Pelvic fractures presenting with haemodynamic instability: treatment options and outcomes

Epidemiology of high-energy blunt pelvic ring injuries: A three-year retrospective case series in a level-I trauma center

BACKGROUND

High-energy pelvic ring injuries (PRI) represent a heavy burden for institutions treating severely injured patients. Epidemiological data knowledge may help to provide them appropriate management. Only two epidemiologic studies about high-energy PRI were published during last decade. This study aimed to determine the gender-specific and global incidences of high-energy blunt AO/OTA type B or C PRI and their frequency among high-energy blunt trauma. It further reports the spectrum of these injuries and compares their characteristics and outcomes to high-energy blunt trauma without type B or C PRI.

HYPOTHESIS

Type B or C PRI incidence isn't gender specific and approximates 5/100,000/year.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective database of a level-I trauma center serving approximately 500,000 inhabitants was retrospectively queried for all high-energy trauma patients injured between 01.01.2014 and 12.31.2016. Inclusion criteria were: alive emergency department delivery; entire acute treatment at the authors' institution; age >16. Exclusion criteria were: penetrating, blast, burn and electrical injuries; drownings; low-energy trauma; patients living outside the institution's catchment area. Three authors performed PRI classifications. Clinical data were extracted from the database.

RESULTS

We analyzed 434 patients. High-energy blunt type B or C PRI incidence was 3.8/100,000/year without gender disparity (p=0.6697). High-energy blunt trauma incidence was lower in women than in men (20.5 vs. 51.6/100,000/year, p<0.001). Type B or C PRI frequency during high-energy blunt trauma was higher in women than in men (17.6% vs. 7.9%, p=0.003). Type B or C PRI patients were more severely injured and needed more treatment resources than other high-energy blunt trauma patients but didn't present higher complication or death rates.

DISCUSSION

The incidence of high-energy blunt type B or C PRI was comparable to previously published data. Women were less likely to sustain a high-energy blunt trauma, but when they sustained one, they were more likely to have a type B or C PRI. Despite higher injury severity score and resource requirements, complication and death rates weren't different between type B or C PRI patients and other high-energy blunt trauma patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Effectiveness and safety of bilateral internal iliac artery ligation with pre-peritoneal pelvic packing for life-threatening pelvic trauma

This study analyzed the outcomes of bilateral internal iliac artery (IIA) ligation with preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) in hemodynamically unstable patients with major pelvic fractures. All-cause mortality was examined, periprocedural safety for critical circumstances was reviewed, and iliac artery ligation-related complications of the postoperative phase were evaluated. A total of 20 patients who suffered substantially from severe pelvic trauma with hemodynamic instability and subsequently underwent bilateral IIA ligation with PPP between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, were enrolled in the study. The median participant age was 60.5 years, and 65.0% were male. The median systolic blood pressure was 68.5 mmHg on arrival. Increased lactate level (median, 11.05 mmol/L) suggested that the patients were in shock distinctly due to hypovolemia. It took approximately 1 h to complete the ligation of bilateral IIA to accomplish hemostasis (median, 65.5 min). The iliac vein was injured during dissection in three cases. During the ICU stay (median, 17.5 days), acute kidney injury was identified in 13 patients, likely due to volume depletion. The median ventilator-free days was 13.5; six patients were confirmed with ventilator-associated pneumonia. Moreover, 12 patients were diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome. There was one case in which the lower extremity artery was acutely occluded. Anatomic hemostasis was achieved in 18 patients. The two patients for which anatomic hemostasis failed became two mortality cases from preperitoneal hemorrhage. Our analysis showed that bilateral IIA ligation with PPP was effective as a lifesaving procedure in hemodynamically unstable patients with a major pelvic fracture in terms of mortality due to fracture-related exsanguination. Moreover, the incidence of periprocedural complications was considered tolerable, making the procedure worth a try, especially in austere and underdeveloped healthcare settings.

Management of high-energy blunt pelvic ring injuries: A retrospective cohort study evaluating an institutional protocol

INTRODUCTION

High-energy blunt pelvic ring injuries with hemodynamic instability are complicated by a high mortality rate (up to 32%). There is no consensus on the best management strategy for these injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the high-energy blunt pelvic ring injury management protocol implemented in the authors' institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was performed in an academic level I trauma center. The institutional protocol incorporates urgent pelvic mechanical stabilization of hemodynamically unstable patients not responding to a pelvic belt, fluids, and transfusions. If hemodynamic instability persists, angiography ± embolization is performed. Adult patients sustaining a high-energy blunt pelvic ring injury between 2014.01.01 and 2019.12.31 were included in the study. The primary outcome was mortality at 1, 2, 30 and 60 days. The secondary outcomes were the number of packed red blood cell units transfused during the first 24 h, intensive care unit stay, and total hospitalization length of stay.

RESULTS

192 high-energy blunt pelvic ring injury patients were analyzed. Of these, 71 (37%) were hemodynamically unstable, and 121 (63%) were stable. The overall in-hospital mortality of the hemodynamically unstable and stable groups was 20/71 (28.2%) and 4/121 (3.3%) respectively (p<0.001). Cumulative mortality rates for hemodynamically unstable patients were 15.5% at day 1, 16.9% at day 2, 26.8% at day 30 and 28.2% at day 60, and for hemodynamically stable patients, rates were 0% at day 1 and 2, 2.5% at day 30 and 3.3% at day 60. Unstable patients required a higher number of packed red blood cell units than stable patients during the first 24 h (5.1 vs. 0.1; p<0.001). Intensive care unit length of stay and total hospitalization duration was 11.25 and 37.4 days for unstable patients and 1.9 and 20.9 days for stable patients (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For both hemodynamically unstable and stable patients, the institutional protocol showed favorable mortality rates when compared to available literature. Comparative studies are needed to determine the management strategies with the best clinical outcome and survival.

