive; SFCD) was convened. A formal conflict-of-interest (COI) policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guidelines process was conducted independently from any industry funding. The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide assessment of quality of evidence. The potential drawbacks of making strong recommendations in the presence of low-quality evidence were emphasised.

METHODS

Population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) questions were reviewed and updated as needed, and evidence profiles were generated. The analysis of the literature and the recommendations were then conducted according to the GRADE^® methodology.

RESULTS

The SFAR Guideline panel provided 22 statements on prehospital and hospital management of the unstable patient with pelvic fracture. After three rounds of discussion and various amendments, a strong agreement was reached for 100% of recommendations. Of these recommendations, 11 have a high level of evidence (Grade 1 ± ), 11 have a low level of evidence (Grade 2 ± ).

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial agreement exists among experts regarding many strong recommendations for management of the unstable patient with pelvic fracture.

Predictors of mortality after pelvic fractures: a retrospective cohort study from a level one trauma centre in Upper Egypt

PURPOSE

The primary objective was to identify the predictors of in-hospital mortality after pelvic ring injuries. Secondary objectives were to analyze the differences between adults and children and to analyze the causes and timing of death.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study from the pelvic registry of Assiut University Trauma Unit (AUTU), a level 1 trauma centre in Upper Egypt, was carried out. A total of 1188 consecutive patients with pelvic ring fractures treated from January 2010 to December 2013 were eligible for analysis. Potential predictors were identified using standard statistical tests: univariable and multivariable regression analysis.

RESULTS

Nine hundred fifty-one were adults (above 16 years) and 237 were children. According to Tile's classification, fractures type A, B, and C were 31.8%, 25.1%, and 43.1%, respectively. About a third of patients had fractures with soft tissue injury. Abdominopelvic collection as diagnosed by Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) was positive in 11%. Associated injuries were present in 67.3% with abdominal-urogenital injuries being the most prevalent (66.3%). Median hospital stay was five days. Fifty-two patients (4.4%) were admitted to the ICU. One hundred three patients died (8.7%) within two peaks: first 24 hours and between 48 hours and one week. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified increasing age, fractures with soft tissue injury, associated head injury, positive FAST examination, and admission to an ICU as significant predictors of in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The first 24 hours were confirmed to be critical for survival in pelvic fracture patients. Advancing age, associated soft tissue injury, associated head injury, admission to ICU, and positive FAST examination can serve as reliable predictors for an elevated mortality risk in such patients.

Open pelvic fracture: the killing fracture?

BACKGROUND

Open pelvic fractures are rare but represent a serious clinical problem with high mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of open pelvic fractures in our clinic and to compare the results from our patient group with those of closed fractures and with the literature from the past decade.

METHODS

Data of patients older than 16 years of age who were admitted to our hospital with a pelvic fracture between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2014, were analyzed. The collected data were patient demographics, mechanism of injury, RTS, ISS, transfusion requirement during the first 24 h, Gustilo-Anderson and Faringer classification, number and type of interventions complications, mortality, and length of stay.

RESULTS

Twenty-four of 492 patients (5% of all pelvic fracture patients) had an open fracture. Their mean age was 36 years, the mean ISS was 31, and the mean number of transfused packed red blood cells was 5.5. These numbers were all significantly higher than in the patients with a closed fracture, although they were comparable to other studies with open fractures. The mortality was 4% in the open group versus 14% in the closed group (p = 0.23). The reported mortality in the literature ranges between 4 and 45%.

CONCLUSION

Open pelvic fractures are relatively rare but are a cause of significant morbidity. In this series, we treated patients with open pelvic fractures successfully, with a survival rate of 96%. There was no significant difference in survival rate between open and closed pelvic fractures. Compared with other studies, the mortality in our study was relatively low.

Factors of Pelvic Infection and Death in Patients with Open Pelvic Fractures and Rectal Injuries

BACKGROUND

Open pelvic fractures associated with rectal injuries are uncommon. They often cause serious pelvic infection, even death. This combination of injuries has been reviewed infrequently. Herein, we report factors associated with pelvic infection and death in a group of patients with open pelvic fractures and concurrent rectal injuries.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with open pelvic fractures and rectal injuries who were treated at our institution from January 2010-April 2014. From the medical records, age, gender, Injury Severity Score (ISS), cause of fracture, associated injuries, classification of the fracture, degree of soft-tissue injury, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), packed red blood cells (PRBCs) needed, presence/absence of shock, early colostomy (yes or no), drainage (yes or no), and rectal washout (yes or no) were extracted. Univariable and multivariable analysis were performed to determine the association between risk factors and pelvic infection or death.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were identified. Pelvic infection occurred in 50% (n = 10) of the patients. Four patients suffered septicemia, and three patients died of multiple organ dysfunction. The mortality rate thus was 15%. According to the univariable analysis, the patients in whom pelvic infection developed had shock, RTS ≤8, GCS ≤8, blood transfusion ≥10 units in the first 24 h, no colostomy, or Gustilo grade III soft-tissue injury. According to the multivariable analysis, shock and absence of colostomy were independently associated with pelvic infection. By univariable analysis, the only factor associated with death was RTS ≤8.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of pelvic infection was lower in patients having early colostomy (p < 0.05). Patients with shock had a higher risk of pelvic infection, and we recommend aggressive measures to treat these patients. According to our results, RTS ≤8 could be a predictor of poor outcomes in patients with open pelvic fracture and concurrent rectal injury. Open reduction and internal fixation after extensive debridement is recommended in patients with unstable pelvic fractures.

