Purpose: In patients with pelvic trauma, the need to quickly and accurately rule out sources of bleeding is paramount. We sought to determine the predictive value of CT angiography in determining the need for therapeutic angiography and to ascertain if definable arterial bleeding correlated with anatomic injury. Method: Over a 2 year period 58 patients with a high-energy mechanism and pelvic injury underwent pelvic CT angiography as part of their initial trauma CT scan. This was performed as a 25 second delayed scan (after contrast introduction) using a GE light speed VCT64 scanner. The decision to proceed to therapeutic angiography was made on clinical grounds and was later compared with the CT angiographic findings. The anatomic location of bleeding on CT angio and interventional angio were compared. Results: There were 36 male and 22 female patients, aged 43 (17 – 86), with average ISS of 18.6. The 18 (31%) patients with positive extravasation on CT angiography had higher initial blood requirements compared to those without extravasation. Two of the CT(+) group died prior to therapeutic angiography being performed. 11 of the remaining 16 had interventional angiography; 8 had (+) findings, including 7 major vessels coiled and 1 cutoff vessel observed. 1 patient of 40 with negative CT angiogram met clinical criteria had an interventional angiography; no arterial bleeding was discovered. The negative predictive value of CT angiography for pelvic arterial bleeding requiring therapeutic angiography was 100%; the positive predictive value of angiographically treatable bleeding was 70% (counting the two early deaths). The vessel location on CT angio and therapeutic angio was consistent in all cases. The CT angio (+) group had a higher percentage of unstable pelvic injuries (67% vs. 40%). Conclusion: In this pilot study, CT angiography added to the initial trauma scan in patients with pelvic trauma demonstrated a 100% NPV for arterial bleeding that required therapeutic angiography on clinical grounds. Positive findings correlated well with the anatomic location of pelvic injury and had a 70% PPV for angio-graphically treatable bleeding. Further study of this technique is warranted

Purpose: Van Den Bosch reported diminished quality of sexual intercourse in 40% of the patients victims of pelvic fractures. Using the Rosen self-administered questionnaire, five aspects of sexual activity were analysed: erectile function and orgasm, sexual desire, satisfaction with sexual intercourse and overall satisfaction. This retrospective series included patients with pelvic ring fractures in 1999. Material and methods: The situation of 46 patients, aged 30 to 70 years was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function self-administered questionnaire and a questionnaire concerning the patient’s status. The radiographic analysis included the Tyle classification. Associated injury to the membranous urethra were noted. Students t test was used to compare the IIEF scores in the study population and in a control population constituted for validation of the questionnaire. Results: Forty-six patients responded (60.1%). None of the patients complained of disorders before the accident. Thirty-seven patients had sexual activities during the four weeks before responding including 11 (29.7%) with variable degrees of dyserection. Pubic dysfunction was the only factor associated with impaired sexual activity, leading to lower satisfaction and erectile function. There was no relationship between the five IIEF items and age, duration of follow-up, Tyle classification, branch fractures. Discussion: This study is the first using the IIEF score to ascertain the degree of male sexual dysfunction after pelvic fractures. This self-administered questionnaire provides a tool adapted to the patient’s needs. Compared with the control group, we noted a prevalence of erectile dysfunction to the order of 30% with a significant diminution of overall satisfaction (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between male sexual sequelae, type of fracture and the notion of urethra injury. Pubic dysjunction is regularly correlated with decreased erectile function and overall satisfaction, probably in relation with injury to the cavernous bodies. Impaired sexual function, found long after the trauma (mean follow-up 26.8 years) suggests a permanent injury. Conclusion: The IIEF self-administered questionnaire is interesting for young male patients victims of pelvic trauma, particularly in case of pubic dysjunction. Used during rehabilitation, it can identify patients with sexual sequelae (erectile function) in an overall medical and medicolegal management scheme