Effect of C-Clamp Application on Hemodynamic Instability in Polytrauma Victims with Pelvic Fracture

Background and Objectives: C-clamp application may reduce mortality in patients with unstable pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability. Decreasing C-clamp use over the past decades may have resulted from concerns about its effectiveness and safety. The purpose of this study was to document effective hemodynamic stabilization after C-clamp application by means of vital parameters (primary outcome parameter), and the subsequent effect on metabolic indices and volume management (secondary outcome parameters). Materials and Methods: C-clamp application was performed between 2014 and 2021 for n = 13 patients (50 ± 18 years) with unstable pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability. Vital parameters, metabolic indices, volume management, and the correlation of factors and potential changes were analyzed. Results: After C-clamp application, increases were measured in systolic blood pressure (+15 mmHg; p = 0.0284) and mean arterial pressure (+12 mmHg; p = 0.0157), and a reduction of volume requirements (p = 0.0266) and bolus vasoactive medication needs (p = 0.0081) were observed. The earlier C-clamp application was performed, the greater the effect (p < 0.05; r > 0.6). Heart rate, shock index, and end-tidal CO2 were not significantly altered. The extent of base deficit, hemoglobin, and lactate did not correlate with changes in vital parameters. Conclusions: In the majority of hemodynamically unstable trauma patients not responding to initial fluid resuscitation and severe pelvic fracture, early C-clamp application had an additive effect on hemodynamic stabilization and reduction in volume substitution. Based on these findings, there is still a rationale for considering early C-clamp stabilization in this group of severely injured patients.

Incidence rate and topography of intra-pelvic arterial lesions associated with high-energy blunt pelvic ring injuries: a retrospective cohort study

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the rate and topography of intra-pelvic arterial lesions associated with high-energy blunt pelvic ring injuries (PRI).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a level I trauma center serving 500,000 inhabitants. A total of 127 consecutive patients with high-energy blunt PRI were included between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2017. Every patient had a total body or thoraco-abdominal computed tomography scan including contrast enhanced arterial sequences. A board-certified radiologist reviewed all the vascular images and precisely described every intra-pelvic arterial lesion in terms of localization. Complete pelvic series (standard radiographs and fine cut computed tomography images) were reviewed by three board-certified orthopedic surgeons experienced in PRI management, and Young and Burgess and AO/OTA classifications were determined. Demographic, clinical, therapeutic and outcome data were extracted from the institutional severely injured patients’ registry.

Results

Patients’ mean age was 45.3 years and 58.3% were males. Fifteen (11.8%) had a total of 21 intra-pelvic arterial lesions: seven lesions of the obturator artery, four of the superior gluteal artery, three of the inferior gluteal artery, two of the vesical artery, and one of each of the following arteries: internal iliac, internal pudendal, fifth lumbar, lateral sacral, ilio-lumbar. These lesions occurred in 8.6% of lateral compression injuries, 33.3% of anteroposterior compression injuries and 23.5% of vertical shear and combined mechanism injuries (Young and Burgess classification, p = 0.003); and in 0% of type A injuries, 9.9% of type B injuries and 35% of type C injuries (AO/OTA classification, p = 0.001). Patients with an intra-pelvic arterial lesion were more likely to present with pre-hospital hemodynamic instability (p = 0.046) and to need packed red blood cells transfusion within the first 24 h (p = 0.023; they needed a mean of 7.53 units vs. 1.88, p = 0.0016); however, they did not have a worst outcome in terms of complications or mortality.

Conclusions

This systematic study found an 11.8% rate of intra-pelvic arterial lesion related to high-energy blunt PRI. The obturator, superior gluteal and inferior gluteal arteries were most often injured. These findings are important for the aggressive management of high-energy blunt PRI.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-021-00470-y.

Epidemiological and Therapeutic Developments in Pelvic Ring Fractures Type C from 2004 to 2014 - a Retrospective Data Analysis of 2,042 Patients in the German Pelvic Register (DGU)

BACKGROUND

Pelvic ring fractures type C present a special challenge due to their high instability, the possible accompanying injuries and the high mortality rate of up to 18.9%. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to use the data from the DGU pelvic register to identify changes in the epidemiology and therapy for type C pelvic ring fractures between 2004 and 2014.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

2,042 patients with type C pelvic ring injury were retrospectively included. Three time periods with roughly equal patient groups were specified and differences in epidemiology and the type of therapy were evaluated. For the surgical cases, the time of the operation, the duration of the operation, blood loss, the location of the fracture and the type of osteosynthesis were evaluated and the reduction result was recorded.

RESULTS

For the period under review, there is an age shift in the incidence of a type C pelvic ring fracture towards older age. The isolated pelvic injury has increased, while the proportion of pelvic injuries in the context of polytrauma has steadily decreased. Complications and mortality decreased as a percentage. The tendency towards minimally invasive procedures could be shown in the surgical care. Navigated procedures in the area of the pelvic ring have so far not proven successful.

CONCLUSIONS

We were able to show that the majority of the patients are increasingly old, that there is no relevant trauma in the history and that there is an increase in the isolated pelvic fracture type C and a decrease in the number of polytraumatised or multiply injured patients. In conjunction with mortality from pelvic ring injuries, the successes of standardised, pelvic-specific emergency management, an adapted time of operation outside the vulnerable phase and stable osteosynthesis care, which enable early functional follow-up treatment, are also evident.

