Predicting blood loss in isolated pelvic and acetabular high-energy trauma

OBJECTIVE: To quantify transfusion requirements in patients with isolated acetabular or pelvic fractures and correlate these requirements with fracture classification. DESIGN: Retrospective review of 382 patients with isolated pelvic and/or acetabular fractures. SETTING: Academic Level I Trauma Center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients were identified from a trauma registry. Appropriate radiographs and complete transfusion data were obtained for 289 (75%) of 382 eligible patients between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2003. INTERVENTION: Classification of pelvic fracture by Young and Burgess type and acetabular fractures by Letournel type. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Number of units of blood transfused in the first 24 hours after admission to the trauma center. RESULTS: Patients with isolated pelvic fractures with major ligament disruption (APC II or III, LC III, vertical shear, or combined mechanisms) were more likely to receive a blood transfusion (44%) than other fracture types (8.5 %) (P < 0.0005). Transfusion amounts were greatest in APC III (12.6 units) and vertical shear (4.6 units) injuries. Fractures classified as both column, anterior column, anterior column posterior hemi-transverse, or T type were more likely to receive a blood transfusion (56%) than other fracture types (28%) (P = 0.003). Of these fracture types, both column (8.8 units) and anterior column posterior hemi-transverse (6.4 units) received the largest transfusions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with isolated acetabular fractures are as likely as those with isolated pelvic fractures to receive blood transfusions within the first 24 hours of admission. Higher energy pelvic ring fractures classified as APC II or III, LC III, vertical shear, or combined mechanism require more frequent transfusion than other pelvic fractures. Acetabular fractures involving the anterior column as well as T-type fractures require more frequent blood transfusions than other acetabular fractures.     

Effects of early use of external pelvic compression on transfusion requirements and mortality in pelvic fractures

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that early use of external mechanical compression (EMC) reduces hemorrhage and mortality associated with pelvic fractures. METHODS: Patients with pelvic fractures and one of the following risk factors for hemorrhage were studied retrospectively: (1) unstable fracture pattern, or (2) any fracture in patients older than 55 years of age, or (3) fracture with systemic hypotension. Starting in November of 2003, EMC was performed using circumferential pelvic binders on patient arrival and continued for 24 to 72 hours. Patients who underwent EMC (n = 118) were compared with historical controls in the preceding year (n = 119). RESULTS: Patients in the EMC and control groups had similar fracture patterns, age, and injury severity. EMC had no effect on mortality (23% vs 23%, P = .92), need for pelvic angioembolization (11% vs 15%, P = .35), or 24-hour transfusions (5.2 +/- 10 vs 4.6 +/- 9 U, P = .64). CONCLUSIONS: Early EMC with pelvic binders does not reduce hemorrhage or mortality associated with pelvic fractures.     

Pelvic fractures in a pediatric level I trauma center

OBJECTIVES: Assess the characteristics associated with the risk of complications and mortality in children sustaining pelvic fractures. SETTING: Urban university pediatric Level I trauma center in a large metropolitan community. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective analysis of 57 consecutive children with 66 pelvic fractures seen between 1993 and 1999. INTERVENTION: Fifty-two patients were treated nonoperatively, and five patients required operative stabilization (four acetabular fractures and one partial sacroiliac joint disruption). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Type and cause of pelvic fracture, type of management used, incidence of associated injuries, hemorrhage requiring transfusion, and mortality. RESULTS: Hemorrhage directly related to the pelvic fracture occurred in only one patient (2%), whereas 11 other patients required transfusions associated with other body-area injuries. Three patients with pelvic fractures died (5%), but deaths were due to other body-area injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Children with pediatric pelvic fractures require careful evaluation for other body-area injuries, as these are most likely to be related to hemorrhage or mortality.     