Percutaneous cannulated screw placement (PCSP) is a common method of fixation. In pelvic trauma neurovascular structures are in close proximity to the screw path. Pre-operative planning is needed to prevent injury. This study aims to the safety margin and accuracy of screw placement with computer navigation (CAS). A control had no pathology in the pelvis but CT scans were performed for suspected trauma. The treated group had pelvic and acetabular fractures and were treated with CAS PCSP at our institution. Using a new technique involving CT 3D modelling of the whole (3D) safe corridor, the dimensions of the Posterior elements (PE) of the pelvic ring and the anterior column of the acetabulum (AC) were measured in the control group. The accuracy of screw placement (deviation between the actual screw and planned screw) was measured in treated patient using a screenshot method and post-operative CTs. There were 22 control patients and 30 treated patients (40 screws). The mean ± (standard deviation, SD) minimum measurement of the safe corridor at the PE was 15.6 ± 2.3 mm (range 11.6 mm to 20.2 mm) and at the AC was 5.9 ±1.6 mm (range 3.0 mm to 10.0 mm). The mean ± (SD) accuracy of screw placement was 6.1 ± 5.3 mm and ranged from a displacement of 1.3 mm to 16.1 mm. There was a notable correlation between Body Mass Index, duration of surgery and inaccuracy of screw placement in some patients. The largest inaccuracy of screw placement was due to reduction of the fracture during screw insertion, causing movement of the bone fragments relative to the array and therefore also the computerised screw plan. There were no screw breakages, non-unions, neurological or vascular complications. CAS PCSP is a safe and accurate technique. However, the safe corridor is variable and often very narrow. We recommend that the dimensions of the safe corridor be assessed pre-operatively in every patient using 3D modelling to determine the number and size of screw that can be safely placed

Surgical site infections following orthopaedic surgery are a serious complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Intra-wound antibiotic powder may be able to provide infection prophylaxis locally with less systemic adverse effects, and promising results have been reported in systematic reviews of its use in spine surgery. This study aims to analyse the efficacy and adverse effect profile of intra-wound antibiotics in reducing surgical site infections in orthopaedic surgery for traumatic pelvic and lower limb fractures.

A systematic review was conducted for studies reporting on the incidence of surgical site infections following administration of intra-wound antibiotic powder in pelvic and lower limb trauma surgery. Randomised controlled trials, cohort and case-control studies were included. A meta-analysis was conducted for deep surgical site infections.

Seven studies were included in the systematic review including six retrospective case-control studies and one randomised controlled trial. Results of the meta-analysis suggest a potential 23% reduction in the odds of developing a deep surgical site infection in patients treated with intra-operative antibiotic powder compared with those managed with intravenous antibiotics alone (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.52 – 1.13), although the results did not reach statistical significance.

Notable selective bias against intra-wound antibiotics and suboptimal study design were found in the retrospective studies, however the randomised controlled trial reported a significant reduction in deep surgical site infections with intra-wound vancomycin powder. There were no reports of systemic adverse outcomes and minimal risk of wound complications with the use of intra-wound antibiotics.

This review suggests the use of intra-wound antibiotic powder in pelvic and lower limb trauma surgery may reduce the incidence of deep surgical site infections. Further powered studies including randomised controlled trials are required to confirm the results highlighted in this study.

Aims

The aims of this study were to assess the pre- and postoperative incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) using routine duplex Doppler ultrasound (DUS), to assess the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) using CT angiography, and to identify the factors that predict postoperative DVT in patients with a pelvic and/or acetabular fracture.

High energy pelvic injury poses a challenging setting for the treating surgeon. Often multiple injuries are associated, which makes the measurement of short- and long-term functional outcomes a difficult task. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of pelvic dysfunction and late impacts of high energy pelvic ring fractures on pelvic floor function in women, with respect to urinary, sexual and musculoskeletal function. This was compared to a similar cohort of women with lower limb fractures without pelvis involvement.

The data in our study was prospectively gathered between 2010 and 2013 on 229 adult females who sustained injury between 1998 and 2012. Besides demographic and operative variables, the scores of three validated health assessment tools were tabulated: King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA). A multivariate regression analysis was done to compare groups.

The incidence of sexual dysfunction was 80.8% in the pelvis and 59.4% in the lower extremity group. A Wilcoxon rank sum test showed a significant difference in KHQ-score (p<0.01) with the pelvis group being worse. When adjusting for age, follow-up and Injury Severity Score this difference was not significant (p=0.28), as was for FSFI and SMFA score. The mean FSFI scores of both groups met the criteria for female sexual dysfunction (<26). Patients with a Tile C fracture have better FSFI scores (16.98) compared to Tile B fractures (10.12; p=0.02). Logistic regression predicting FSFI larger than 26.5 showed that older age and pelvic fractures have a higher likelihood having a form of sexual dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunction after lower extremity trauma is found in patients regardless of pelvic ring involvement. Urinary function is more impaired after pelvic injuries, but more data is needed to confirm this. Older age and pelvic fracture are predictors for sexual dysfunction in women. This study is important as it could help counsel patients on the likelihood of sexual dysfunction, something that is probably under-reported and recognized during our patient follow up.