Emergency Management of Pelvic Bleeding

Pelvic trauma continues to have a high mortality rate despite damage control techniques for bleeding control. The aim of our study was to evaluate how Extra-peritoneal Pelvic Packing (EPP) and Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) impact the efficacy on mortality and hemodynamic impact. We retrospectively evaluated patients who sustained blunt trauma, pelvic fracture and hemodynamic instability from 2002 to 2018. We excluded a concomitant severe brain injury, resuscitative thoracotomy, penetrating trauma and age below 14 years old. The study population was divided in EPP and REBOA Zone III group. Propensity score matching was used to adjust baseline differences and then a one-to-one matched analysis was performed. We selected 83 patients, 10 for group: survival rate was higher in EPP group, but not significantly in each outcome we analyzed (24 h, 7 day, overall). EPP had a significant increase in main arterial pressure after procedure (+20.13 mmHg, p < 0.001), but this was not as great as the improvement seen in the REBOA group (+45.10 mmHg, p < 0.001). EPP and REBOA are effective and improve hemodynamic status: both are reasonable first steps in a multidisciplinary management. Zone I REBOA may be useful in patients ‘in extremis condition’ with multiple sites of torso hemorrhage, particularly those in extremis.

Management of Hemodynamically Unstable Pelvic Ring Fractures

Hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures are challenging high-energy traumas. In many cases, these severely injured patients have additional traumatic injuries that also require a trauma surgeon's attention. However, these patients are often in extremis and require a multidisciplinary approach that needs to be set up in minutes. This calls for an evidence-based treatment algorithm. We think that the treatment of hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures should primarily involve thorough resuscitation, mechanical stabilization, and preperitoneal pelvic packing. Angioembolization should be considered in patients that remain hemodynamically unstable. However, it should be used as an adjunct, rather than a primary means to achieve hemodynamic stability as most of the exsanguinating bleeding sources in pelvic trauma are of venous origin. Time is of the essence in these patients and should therefore be used appropriately. Hence, the hemodynamic status and physiology should be the driving force behind each decision-making step within the algorithm.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta vs Pre-Peritoneal Packing in Patients with Pelvic Fracture

BACKGROUND

Pelvic hemorrhage is potentially lethal despite homeostatic interventions such as pre-peritoneal packing (PP), resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), surgery, and/or angioembolization. REBOA may be used as an alternative/adjunct to PP for temporizing bleeding in patients with pelvic fractures. Our study aimed to compare the outcomes of REBOA and/or PP, as temporizing measures, in blunt pelvic fracture patients. We hypothesized that REBOA is associated with worsened outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a 2017 review of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) and identified trauma patients with blunt pelvic fractures who underwent REBOA placement and/or PP before laparotomy and/or angioembolization. Propensity score matching was performed, adjusting for demographics, vitals, mechanism of injury, ISS, each body region-AIS, and pelvic fracture type. Outcomes were complication rates and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 156 patients (PP: 52; REBOA: 52; REBOA+PP: 52) were matched and included. Mean age was 43 ± 18 years, Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 28 (range 17-32), and 74% were males. Overall mortality was 42%. The 24-hour mortality (25% vs 14% vs 35%; p = 0.042), in-hospital mortality (44% vs 29% vs 54%; p = 0.034), and 4-hour pRBC units transfused (15 [9-23] vs 10 [4-19] vs 16 [9-27]; p = 0.017) were lower in the REBOA group. The REBOA group had faster times to both laparotomy (p = 0.040) and/or angioembolization (p = 0.012). There was no difference between the groups in acute kidney injury, lower limb amputations, or hospital and ICU length of stay among survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

REBOA is a less invasive procedure compared with PP and is associated with improved outcomes. Further clinical trials are needed to define the optimal patient who will benefit from REBOA.

Patient-reported physical functioning and quality of life after pelvic ring injury: A systematic review of the literature

Background

Pelvic ring injuries are one of the most serious traumatic injuries with large consequences for the patients’ daily life. During recent years, the importance of the patients’ perception of their functioning and quality of life following injury has increasingly received attention. This systematic review reports on self-reported physical functioning and quality of life after all types of pelvic ring injuries.

Methods

The online databases MEDLINE-PubMed and Ovid-EMBASE were searched for studies published between 2008 and 2019 to identify published evidence of patient-reported physical functioning and quality of life after which they were assessed for their methodological quality.

Results

Of the 2577 articles, 46 were reviewed in full-text, including 3049 patients. Most studies were heterogeneous, with small cohorts of patients, a variety of injury types, treatment methods and use of different, often non-validated, outcome measures. The overall methodological quality was moderate to poor. Nine different PROMs were used, of which the Majeed Pelvic Score (MPS), SF-36 and EQ-5D were the most widely used. Mean scores respectively ranged from 75–95 (MPS), 53–69 (SF-36, physical functioning) and 0.63–0.80 (EQ-5D).

Conclusions

Physical functioning and quality of life following pelvic ring injuries seem fair and tend to improve during follow-up. However, differences in patient numbers, injury definition, treatment strategy, follow-up duration and type of PROMs used between studies hampers to elucidate the actual effects of pelvic ring injuries on a patient’s life.

Implications of key findings

Physicians and researchers should use valid and reliable patient-reported outcome instruments on large cohorts of patients with properly defined injuries to truly evaluate physical functioning and quality of life after pelvic ring injuries.

Systematic review registration number

PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews; registration number CRD42019129176.

Extraperitoneal packing in unstable blunt pelvic trauma: A single-center study

BACKGROUND

Hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures often require a multi-modal approach including both operative and endovascular management. While an important adjunct in hemorrhage control, time to angioembolization even at the most advanced trauma centers may take hours. Extraperitoneal packing (EPP) is a fast and effective procedure that can immediately address pelvic hemorrhage from the retroperitoneal space in severe pelvic injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early EPP, looking at 24 hours and overall mortality, and the hemodynamic impact of EPP in unstable blunt pelvic trauma.

METHODS

All trauma patients admitted to an urban Level I trauma center were evaluated from 2002 to 2018 in a retrospective single-center comparative study. Inclusion criteria were patients 14 years or older who sustained blunt trauma with pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability. Exclusion criteria were a concomitant head injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale >3) and patients who underwent resuscitative thoracotomy. The patient population was divided into two groups: an EPP group and a no-EPP group. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics in the two groups: a one-to-one matched analysis using nearest-neighbor matching was performed based on the estimated propensity score of each patient.