Auditing 655 fatalities with pelvic fractures by autopsy as a basis to evaluate trauma care

BACKGROUND: To determine the role of pelvic fractures in auditing mortality resulting from trauma. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective case-control study based on autopsy-evaluated circumstances of the deaths of patients with pelvic fractures. RESULTS: Of 2,583 patients injured in motor-vehicle collisions, 655 (25.4%) constituted the pelvic fracture (PFx) group, and 1,928 (74.6%) constituted the control group. One-third of the PFx group's fatalities had an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 75 and were not preventable. The PFx group had a substantially higher median ISS than the control group (50 versus 34; p < 0.0001). Four hundred fifty-four patients (69.3%) in the PFx group with ISS 16 to 74 had substantially higher rates of associated injuries. Nearly half of the PFx group patients with ISS 相似文献   

Assessment of volume of hemorrhage and outcome from pelvic fracture

HYPOTHESIS: Measurement of pelvic hemorrhage on computed tomographic (CT) scans can estimate the pelvic fracture component of total patient blood loss and predict the need for angiography. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Large level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: We examined data from 759 consecutive, nonreferral blunt trauma patients who sustained pelvic fracture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pelvic-fracture-specific outcomes included estimation of extraperitoneal pelvic hemorrhage volume from emergency department CT scans and determination of arterial injury from angiograms. General patient outcomes determined from medical record review included transfusion requirement, estimated blood loss, and mortality. Subanalysis was performed on subjects with only pelvic fracture as a source of major hemorrhage (derived from discharge International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes). RESULTS: Overall mortality was 96 (13%) of 759 patients. Blood transfusion was given to 418 (55%) patients, and 258 (34%) received 6 or more units in the first 72 hours. Pelvic-fracture-related hemorrhage averaged 149 mL (range, 0-1423 mL). Angiography was performed on 163 patients, of whom 113 had arterial injury. Higher pelvic hemorrhage volumes on CT scans were seen in subjects with pelvic arterial injury demonstrated on angiograms (P<.001). In subjects without another source of major hemorrhage, pelvic CT hemorrhage volumes were strongly associated with transfusion requirement (P<.001). Subjects with large pelvic hemorrhage volumes (>500 mL) were more likely to have pelvic arterial injury (risk ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.0-7.8; P<.001) and require large-volume (>/=6 U) transfusions (risk ratio, 4.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-12.3; P<.001) than patients with smaller pelvic hemorrhage volumes. CONCLUSION: Pelvic hemorrhage volumes derived from pelvic CT scans were predictors of the need for pelvic arteriography and transfusions.     

Pelvic angiography for recurrent traumatic pelvic arterial hemorrhage

BACKGROUND: Angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic arterial hemorrhage associated with pelvic fractures. In most cases, a single angiogram with embolization is adequate to control pelvic arterial hemorrhage. However, a small subset of patients, require repeat pelvic angiogram to evaluate and treat recurrent hemorrhage. This study seeks to define this population and determine clinical predictors of recurrent hemorrhage. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case control study comparing patients with traumatic pelvic fracture undergoing repeated pelvic angiogram versus a single angiogram between the years 1995 and 2000. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify the independent predictors of recurrent hemorrhage. RESULTS: In the years studied, 556 patients underwent a pelvic angiogram to evaluate for pelvic arterial hemorrhage associated with pelvic fractures. Among these, 42 (7.5%) patients underwent a second angiogram for suspected recurrent hemorrhage. In comparison to the initial angiogram, the source of bleeding on the repeat angiogram occurred at a new bleeding site in 68%, at a previously embolized site in 18%, and both in 14%. Significant risk factors for recurrent pelvic arterial hemorrhage included hypotension or transfusion of >2 U of blood per hour before the initial angiogram, pubic symphysis widening, and more than two injured arteries requiring embolization (p < 0.05). Of these, more than two injured arteries requiring embolization (odds ratio, 16.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.9-88) and transfusion of >2 U of blood per hour (odds ratio, 6.9; 95% confidence interval,1.9-25) were independent predictors of recurrent hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Angiographic control of traumatic pelvic arterial hemorrhage is highly successful. However, recurrent pelvic arterial hemorrhage does occur. We identified a subgroup of patients with pelvic fractures who are at increased risk of recurrent pelvic arterial hemorrhage and should be considered for early repeat angiography for signs of ongoing hemorrhage.     