A 5 year review into the workload and subsequent financial implications of pelvic and acetabular reconstruction at a regional tertiary referral centre.

To ascertain the level and means of financial recompense for performing pelvic/acetabular reconstruction on patients from other healthcare trusts at a tertiary referral centre.

The records of all 120 patients who underwent either pelvic or acetabular reconstruction between 1995–2000 were examined. Epidemiological data and information on all possible costs of their stay was accumulated (itemised finance department figures were used).

The individual patient billing system of ECRs (Extra Contractual Referrals) was changed in 1998 and replaced by the OATs system (Out of Area Treatments) whereby an annual lump sum was received based on historic referral patterns. We investigated the financial effects that occurred.

60 out of 120 patients treated, were from other health-care trusts. From 1995–1998, 25 ECR patients were treated at an estimated cost of £480, 000. The trust received £280, 000, a net loss of £200, 000. From 1998–2000, 34 OATS patients were treated at an estimated cost of £650, 000, amounting to a net gain of £1. 15 million pounds.

‘Out of area’ referrals for pelvic and acetabular reconstruction have increased by 50 % in the last 2 years. However the new payment system i. e. OATS has resulted in the tertiary referral centre being generously rewarded, unlike prior to 1998 and the old ECR system. It is therefore recommended that annual review must be carried out to ensure that funding will meet the demand for specialist services in the future and prevent subsidisation of some centres by other trusts.

We aimed to determine multi-modality outcomes in surgically treated patients with high energy pelvic ring injuries. A retrospective cohort study of all patients with pelvic ring fractures treated surgically within our specialist tertiary referral unit was undertaken between 1994 and 2007. Case-notes and radiographs were reviewed and patients were contacted by postal questionnaire. Outcome measures were return to work, return to pre-injury sports and social activities, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) outcome tool. Injuries were classified using the Young and Burgess (YB) classifications.

There was a response rate of 70% (145 of 209 patients), 74% of the study subjects were male. Average age at injury was 40 yrs (16–74 yrs). Average follow up was 5.3 yrs (1–12 yrs). There were 45 Antero-Posterior Compression (APC) injuries, 51 Lateral Compression (LC) injuries and 49 Vertical Shear (VS) injuries. 58% of the APC injuries had returned to work (including changed roles at work), compared with 68% of the LC injuries and 51% of the VS injuries. 27% of the APC injuries had returned to their pre-injury sports, compared with 39% of the LC and 33% of the VS injuries. 64% of the APC injuries had returned to their pre-injury social activities compared with 77% of the LC and 49% of the VS injuries.

The SF-36 average Physical Functioning Score was better for the LC group (73.2) than the APC (61.7) and VS (63.3) groups. This general trend was repeated when the General Health and Social Functioning scores were reviewed.

These results illustrate the long-term morbidity associated with pelvic ring injuries and relationship with injury subtypes. The LC injuries appear to have better outcomes with all outcome measures than APC and VS injuries. Further studies are underway to look at other factors and their relationship to outcomes.