RESULTS

Two hundred forty-four patients presented hemodynamically unstable, with a pelvic fracture (180 no-EPP, 64 EPP). With propensity score matching, 37 patients in each group were analyzed. Survival within the first 24 hours was significantly improved in the EPP group (81.1% vs. 59.5%, p = 0.042) and we registered similar results in overall survival rate (78.4% EPP group vs. 56.8% no-EPP group, p = 0.047). Those patients who underwent early EPP (n = 64) were associated with a significant improvement in hemodynamic stability, with a pre-EPP mean arterial pressure of 49.9 mm Hg and post-EPP mean arterial pressure of 70.1 mm Hg (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Extraperitoneal pelvic packing is an effective procedure that can be performed immediately, even within the trauma bay, to improve hemodynamic stability and overall survival in patients who sustain severe blunt pelvic trauma. The early use of EPP can be lifesaving.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, Level III.

Is There a Role for CT Pan-Scans in the Initial Workup of Fragility Fracture Patients?

Introduction:

Computed tomography (CT) pan-scans have become increasingly commonplace as part of the initial diagnostic workup for patients sustaining traumatic injuries. They have proven effective in improving diagnostic accuracy in those with high-energy mechanisms of injury. However, the utility of pan-scans in the geriatric population sustaining low-energy traumatic injuries remains unproven.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of patients who sustained a fragility fracture at a level-1 trauma center over a 15-month period. Radiologist interpretations of any CT pan-scans were reviewed for acute findings, and charts were reviewed for resulting changes in orthopedic and nonorthopedic management. Additionally, mechanism of injury, definitive management, time to surgery, length of stay, level of care at discharge, and demographic data were compared against similar patients who did not receive a pan-scan.

Results:

Of the 109 patients who underwent a CT pan-scan, 1 (0.92%) had a change in orthopedic treatment. Twelve (11.01%) patients had changes to their nonorthopedic management. In addition, 14 other patients had one or more consultations obtained based on pan-scan results that did not result in any change in management. Discussion: This study found that only 1 of the included patients had a change in orthopedic management and 12 had a change in nonorthopedic management, despite over half of the study population being found to have additional findings. Furthermore, patients who underwent a pan-scan did not have expedited surgical intervention or earlier discharges compared to those who were not pan-scanned.  

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates whole-body CT imaging provides little benefit in geriatric patients who sustain fragility fractures and should be utilized judiciously and in a targeted fashion instead of as a routine part of trauma surgery or emergency department protocol in this patient population.

Level of Evidence:

Level III Retrospective Study.

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

PURPOSE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Prospective validation of a new protocol with preperitoneal pelvic packing as the mainstay for the treatment of hemodynamically unstable pelvic trauma: a 5-year experience

PURPOSES

Hemodynamically unstable pelvic trauma has been a significant challenge even in most experienced Trauma Centres. In 2011 preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) was introduced in our Hospital as the first manoeuvre. This study aims to review overall mortality at 24 h from arrival in the emergency department.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our prospective database was performed considering patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90 mmHg or with the need for more than 2 Units of packed red blood cells (PRBC) on admission in the emergency department, (ED) and a pelvic fracture. Values were expressed as a median and interquartile range. Continuous variables were compared with the Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

Between September 2011 and December 2016, we treated 30 patients. Median age was 51 years (40-65) and Injury Severity Score 36 (34-42). SBP in the ED was 90 (67-99), heart rate was 115 (90-130), Base Excess - 8 (- 11.5/- 4.8), pH 7.23 (7.20-7.28). Median PRBC requirements during the first 24 h (from admission) were 13 Units (8-18.8). Time to emergency treatment was 63 min (51-113). 17 patients (56.6%) underwent angiography after PPP. Overall 24 h mortality was 30%. A comparison between survivors and non-survivors showed no statistically significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, PPP resulted to be quick to perform and effective. No death occurred from direct pelvic bleeding.

Where and what arteries are most likely injured with pelvic fractures?: The Influence of Localization, Shape, and Fracture Dislocation on the Arterial Injury During Pelvic Fractures

Blood vessels passing through pelvic region come into intimate contact with pelvic bone and can be injured by the sharp edges of the dislocated fracture fragments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of localization, shape, and dislocation of individual pelvic ring bones' fractures on arterial injuries. The study group consisted of 474 patients enrolled in a 1-year prospective multicenter study. The pattern of pelvic fracture lines was characterized and recorded on a planar diagram of the subjected side of the pelvis. The diagram was subdivided into 11 designated areas. Frequency of injury at each 11 areas was recorded. The course of individual arteries in the 11 areas was also recorded in relation to each type of pelvic fractures. Out of the 474 investigated patients, the highest proportion of fractures occurred in the areas of the superior (62%) and inferior (59%) ramus of the pubis as well as in the lateral part of the sacrum (19%). These locations can be associated with injuries of the external iliac, obturator, internal iliac, and aberrant obturator arteries. The highest risk of arterial injuries was associated with vertically displaced fractures in the middle part of the superior and inferior pubic rami, along the ischial ramus, in the apex of the greater sciatic notch and in the vicinity of the ventral part of the sacroiliac joint, where the artery runs at a distance of less than 1 cm from the bone. Clin. Anat. 32:682-688, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Long-term physical functioning and quality of life after pelvic ring injuries

BACKGROUND

Pelvic ring injuries are serious injuries, often associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. The long-term consequences of these injuries might affect the patients' personal life. Our aim was to assess the long-term effects of pelvic ring injuries on physical functioning and quality of life (QoL) using validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and comparing these results to normative data from the general population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on adults treated for pelvic ring injuries between 2007 and 2016. Demographics, fracture type, injury mechanism, treatment and complications were recorded. PROMs questionnaires concerning physical functioning (SMFA) and quality of life (EQ-5D) were used. Patients were divided according to their age (18-30, 31-64, 65 and older) and fracture type (Tile/AO type A, B or C). Differences in SMFA and EQ-5D scores of the operatively and non-operatively treated patients and between the study population and general population were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 413 patients were identified of which 279 were eligible for follow-up. One-hundred and ninety-two (69%) patients responded with a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. Patients reported a median score of 13.9 on the SMFA function index, 16.7 on the bother index, 12.5 on the lower extremity, 18.8 on the activities of daily living and 23.4 on the emotion subscale. A median EQ-5D score of 0.8 was reported. There was no difference in physical functioning and QoL between operatively and non-operatively treated patients. Comparison of these results to normative data of the general population revealed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in physical functioning and QoL in patients with all types of pelvic ring injuries.