Biomechanical characteristics of fixation methods for floating pubic symphysis

Background

Floating pubic symphysis (FPS) is a relatively rare injury caused by high-energy mechanisms. There are several fixation methods used to treat FPS, including external fixation, subcutaneous fixation, internal fixation, and percutaneous cannulated screw fixation. To choose the appropriate fixation, it is necessary to study the biomechanical performance of these different methods. The goal of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics of six methods by finite element analysis.

Methods

A three-dimensional finite element model of FPS was simulated. Six methods were used in the FPS model, including external fixation (Ext), subcutaneous rod fixation (Sub-rod), subcutaneous plate fixation (Sub-plate), superior pectineal plate fixation (Int-sup), infrapectineal plate fixation (Int-ifa), and cannulated screw fixation (Int-scr). Compressive and rotational loads were then applied in all models. Biomechanical characteristics that were recorded and analyzed included construct stiffness, micromotion of the fracture gaps, von Mises stress, and stress distribution.

Results

The construct stiffness of the anterior pelvic ring was decreased dramatically when FPS occurred. Compressive stiffness was restored by the three internal fixation and Sub-rod methods. Unfortunately, rotational stiffness was not restored satisfactorily by the six methods. For micromotion of the fracture gaps, the displacement was reduced significantly by the Int-sup and Int-ifa methods under compression. The internal fixation methods and Sub-plate method performed well under rotation. The maximum von Mises stress of the implants was not large. For the plate-screw system, the maximum von Mises stress occurred over the region of the fracture and plate-screw joints. The maximum von Mises stress appeared on the rod-screw and screw-bone interfaces for the rod-screw system.

Conclusions

The present study showed the biomechanical advantages of internal fixation methods for FPS from a finite element view. Superior stabilization of the anterior pelvic ring and fracture gaps was obtained by internal fixation. Subcutaneous fixation had satisfactory outcomes as well. Sub-rod fixation offered good anti-compression, while the Sub-plate fixation provided favorable anti-rotational capacity.

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.

Open pelvic fracture associated with lumbosacral dislocation and extensive perineal injury

Open pelvic fractures are caused by high-energy trauma. Injuries to other organs are common and the mortality rate can be as high as 50%. Perineal injury is reported in 5% of open pelvic fractures. We report a case of a 31-year-old man that had an open pelvic injury with Denis zone III fracture of the sacrum, lumbosacral dislocation, symphysis dislocation, bilateral pubic rami fractures and an extensile perineal wound. He underwent an early diverting colostomy in order to prevent pelvic sepsis and subsequent stage reconstruction of the pelvic ring. At a 4-year follow-up a full recovery was present. The aim of this paper is to underline the importance of a safe, approach to manage open pelvic fractures.

Predictors of mortality among initially stable adult pelvic trauma patients in the US: Data analysis from the National Trauma Data Bank

OBJECTIVES

Pelvic fractures are associated with increased risk of death among trauma patients. Studies show independent risks predicting mortality among patients with pelvic fractures vary across different geographic regions. This study analyses national data to determine predictors of mortality in initially stable adult pelvic trauma patients in the US.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective analysis of the US National Trauma Data Bank from January 2003 to December 2010 among trauma patients ≥18 years of age with pelvic fractures (including acetabulum). Over 150 variables were reviewed and analysed. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors predictive of in-hospital mortality in stable pelvic fracture patients.

RESULTS

30,800 patients were included in the final analysis. Overall in-hospital mortality rate was 2.7%. Mortality increased twofold in middle aged patients (age 55-70), and increased nearly fourfold in patients with advanced age ≥70. We found patients with advanced age, higher severity of injury, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) <8, GCS between 9 and 12, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and/or in-hospital blood product administration experienced higher mortality. Patients transported to level 1 or level 2 trauma centres experienced lower mortality while concomitantly experiencing higher associated internal injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Geriatric and middle aged pelvic fracture patients experience higher mortality. Predictors of mortality in initially stable pelvic fracture patients are advanced age, injury severity, mental status, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and/or in-hospital blood product administration. These patients might benefit from transport to local level 1 or level 2 trauma centres.