Purpose: To analyze the long-term functional outcome of vertical shear fractures to other forms of severe pelvic injuries: APC-III, LC-III, and complex acetabular fractures. Methods: We identified 31 VS fractures in 29 consecutive patients. A retrospective chart analysis was performed and analyzed in a control group comprising of 98 patients matched for age and sex: 34 APCIII, 32 LC-III and 32 complex acetabular fractures. Functional outcome was assessed in all patients using EuroQol EQ-5D, SF36, VAS, SMFA, Majeed score. Merle d Aubigne and Postel scores (Matta 1986) and radiologic degenerative hip scores (Matta 1994) were used to assess patients with acetabular fractures. Results: Mean age of patients was 43.5 yrs, median ISS-22. In VS group 35% returned to their previous jobs (49% in control group), 30% had changed jobs (30%) and 25% (14%) had retired from regular work. In acetabular group 10 patients had neurologic injury and 3 patients had total hip arthroplasties at 29,40,51months. The clinical outcome (Matta scores) of patients in the acetabular group was:5 excellent (3 THA), 4 good, 13 fair,10 poor. The radiologic Matta score for acetabular group was: 4 excellent, 8 good, 14 fair, 3 poor. Mean EQ-5D description scores were 0.43, 0.63, 0.69, 0.49 and mean valuation scores were 46.1, 62.3, 78, and 51.4 for the VS, LCIII, APIII, and acetabular groups respectively. SF 36 physical health scores were 44.4, 62.5, 78.3, 54,2 and mental health score of 26.2, 68, 76.5 and 56.3 for VS, LCIII, APIII, and acetabular groups. SMFA dysfunction index was 63.3, 44.6, 38.3, 54.1 and the bother index was 60.5, 49, 34.2 and 57.2. There was a significant difference in EQ-5D score, SMFA, SF36 scores indicating poor outcome in the VS group compared to AP-III, LCIII group. There was no significant functional difference between the VS and acetabular group. Conclusion: VS fractures represent the spectrum of high-energy pelvic disruption. Functional outcome is significantly better in patients with APC III, LC III fractures when compared to VS and complex acetabular fractures reflecting the severity of injury. Secondary osteoarthritis, neurologic injuries appear to contribute to the poor outcome of acetabular fractures. Sound reconstruction of pelvic ring is not always associated with good results probably due to extensive pelvic floor trauma as seen in this series of patients. Younger individuals seem to have a relatively better outcome when compared to the older age group

Purpose: To analyze the long-term functional outcome of vertical shear fractures to other forms of severe pelvic injuries: APC-III, LC-III, and complex acetabular fractures. Patients and Methods: Out of 561 patients with pelvic ring injuries we identified 31 vertical shear fractures in 29 consecutive patients (4 female). A retrospective chart analysis was performed and the following data was recorded: age, sex, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, Injury Severity Score (ISS), resuscitation requirements, method of stabilization, intensive care unit (ICU) or high dependency unit (HDU) stay, duration of hospital stay, urogenital injuries, neurological injury, systemic complications, time to union and mortality. The same parameters were assessed and analyzed in a control group comprising of 98 patients: 34 patients with APC–III, 32 patients with LC-III and 32 patients with complex (at least bicolumnar) ace-tabular fractures. All patients in the control group were matched for age and sex with the vertical shear fracture group. The mean follow up was 62 months. At final follow up, functional outcome was assessed in all patients using the following generic outcome measurement tools: Euro-Qol 5D (EQ), SF36 v2 (Short form), VAS (Visual analogue score), SMFA (Short musculoskeletal functional assessment) and Majeed score. In addition Merle d’ Aubignæ and Postel scores (Matta modification – 1986) and radiologic degenerative hip scores (Matta 994) were used to assess patients with acetabular fractures. Results: The mean age of all the patients in the study was 43.5 years (16–71) and the median injury severity score was 22 (12–32). Motor vehicle accidents accounted for 79% of the injuries. All patients had their pelvic ring stabilized at least temporarily within 24 hours and all acetabular fractures were reduced and stabilized by 7 days. The mean hospital stay was 26 (9–176) days. Functional outcome was assessed in all patients of the control group and in 28/29 patients of the vertical shear fracture group (1 patient died as a result of a cerebral vascular accident 11 months after injury). In the vertical shear fracture group, 35% of the patients have returned to their previous jobs (49% in control group), 30% have changed their professions (30% in control group) and 25% (14% in control group) have retired from regular work. In the acetabular group, 10 (31%) patients had neurologic injury (6 sciatic, 3 common peroneal, 1 femoral). Of these, 4 were iatrogenic. 6 patients had complete neurologic recovery. Heterotopic ossification was seen in 19 (59%) patients (12 had Brooker Grade 1, four had Grade 2, three had Grade 3). Three patients (9%) with acetabular fractures (all had associated posterior wall fracture) had total hip replacements at 29,40,51months (2 secondary osteoarthritis and 1 osteonecrosis). The clinical outcome (Matta modification-1986 of Merle d’ Aubignæ and Postel scores) of patients in the acetabular fracture group was: 5 excellent (3 THA), 4 good, 13 fair and 10 poor. The radiologic score of degenerative hip disease (Matta 1994) for the acetabular fracture group was: 4 excellent, 8 good, 14 fair and 3 poor. Conclusion: Patients with vertical shear fractures represent the spectrum of high-energy pelvic disruption. The functional outcome is significantly better in patients with APC III and LC III fractures when compared to vertical shear and complex acetabular fractures thus reflecting the severity of the injury. Secondary osteoarthritis and neurologic injury appear to contribute to the poor outcome of acetabular fractures. Sound reconstruction of the pelvic ring is not always associated with good results probably due to the extensive pelvic floor trauma as seen in this series of patients. Younger individuals seem to have a relatively better outcome when compared to the older age group