CONCLUSION

Long-term physical functioning and QoL in patients who had sustained a pelvic ring injury seems fair, although significantly decreased in comparison with their peers from the general population.

Imaging and endovascular management of traumatic pelvic fractures with vascular injuries

This paper will give an overview of the relevant anatomy, management and imaging, aspects as well as therapeutic aspects of traumatic pelvic fractures with vascular injuries.

Current trends in the management of hemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Complex traumatic pelvic ring disruptions are associated with a high mortality rate due to associated retroperitoneal hemorrhage, traumatic-hemorrhagic shock, and postinjury coagulopathy. The present review provides an update on current management strategies to improve survival rates form hemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recently published international consensus guidelines have attempted to standardize the classification of hemodynamically unstable pelvic ring injuries and provided classification-based management algorithms for acute resuscitation and pelvic ring stabilization.

SUMMARY

Acute management strategies for pelvic ring disruptions with associated hemorrhagic shock include resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for patients 'in extremis' in conjunction with point-of-care guided resuscitation for postinjury coagulopathy. Recent data indicate that a protocol of early pelvic external fixation in conjunction with direct preperitoneal pelvic packing and subsequent angioembolization in patients with ongoing hemorrhage results in significantly improved survival from retroperitoneal exsanguinating hemorrhage in at-risk patients with historic mortality rates as high as 50-60%.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treating Traumatic Pelvic Fractures: 1.1 www.aornjournal.org/content/cme

Pelvic fractures are traumatic injuries that can be caused by motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, motor vehicle-related pedestrian injuries, or falls from a significant height. These injuries can be life threatening because of the high vascularity of the pelvis and the difficulty in being able to see bleeding occurring in this area. Traditional approaches to treat pelvic fractures have been pelvic binding, external fixation, and open preperitoneal packing; however, the use of angiography and embolization enables faster pinpointing of the location of the bleeding. Increased use of hybrid ORs for treating traumatic pelvic fractures combines the superior imaging of interventional radiology with an OR that can quickly provide open interventions without needing to move a patient from an interventional radiology suite to another OR. This improvement in technology has combined the resources and knowledge of more diverse disciplines to provide a more centralized approach to improving patient outcomes.

The impact of external fixation on mortality in patients with an unstable pelvic ring fracture: a propensity-matched cohort study

AIM

There is not adequate evidence to establish whether external fixation (EF) of pelvic fractures leads to a reduced mortality. We used the Japan Trauma Data Bank database to identify isolated unstable pelvic ring fractures to exclude the possibility of blood loss from other injuries, and analyzed the effectiveness of EF on mortality in this group of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a registry-based comparison of 1163 patients who had been treated for an isolated unstable pelvic ring fracture with (386 patients) or without (777 patients) EF. An isolated pelvic ring fracture was defined by an Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) for other injuries of < 3. An unstable pelvic ring fracture was defined as having an AIS ≥ 4. The primary outcome of this study was mortality. A subgroup analysis was carried out for patients who required blood transfusion within 24 hours of arrival in the Emergency Department and those who had massive blood loss (AIS code: 852610.5). Propensity-score matching was used to identify a cohort like the EF and non-EF groups.

RESULTS

With the use of propensity-score matching using the completed data, 346 patients were matched. When the propensity-score matching was adjusted, EF was associated with a significantly lower risk of death (p = 0.047). In the subgroup analysis of patients who needed blood transfusion within 24 hours and those who had massive blood loss, EF was associated with a significantly lower risk of death in patients who needed blood transfusion within 24 hours (p = 0.014) and in those with massive blood loss (p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

The use of EF to treat unstable pelvic ring fractures was associated with a significantly lower risk of death, especially in patients with severe fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:233-41.

Effect of Retroperitoneal Pelvic Packing on Pelvic Cavity Pressure: A Cadaveric Study

Limited clinical evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of direct retroperitoneal pelvic packing for hemorrhage control in pelvic fractures due to the difficulty in measuring pressure on the pelvic walls within the pelvic cavity after retroperitoneal pelvic packing. Using a cadaver model, the authors aimed to assess whether retroperitoneal pelvic packing generates pressure that exceeds the venous return and arterial pressure in the pelvis. The pressure on the pelvic wall was measured in 5 fresh Japanese cadavers. Sensors were placed at 4 points on the pelvic wall, and the pressure at each point was measured after the insertion of each of 3 sponges, per the procedure originally described for direct retroperitoneal pelvic packing. In each specimen, the average pressure across all 4 points on the pelvic wall increased with the addition of each sponge, reaching 12.3±4.5 mm Hg when all 3 sponges were inserted. Furthermore, the pressure at the pelvic floor and posterior pelvic brim increased significantly, whereas the pressure at the anterior and middle pelvic brim increased nonsignificantly. The results of this study suggest that retroperitoneal pelvic packing provides pressure on the pelvic wall that exceeds the venous pressure and is thus effective for the control of venous hemorrhage in pelvic fractures. Currently, the recommended procedure combines external fixation for venous bleeding, transcatheter arterial embolization, and pelvic packing; however, the authors' results suggest that pelvic packing alone may be effective for controlling venous hemorrhage in pelvic fracture. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(6);e947-e951.].