[Current treatment of pelvic ring fractures]

Pelvic injuries are often associated with multiple injuries of other body regions, neurovascular and visceral lesions, as well as hemodynamic instability. The use of a standardized classification characterizing the severity and stability of pelvic fractures and the early stabilization of pelvic ring injuries in appreciation of damage control principles has helped to improve the number of survivors. This is particularly necessary due to the higher number of older patients. Complex pelvic trauma still represents a life-threatening situation for the patient, particularly in multiple traumatized patients. Standardized clinical investigations and modern concepts even in the preclinical therapy of complex pelvic fractures make a contribution to enhancement of treatment options. Because of the still problematic long-term results after surgery of instable pelvic fractures, the need for modern treatment concepts has to be adapted to the requirements.

[Current treatment of pelvic ring fractures]

Pelvic injuries are often associated with multiple injuries of other body regions, neurovascular and visceral lesions, as well as hemodynamic instability. The use of a standardized classification characterizing the severity and stability of pelvic fractures and the early stabilization of pelvic ring injuries in appreciation of damage control principles has helped to improve the number of survivors. This is particularly necessary due to the higher number of older patients.Complex pelvic trauma still represents a life-threatening situation for the patient, particularly in multiple traumatized patients. Standardized clinical investigations and modern concepts even in the preclinical therapy of complex pelvic fractures make a contribution to enhancement of treatment options. Because of the still problematic long-term results after surgery of instable pelvic fractures, the need for modern treatment concepts has to be adapted to the requirements.

Damage control orthopaedics in severe polytrauma with femur fracture

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rate of systemic complications and mortality in severe polytrauma patients with associated femur fracture treated by early external fixation of femur.

PATIENTS AND METHODOLOGY

We made a retrospective cohort study with forty-one adult multitrauma patients (New Injury Severity Score ≥ 19) with femur fracture treated by external fixation following Damage Control Orthopaedic surgery. The mortality rates, TRISS analysis, incidence of ARDS and MOF were analysed.

RESULTS

The mean NISS was 41.2 and the mean age 32.7. 50% of patients were in shock on admission. All patients were treated in the first 12 hours with external fixation. 30% of patients developed ARDS and six patients had MOF. Five patients treated by external fixation died. Difference between predicted mortality by TRISS and actual mortality showed a reduction of 15.9% (0.71 predicted survival versus 0.88 real survival).

CONCLUSIONS

An aggressive and early Damage Control approach to treat femur fractures in severe polytrauma patients led to low mortality rate comparing to the predicted mortality by TRISS.

Biomechanical analysis of a new minimally invasive system for osteosynthesis of pubis symphysis disruption

INTRODUCTION

We analysed the effectiveness of a new percutaneous osteosynthesis system for the treatment of pelvis fractures with rotational instability.

METHODS

A pre-clinical cross-sectional experimental study wherein Tile type B1 injuries (open-book fractures) were produced in 10 specimens of fresh human cadavers, including the L4-5 vertebrae, pelvic ring, and proximal third of the femur, keeping intact the capsular and ligamentous structures, is presented in this paper. The physiological mobility of the intact pelvis in a standing position post-injury was compared to that following the performance of a minimally invasive osteosynthesis of the symphysis with two cannulated screws. A specially designed test rig capable of applying loads simulating different weights, coupled with a photogrammetry system, was employed to determine the 3D displacements and rotations in three test cases: intact, injured and fixed.

RESULTS

After applying an axial load of 300 N, no differences were observed in the average displacement (mm) of the facet joints of the intact pubic symphysis in comparison to those treated with screws (p >0.7). A statistical difference was observed between the average displacements of the sacroiliac facet joints and pelvises with symphyseal fractures treated with screws after the application of a load (p <0.05).

CONCLUSION

The symphyseal setting with two crossed screws appears to be an effective alternative to osteosynthesis in pelvic fractures with rotational instability.

Percutaneous limited internal fixation combined with external fixation to treat open pelvic fractures concomitant with perineal lacerations

External fixation combined with colostomy is a traditional management of the pelvic fractures associated with perineal lacerations. However, malunion and dysfunction caused by malreduction and loss of reduction are common. One-stage definitive fixation without soft tissue harassment is requisite for the treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of 1-stage definitive fixation by combining percutaneous limited internal fixation and external fixation in the treatment of pelvic fractures with perineal lacerations. Eighteen adults with high-energy unstable pelvic ring fractures associated with perineal lacerations were admitted between June 2003 and December 2010. Mean follow-up was 28 months. After wound closure and colostomy, 10 patients received external fixation and percutaneous screw fixation, and 8 patients underwent external fixation. Demographics, wound and fracture classification, and Injury Severity Score were comparable between the groups (P>.05). Initial reduction quality was comparable between the groups (P=.14), but the loss of reduction during follow-up was more significant in the external fixation group (P=.004). Combined fixation achieved better functional results than external fixation (P=.02). There were 2 cases of superficial wound infection in each group (P=1.0). By combining debridement, wound closure, colostomy, percutaneous limited internal fixation, and external fixation, we improved pelvic fracture recovery while reducing the risk of infection. One-stage definitive fixation is a better choice than external fixation in the treatment of open pelvic fracture concomitant with perineal wound.