Introduction and Aims: To analyse the long-term functional outcome of vertical shear fractures to other forms of severe pelvic injuries: APC-III, LC-III, and complex acetabular fractures.

Method: Out of 561 patients with pelvic ring injuries we identified 31 vertical shear fractures in 29 consecutive patients. We selected 34 patients with APC–III, 32 patients with LC-III and 32 patients with complex (at least bicolumnar) acetabular fractures to form the control group, who were matched for age and sex with the vertical shear fracture group. The mean follow-up was 62 months. Functional outcome was assessed in all patients using the following generic outcome measurement tools: EuroQol – EQ 5D, SF36 v2 (Short form), VAS, SMFA (Short musculoskeletal functional assessment) and Majeed score. In addition, Merle d’Aubigné-Postel scores (Matta, 1986) and radiologic degenerative hip scores (Matta 1994) were used to assess patients with acetabular fractures.

Results: The mean age of all the patients in the study was 43.5 years (16–71) and the median injury severity score was 22 (12–32). All patients had their pelvic ring stabilised at least temporarily within 24 hours and all acetabular fractures were reduced and stabilised by seven days. Functional outcome was assessed in all patients of the control group and in 28/29 patients of the vertical shear fracture group. In the vertical shear fracture group, 35% of the patients have returned to their previous jobs (49% in control group), 30% have changed their professions (30% in control group) and 25% (14% in control group) have retired from regular work. In the acetabular group, 10 (31%) patients had neurologic injury (six sciatic, three common peroneal, one femoral). Of these, four were iatrogenic. Six patients had complete neurologic recovery. Heterotopic ossification was seen in 19 (59%) patients. Three patients (9%) with acetabular fractures (all had associated posterior wall fracture) had total hip replacements at 29, 40, 51 months. The clinical outcome of patients in the acetabular fracture group was: five excellent (three THA), four good, 13 fair and 10 poor.

The radiologic score of degenerative hip disease (Matta 1994) for the acetabular fracture group was: four excellent, eight good, 14 fair and three poor. Analysis of the functional outcome is shown in Table 1.

Purpose

The measurement of functional outcomes in pelvic fracture patients remains difficult for authors. We aimed to test the construct validity, respondent burden, and patient perception of three previously published pelvic outcome questionnaires.

We performed a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the use and interpretation of generic and disease-specific functional outcome instruments in the reporting of outcome after the surgical treatment of disruptions of the pelvic ring. A total of 28 papers met our inclusion criteria, with eight reporting only generic outcome instruments, 13 reporting only pelvis-specific outcome instruments, and six reporting both. The Short-Form 36 (SF-36) was by far the most commonly used generic outcome instrument, used in 12 papers, with widely variable reporting of scores. The pelvis-specific outcome instruments were used in 19 studies; the Majeed score in ten, Iowa pelvic score in six, Hannover pelvic score in two and the Orlando pelvic score in one. Four sets of authors, all testing construct validity based on correlation with the SF-36, performed psychometric testing of three pelvis-specific instruments (Majeed, IPS and Orlando scores). No testing of responsiveness, content validity, criterion validity, internal consistency or reproducibility was performed.

The existing literature in this area is inadequate to inform surgeons or patients in a meaningful way about the functional outcomes of these fractures after fixation.