The safe screw path along inferior border of the arcuate line at acetabular area: an anatomical study based on CT scans

BACKGROUND

Misplaced screw during the internal fixation of acetabular fractures may penetrate the hip joint which might cause chondrolysis and traumatic osteoarthritis in the future. This study aims to acquire the safe path for screw insertion along inferior border of the arcuate line fixation route at acetabular area.

METHODS

Computed tomography (CT) scans of 98 patients without pelvic trauma were rebuilt for three-dimensional models of pelvis. After depicting the fixation route curve, five cross-sections perpendicularly to the curve were established from the anterior of pelvis to the posterior along inferior border of the arcuate line. The safe screw lengths for section 1 and 5 were measured from the computer models. In section 2, 3 and 4, a line from the screw entry point tangent to the inferior edge of the acetabulum was depicted and the measurements of minimum safe direction of screw insertion were performed then marked with angle θ.

RESULTS

The safe screw lengths for section 1 and 5 were 22.29 ± 4.41 mm and 32.64 ± 4.70 mm (n = 98). The minimum safe angles of screw insertion for the middle three sections 2, 3, and 4 were 65.38 ± 10.23°, 74.20 ± 10.20°, and 57.88 ± 11.11°(n = 98), respectively. The results for the male group (n = 98) indicated smaller minimum safe angles in these three sections compared with the female (n = 98).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to male, the minimum safe angles of screw placement at acetabular area for female should be more away from inferior edge of acetabulum and tilt to the bottom of pelvis along inferior border fixation route in surgical management of acetabular fractures.

Scoring system to predict hemorrhage in pelvic ring fracture

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for hemorrhage in patients with pelvic ring fracture have been widely reported. Because there are many risk factors, it is thought that prediction accuracy of hemorrhage in cases of pelvic ring fracture could be improved by using a scoring system.

HYPOTHESIS

We investigated the risk factors for massive hemorrhage (MH) and created a novel predictive score of MH in pelvic ring fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with pelvic ring fractures (Abbreviated Injury Score≥3 and age≥16 years) from January 2007 to June 2015. We excluded the cases that might have hemorrhage from other sites sufficient to require a blood transfusion. Massive hemorrhage was defined as hemorrhage requiring transfusion of≥6 red cell concentrate units within 24h of admission.

RESULTS

The MH group included 27 patients and the non-MH group included 71 patients. Lactate level, AO/OTA classification and extravasation of computed tomography (CT) contrast fluid had a significantly higher risk as a result of multivariable analysis. The combined score using these risk factors according to their odds-adjusted ratios was created to predict for MH: lactate level>2.5-5.0 (mmol/L)=1 point,>5.0 (mmol/L)=2 points, partially stable (OA/OTA classification B1/B2/B3)=1 point, unstable (C1/C2/C3)=2 points, pelvic extravasation of contrast on CT=4 points. The AUC of the calculated score was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89-0.98).

CONCLUSION

The combined score using these risk factors according to their odds-adjusted ratios was created to predict MH and was an effective prediction score.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study.

Blood loss in pelvic ring fractures: CT-based estimation

BACKGROUND

The main cause of mortality after pelvic ring fractures is the acute haemorrhagic shock. The aim of the study was to estimate blood loss using CT and to correlate estimated blood loss to the mortality.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 42 patients with AO/OTA C-type pelvic ring fractures was performed. In total 29 AO/OTA C1-type, 4 C2-type and 9 C3-type fractures were analysed. A CT-volumetric analysis was developed to estimate the early blood loss in the different compartments. The results were correlated to the mortality of the patients.

RESULTS

Significant increases in interstitial free blood volume (392±502.8 vs. 888±663; P<0.05) and total blood loss (476±535 vs. 1,005±649; P<0.05) were seen when comparing C1 to C3-type fractures. Early blood loss significantly correlated to mortality. No significant difference was seen between all groups with respect to systolic blood pressure, haemoglobin concentration and the Injury Severity Score (ISS).

CONCLUSIONS

In pelvic ring fractures the CT-estimated blood loss correlates to mortality.

The Outcome of Complex Pelvic Fracture after Internal Fixation Surgery

Introduction: Complex pelvic fracture, which has a very high mortality and even higher morbidity, needs internal fixation surgery as an integral part for its management. It was necessary to conduct a study regarding outcome of complex pelvic fractures after internal fixation surgery. Material & Method: Twenty-six patients with complex pelvic fractures that had been treated with internal fixation surgery during 2011-2014 were enrolled. These patients had an open pelvic fractures or Tile type B or C pelvic fracture who had undergone internal fixation surgery with at least 6 months follow-up. Evaluation of the morbidity and functional scoring was performed using Majeed and Hannover Score. Results and Discussions: Average of age was 31 years old and follow up time was 25 months. There were 7 patients with open pelvic fracture and 19 with closed fracture. Excellent Majeed Score were found on 78.6% cases in Tile B fractures and 50% in Tile C. Good Hannover Score was found in 64.3% Tile B cases and 80% Tile C cases. Fracture type was statistically insignificant with acquired sexual dysfunction (p>0.05), but significant with the chronic pain (p=0,.017). We also found that urogenital injury is associated with sexual dysfunction (p=0.005). Conclusions: The outcome of complex pelvic fracture after internal fixation surgery was excellent. More than 90% patients got an excellent and good result on Majeed Score, and also very good and good result on Hannover Score.

Damage control resuscitation: lessons learned

BACKGROUND

Damage control resuscitation describes an approach to the early care of very seriously injured patients. The aim is to keep the patient alive whilst avoiding interventions and situations that risk worsening their situation by driving the lethal triad of hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis or excessively stimulating the immune-inflammatory system. It is critical that the concepts and practicalities of this approach are understood by all those involved in the early management of trauma patients. This review aims to summarise this and discusses current knowledge on the subject.

