Abstract
Pelvic fractures in children are uncommon. Despite their potentially serious nature, there is little information in the literature regarding their epidemiology.
We performed a retrospective review of case notes and radiographs, if available, of all patients admitted with bony pelvic injuries to our unit over a 28 year period (1980-2008). Sixty-four children with pelvic fractures were identified (median age 8 years, 75% male). 58% were pedestrians involved in road traffic accidents (RTA), 19% were caused by a fall from a height and 8% were crush injuries. There was seasonal variability, with a 50% increase in pelvic injuries in Autumn and 33% decrease in Winter - compared to Spring/Summer months (in contrast to the peak in overall fracture incidence in the Summer). Median length of stay was 8 days (range 1-180), 11% requiring direct admission to ITU and 5% to HDU. There is a high incidence of associated major injuries - for Stable fractures 52%, Partially stable fractures 60% and Unstable fractures 100%. Five required surgery to the bony pelvis, and 6 for-non pelvic orthopaedic injury. 3 required operative intervention from other specialities, 1 urological repair, 1 laparotomy and 1 lobectomy.
Pelvic fractures in children are potentially serious injuries with a high proportion of major associated injuries. Multiple injuries were sustained in 55% of pedestrian/RTA accidents, 100% of crush injuries and 58% of falls from a height. In this series, 52% of “Stable” pelvic injuries were associated with other major injuries. All paediatric pelvic injuries, even stable pubic rami fractures should be approached with caution, full ATLS assessment and close monitoring.