Aims. The best method of treating unstable pelvic fractures that involve the obturator ring is still a matter for debate. This study compared three methods of treatment: nonoperative, isolated posterior fixation and combined anteroposterior stabilization. Patients and Methods. The study used data from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry and compared patients undergoing conservative management (n = 2394), surgical treatment (n = 1345) and transpubic surgery, including posterior stabilization (n = 730) with isolated posterior osteosynthesis (n = 405) in non-complex Type B and C fractures that only involved the obturator ring anteriorly. Calculated odds ratios were adjusted for potential confounders. Outcome criteria were intraoperative and general short-term complications, the incidence of nerve injuries, and mortality. Results. Operative stabilization reduced mortality by 36% (odds ratio (OR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42 to 0.98) but the incidence of complications was twice as high (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.57 to 2.64). Mortality and the incidence of neurological deficits at discharge were no different after isolated posterior or combined anteroposterior fixation. However, the odds of both surgical (98%, OR 1.98, 95%CI 1.22 to 3.22) and general complications (43%, OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.00) were higher in the group with the more extensive surgery. Conclusion. Operative stabilization is recommended for non-complex unstable pelvic fractures. The need for anterior fixation of obturator ring fractures should, however, be considered critically. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:973–83

Objective: To assess the impact of EPP on physiological parameters in hemodynamically unstable patients with blunt pelvic trauma. Methods: Of 661 patients treated for pelvic trauma, 18 consecutive patients in shock underwent EPP with the intent to control massive pelvic bleeding. These patients constituted the study population. Data collected from the medical records and the Ullev̊l Trauma Registry included: demographics, fracture classification, additional injuries, blood transfusions, surgical interventions, angiographic procedure, physiological parameters and outcome. An association between continuous variables was calculated using the Spearman correlation coefficient. A comparison between means was calculated using the t-test. Results: Mean patient age was 44 years (range 16–80). ISS 47 (9–66). 39 % had non-measurable blood pressure at admission. Survival rate within 30 days was 72% (13/18) and correlated inversely to the age of the patient (p=0.038). Only one non-survivor died of exsanguination from multiple bleeding foci. A significant increase in systolic blood pressure (p=0.002) and hemoglobin count (p=0.012) was observed immediately after EPP. Arterial injury was observed in 80% of patients who underwent angiography after EPP. Conclusions: 30-day survival rate after EPP was 72 %. A significant increase in systolic blood pressure and hemoglobin count was observed immediately after EPP, indicating that EPP as part of a multi-interventional resuscitation protocol may be life-saving in patients with exsanguinating pelvic injury. However, the high rate of arterial injuries seen after EPP indicates that the procedure should be supplemented with angiography once the patient is stabilized for transfer to the angiography suite

The straddle fractures represent a distinct anatomical pattern of pelvic trauma. Their specific clinical characteristics, associated injuries and clinical outcome remain mostly underreported and ambiguous. Over a 3-year period all straddle fractures were identified from a prospective database of a tertiary referral hospital. For all cases, excluding children < 16 years and pathologic fractures, demographic characteristics, associated trauma, ISS-2005, transfusion requirements, surgical procedures, post-operative course, complications and clinical outcome were recorded over a median follow-up of 19 months (7-36). All fractures were classified by the two senior authors separately. Of 280 pelvic fractures, 31(11%) straddle fractures were identified. The median age was 38 years (17-88) and the male/female ratio was 1.38. Half of them were classified as lateral-compression (51.6%), 19.4% as anteroposterior-compression, and 29% combined mechanism of injury. 9 cases had an intra-articular extension to one or both acetabula. Median ISS was 21 (9-57), while 71% had a serious (AIS>2) associated thoracic injury, 48.4% head injury, 38.7% abdominal injury, 51.6%- lower extremity fracture, and 38.7% significant urogenital injuries. Six underwent acute embolisation, and the mean transfusion rates over the initial 72hrs were 7.5 units-cRBC, 2.3 units-FFP, 0.5 units-PLTs. All cases were treated operatively, either with ORIF (14 cases), closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation (10 cases), while an external fixator was used in 21 cases. The median length of stay was 21 days (1-106). The mortality rate was 6.5% (one on the day of admission and another after 15 days at the ICU). Eight superficial infections, 2 deep sepsis of pfannestiel wounds, as well as 1 asymptomatic nonunion of an inferior pubic rami were recorded. 5 cases underwent further surgery for late urogenital repair and 4 cases have chronic incontinence and sexual dysfunction symptoms. Straddle fractures represent a severe type of pelvic trauma, associated with severe mostly thoracic, head and extremity trauma, severe urogenital complications, and suggest pelvic ring instability that requires surgical stabilisation in the acute setting. They are easily identifiable at the initial radiological investigations and should alert the clinician for multidisciplinary assessment and early referral