INTERVENTIONS

Damage control resuscitation forms part of an overall approach to patient care rather than a specific intervention and has evolved from damage control surgery. It is characterised by early blood product administration, haemorrhage arrest and restoration of blood volume aiming to rapidly restore physiologic stability. The infusion of large volumes of crystalloid is no longer appropriate, instead the aim is to replace lost blood and avoid dilution and coagulopathy. In specific situations, permissive hypotension may also be of benefit, particularly in patients with severe haemorrhage from an arterial source. As rapid arrest of haemorrhage is so important, team-based protocols that deliver patients rapidly but safely, via CT scan where appropriate, to operating theatres or interventional radiology suites form a critical part of this process.

CONCLUSIONS

Given that interventions are so time dependent in the severely injured, it is likely that by further improving trauma systems and protocols, improvements in outcome can still be made. Further research work in this area will allow us to target these approaches more accurately to those patients who can benefit most.

Retroperitoneal packing or angioembolization for haemorrhage control of pelvic fractures--Quasi-randomized clinical trial of 56 haemodynamically unstable patients with Injury Severity Score ≥33

AIMS

Both retroperitoneal pelvic packing and primary angioembolization are widely used to control haemorrhage related to pelvic fractures. It is still unknown which protocol is the safest. The primary aim of this study is to compare survival and complications of pelvic packing and angioembolization in massive haemorrhage related to pelvic fractures.

METHODS

Patients with haemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures were quasi-randomized to either pelvic packing (PACK) or angiography (ANGIO) using the time of admission as separator. Physiological markers of haemorrhage, time to intervention, procedure/surgical time, transfusion requirements, complications and early mortality were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

29 patients were randomized to PACK and 27 patients to ANGIO. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) in the ANGIO group was lower than in the PACK group (43 ± 7 vs 48 ± 6) (p<0.01). The median time from admission to angiography for the ANGIO group was 102 min (range 76-214), and longer than 77 min (range 43-125) from admission to surgery for the PACK group (p<0.01). The procedure time for the ANGIO group was 84 min (range 62-105); while the surgical time was 60 min (range 41-92) for the PACK group (p<0.001). The ANGIO group received 6.4 units packed red blood cells (range 4-10) in the first 24h after angiography. The PACK group required 5.2 units (range 3-10) in the first 24h after leaving the operating theatre (p=0.124). 9 patients in the ANGIO group underwent pelvic packing for persistent bleeding. 6 patients in the PACK group required pelvic angiography after pelvic packing for ongoing hypotension following packing (p=0.353). 5 patients in the ANGIO group died (2 from exsanguination), while 4 in the PACK group died (none from exsanguination) (p=0.449). Complications occurred without differences in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with angioembolization, pelvic packing has shorter time to intervention and surgical time. Thus pelvic packing is the more rapid treatment of severe pelvic trauma than pelvic angioembolization. It is suitable for patients with haemodynamic instability at centers where the interventional radiology staff is not in-house at all times.

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02535624) and ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN91713422).

Trends in the management of pelvic fractures, 2008-2010

BACKGROUND

Bleeding from pelvic fractures can be lethal. Angioembolization (AE) and external fixation (EXFIX) are common treatments to control bleeding, but it is not known how frequently they are used. We hypothesized that AE would be increasingly more common compared with EXFIX over time.

METHODS

The National Trauma Data Bank for the years from 2008-2010 were used. Patients were included in the study if they had an International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition, Clinical Modification codes for pelvic fractures and were aged ≥18 y. Patients were excluded if they had isolated acetabular fractures, were not admitted, or had minor injuries. Outcomes included receiving a procedure and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 22,568 patients met study criteria. AE and EXFIX were performed in 746 (3.3%) and 663 (2.9%) patients, respectively. AE was performed more often as the study period progressed (2.5% in 2007 to 3.7% in 2010; P < 0.001). This remained significant in adjusted analysis (odds ratio per year 1.15; P = 0.008). Having a procedure was associated with higher mortality in unadjusted analyses compared with those with no procedure (11.0% for no procedure versus 20.5% and 13.4% for AE or EXFIX, respectively; P < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, only AE remained associated with higher mortality (odds ratio 1.63; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

AE in severely injured pelvic fracture patients is increasing. AE is associated with higher mortality, which may reflect the fact that it is used for patients at higher risk of death. The role of AE for bleeding should be examined in future studies.

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.

Effect of the localisation of the CT scanner during trauma resuscitation on survival -- a retrospective, multicentre study

INTRODUCTION

Whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) is increasingly becoming the standard diagnostic technique during the resuscitation of severely injured patients. However, little is known about the ideal localisation of the CT scanner within the emergency setting. We intended to analyse the potential effect of the localisation of the CT scanner on outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective multicentre cohort study involving 8004 adult blunt major trauma patients out of 312 hospitals, we analysed the effect of the distance of the trauma room to the CT scanner on the outcome. Three groups were built: 1. CT in the trauma room 2. CT equal or less than 50 m away and 3. CT more than 50 m away. Using data derived from the 2007-2011 version of TraumaRegister DGU(®) and the structure data bank of the TraumaNetzwerk DGU(®) (trauma network, TNW; German Trauma Society, DGU) we determined the observed and predicted mortality and calculated the standardised mortality ratio (SMR) as well as logistic regressions.

RESULTS

n=8004 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria: their mean age was 46.4 ± 21.0 years. 72.8% of them were male and the mean injury severity score (ISS) was 28.6 ± 11.8. The overall mortality rate was 16.0%. The mean time from hospital admission to whole-body CT was 17.1 ± 12.3 min for group 1, 22.7 ± 15.5 min for group 2 and 27.7 ± 17.1 min for group 3, p<0.001. Risk adjusted SMR was 0.74 (CI 95% 0.67-0.81) in group 1, 0.81 (CI 95% 0.76-0.87) in group 2, and 0.88 (CI 95% 0.79-0.98) in group 3. SMR group 1 vs. SMR group 2: p=0.130. SMR group 2 vs. SMR group 3: p=0.170. SMR group 1 vs. SMR group 3: p=0.016. SMR groups 1+2 vs. SMR group 3: p=0.046. Comparable data were found for the subgroup analysis of Level-I trauma centres only. Logistic regression confirmed the positive effect of a close localisation of the CT to the trauma room. The odds ratio (OR) was lowest for the localisation of the CT in the trauma room (OR 0.68, CI 95% 0.54-0.86, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

It was proven for the first time that a close distance of the CT scanner to the trauma room has a significant positive effect on the probability of survival of severely injured patients. The closer the CT is located to the trauma room, the better the probability of survival. Distances of more than 50 m had a significant negative effect on the outcome. If new emergency departments are planned or rebuilt, the CT scanner should be placed less than 50 m away from or preferably in the trauma room.