Severe military pelvic trauma has a high mortality rate with previous work identifying an association between pelvic fracture and traumatic amputation (TA) of the lower limb (LL). Research has also identified casualties with this combination of injuries as the potential ‘future unexpected survivors’, however, most casualties die early from exsanguination, often before medical interventions can be performed. Therefore targeting injury prevention or mitigation might be the route to increased survivorship. This study investigates this combination of injury and identifies targets for preventative techniques. A search of the JTTR from 2003 to 2014 identified all patients with TA and all pelvic fractures. Of 989 casualties with LL TAs, 19% had an associated pelvic fracture, and this was associated with a 56% mortality rate compared to 24% without. Both pubic symphysis and sacroiliac separation alike were associated positively with traumatic amputation (p < 0.01). The combination of pelvic instability and TA had a mortality rate of 52%. We hypothesise that pelvic fracture may share a mechanistic link with TA, meaning fracture may occur as a consequence of the force and direction of the TA, and it may be possible to direct mitigation strategies at this injury in order to improve survival rates

Purpose of study. To review the treatment and outcomes of paediatric pelvic ring injuries in the UK. Methods and results. We performed a retrospective review of all pelvic fracture admissions to an English paediatric major trauma centre (MTC) from 2012 to 2016. A total of 29 patients were admitted with pelvic ring injuries with a mean age of 11 years (4- 16yrs). Road traffic accident was the mechanism in majority (72%), followed by fall from height (24%). Femoral shaft fracture was present in 5 (17%), head injury in 5 (17%), chest injuries in 5 (17%) and bladder injury in one child. 48% patients needed surgical procedures for fractures or associated injuries. We differentiated injuries according to the classification system of Torode and Zeig. 17% were Type A, 3% Type B, 48% Type C and 31% Type D. Almost all (93%) patients were treated conservatively. 51% of patients were allowed to mobilize full weight bearing after a period of bed rest. Non-weight bearing mobilization was recommended for fractures extending into the acetabulum, sacral fractures, unstable fracture patterns or associated fractures (neck of femur, femoral shaft and tibial shaft). Surgical fixation occurred in two patients. Both of these patients had significantly displaced Type D fractures. Only 44% of patients were back to sports at six months. Conclusions. Pelvic ring injuries are rare within the paediatric population and are associated with a high incidence of concomitant injury and significant functional morbidity. Their treatment should involve a multidisciplinary approach, which includes specialist in the care of pelvic trauma

We report the incidence and location of deep-vein thrombosis in 312 patients who had sustained high-energy, skeletal trauma. They were investigated using magnetic resonance venography and Duplex ultrasound. Despite thromboprophylaxis, 36 (11.5%) developed venous thromboembolic disease with an incidence of 10% in those with non-pelvic trauma and 12.2% in the group with pelvic trauma. Of patients who developed deep-vein thrombosis, 13 of 27 in the pelvic group (48%) and only one of nine in the non-pelvic group (11%) had a definite pelvic deep-vein thrombosis. When compared with magnetic resonance venography, ultrasound had a false-negative rate of 77% in diagnosing pelvic deep-vein thrombosis. Its value in the pelvis was limited, although it was more accurate than magnetic resonance venography in diagnosing clots in the lower limbs. Additional screening may be needed to detect pelvic deep-vein thrombosis in patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures

Conflict in Afghanistan demonstrated predominantly lower extremity and pelvi-perineal trauma secondary to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Mortality due to pelvic fracture (PF) is usually due to exsanguination. This study group comprised 169 military patients who sustained a PF and lower limb injury. There were 102 survivors and 67 fatalities (39% mortality). Frequent fracture patterns were a widened symphysis (61%) and widening of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) (60%). Fatality was 20.7% for undisplaced SIJs, 24% for unilateral SIJ widening and 64% fatality where both SIJs were disrupted, demonstrating an increase in fatality rate with pelvic trauma severity. A closed pubic symphysis was associated with a 19.7% mortality rate versus 46% when widened. Vascular injury was present in 67% of fatalities, versus 45% of survivors. Of PFs, 84% were associated with traumatic amputation (TA) of the lower limb. Pelvic fracture with traumatic lower limb amputation presents a high mortality. It is likely that the mechanism of TA and PF are related, and flail of the lower limb(s) is the current hypothesis. This study prompts further work on the biomechanics of the pelvic-lower limb complex, to ascertain the mechanism of fracture. This could lead to evidence-based preventative techniques to decrease fatalities