The management of retroperitoneal haematoma discovered at laparotomy for trauma

AIM

To review our local experience with presentation and management of retroperitoneal haematomas (RPH) discovered at laparotomy and factors affecting outcome.

METHODS

Patients with retroperitoneal haematomas (RPHs) were identified from a prospective database. Data collected included demographics, clinical presentation, zones and organs involved, management and outcome.

RESULTS

Of a total of 488 patients with abdominal trauma, 145 (30%) with RPH were identified 136 of whom were male (M:F=15:1). Mean age was 28.8 (SD 10.6) years and median delay before surgery was 7h. The injury mechanisms were firearms (109), stabs (24), and blunt trauma (12). Twenty-four patients (17%) presented with shock. There were 58 Zone I, 69 Zone II, and 38 Zone III haematomas. The median injury severity score (ISS) was 9. Fifty-two patients (36%) developed complications and 26 (18%) patients died. Sixty-four (44%) patients required ICU with median ICU stay of 3 days. All Zone I injuries were explored; Zones II and III were explored selectively. The mortality for Zones I, II, III and IV was 14%, 4%, 29% and 35%, respectively. Mortality was highest for blunt trauma and lowest for stabs (p=0.146). Twelve of 24 patients with shock died (50%) compared to 14 of 121 (12%) without shock (p<0.0001). Eighteen of 64 patients with <6-h delay before surgery died (28%) compared to 8 of 81 (10%) with >6-h delay (p<0.017). Mortality increased with increasing ISS. Median hospital stay was 8 days.

CONCLUSION

RPH accounted for 30% of abdominal trauma. Injury mechanism, presence of shock, delay before surgery and ISS showed a significant association with mortality.

[The initial management in intensive care of pelvic ring injury patients]

Pelvic trauma care is complex since it is frequently associated with multiple injuries and may lead to dramatic and uncontrollable haemorrhage. After pelvic trauma, the mortality, around 8 to 10%, is mainly related to severe pelvic hemorrhage but also to extrapelvic injuries (thoracic, abdominal or brain injuries). It is therefore crucial to manage pelvic trauma in specialized trauma center. The initial trauma assessment aims to determine the role of the pelvic injury in hemorrhage to define the therapeutic strategy of pelvic trauma care (arterial embolisation/pelvic ring stabilisation). This review was performed with a systematic review of the literature; it describes the pelvic fracture pathophysiology, and the efficacy and safety of haemostatic procedures and with their respective indications. A decision making algorithm is proposed for the treatment of trauma patients with pelvic fracture.

Demographic epidemiology of unstable pelvic fracture in the United States from 2000 to 2009: trends and in-hospital mortality

BACKGROUND

Unstable pelvic fracture is predominantly caused by high-energy blunt trauma and is associated with a high risk of mortality. The epidemiology in the United States is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the epidemiology of unstable pelvic fracture based on patient and hospital demographics in the United States during the last decade.

METHODS

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify patients who were hospitalized with unstable pelvic fracture from 2000 to 2009, using the International Classification of Diseases--9th Rev.--Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. The primary outcome parameter consisted of analyzing the temporal trends of in-hospital admissions for unstable pelvic fracture and the associated in-hospital mortality. The data were stratified by demographic variables, including age, sex, race, and hospital region in the United States.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2009, there were 24,059 patients in total; among these, 1,823 (7.6%) had open fractures, and 22,236 (92.4%) had closed fractures. The population growth-adjusted incidence was stable over time (p = 0.431). The incidence was the lowest in the northeastern region. The in-hospital mortality rate in patients with unstable pelvic fracture was 8.3% (21.3% for open fracture, 7.2% for closed fracture) and remained stable over time (p = 0.089). The in-hospital mortality rate was higher in several subgroups of patients, such as older patients, male patients, African-American patients, and patients in the northeastern region.

CONCLUSION

During the last decade, the incidence of unstable pelvic fracture has remained stable over time in the United States. The in-hospital mortality rate in patients with unstable pelvic fracture was 8.3% and remained stable over time. The rate in patients with an open fracture was approximately three times higher than that in patients with a closed fracture. The incidence was the lowest, but the in-hospital mortality rate was the highest in the northeastern region compared with the other three regions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiologic study, level III.

Damage control strategies in the management of acute injury

Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death worldwide. The rapid evaluation and correction of injuries in these patients is paramount to preventing uncontrolled decompensation and death. Damage control strategies are a compendium of techniques refined over decades of surgical care that focus on the rapid correction of deranged physiology, control of contamination and blood loss, and resuscitation of critical patients. Damage control resuscitation (DCR) focuses on the replacement of lost blood volume in a manner mimicking whole blood, control of crystalloid administration, and permissive hypotension. Damage control laparotomy controls gastrointestinal contamination and bleeding in the operative suite, allowing rapid egress to the intensive care unit for ongoing resuscitation. Pelvic packing, an adjunct to DCR, provides a means to control hemorrhage from severe pelvic fractures. Temporary vascular shunts restore perfusion, while resuscitation and reconstruction are ongoing. Taken together, these strategies provide the trauma surgeon with a powerful arsenal to preserve life in the transition from injury to the shock trauma room to the intensive care unit.