Acetabular and isolated pelvic ring fractures: a comparison of initial assessment and outcome

The purpose of this study was to describe the comparative outcomes of patients with pelvic ring fractures, acetabular fractures, and combinations of the same. Patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures were identified in the Hospital Trauma Registry, and all appropriate data were collected by reviewing the patients' medical records, the hospital operative logs, transfusion records, and the records of surgical morbidity conferences. Patient management was consistent over the time period of the study. Univariate analysis of continuous variables was done using Student's t test; and categorical variables were analyzed with X2 analysis. All statistical analysis was performed using JMP software (SAS International Inc., Cary, NC) with significance set at P < 0.05. One thousand, three hundred and thirty-four patients with 320 acetabular, 826 pelvic ring, and 188 combination fractures over 10 years were analyzed. Age, race, and gender were typical of trauma patients and similar amongst groups. Injury Severity Score was significantly higher (21.3 vs 12.9, P < 0.05) and Glasgow Coma Scale was significantly lower (12.5 vs 13.6, P < 0.05) in patients with pelvic ring fractures as compared with acetabular fractures. Hypotension was more common in patients with pelvic ring fractures (13.9% vs 5.3%, P < 0.05). Patients with pelvic ring fractures required more blood transfusions (3.83 vs 1.36, P < 0.05) and base deficit was lower (-6.7 vs -5.5, P = 0.03). Mortality was significantly higher among patients with pelvic ring fractures (16.5% vs 5.6%, P < 0.01). Among survivors, hospital length of stay (LOS) (18.7 vs 14.8 days, P = 0.08) and intensive care unit LOS (7.8 vs 4.7 days, P = 0.008) were significantly longer with pelvic ring fractures. Functional Independence Measurement scores trended to a higher functional outcome in patients with acetabular fractures (10.3 vs 10.0, P = 0.08). Patients with pelvic ring fractures have a worse admission base deficit, higher transfusion requirements, and increased hypotension on admission. This is reflected in their significantly higher mortality and longer hospital and intensive care unit LOS in survivors. Such clinical information is helpful when caring for patients with acetabular vs pelvic ring fractures.     

Mortality after successful transcatheter arterial embolization in patients with unstable pelvic fractures: rate of blood transfusion as a predictive factor

BACKGROUND: To determine the factors predictive of mortality in patients with unstable pelvic fractures after successful transcatheter arterial embolization. METHODS: A retrospective study of pelvic fractures between May of 1995 and April of 1998 was performed. Of 507 patients, 17 who were unstable underwent embolization. The success rate of embolization and the mortality rate after successful embolization were reviewed. Predictive factors (contrast medium extravasation, initial blood pressure, Injury Severity Score, timing of external fixation, time to angiography, volume of blood transfusion, rate of blood transfusion) of the final outcome were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Embolization was 100% effective in stopping pelvic hemorrhage. The mortality of patients treated successfully with embolization was 17.6%. Among the predictive factors analyzed, only the rate of blood transfusion before embolization, 11.3 +/- 11.0 units/h (death) versus 3.2 +/- 1.9 units/h (survival) showed statistical significance with an odds ratio of 1.62 (95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.46). CONCLUSION: The success rate of embolization was 100% in stopping arterial hemorrhage of unstable pelvic fractures. The survival rate after successful embolization was 82.4%. Patients who had rapid blood transfusion before embolization had a poor final outcome. The risk of dying increased by 62% for every 1 unit/h increase of transfusion rate.     

Management and outcomes of open pelvic fractures: An update

BackgroundOpen pelvic fractures remain challenging in terms of their management. The purpose of this narrative review was to evaluate the latest advances made in the management of these injuries and report on their clinical outcome.Patients and methodsA literature review was undertaken focusing on studies that have been published on the management of open pelvic fractures between January 2005 and November 2019. Information extracted from each article include demographics, mechanism of injury, injury severity score (ISS), classification of pelvic ring fracture, classification of open soft tissue, specific injury zone classification, number of cases with hemodynamic instability, number of cases that received blood transfusions, amount of packed red blood cells transfused during the first 24 h, number of cases with anorectal trauma, urogenital injury, number of fecal diversional colostomies and laparotomies, angiographies and embolization, preperitoneal pelvic packings, length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) and in hospital, and mortality.ResultsFifteen articles with 646 cases formed the basis of this review. The majority of patients were male adults (74.9%). The mean age was 35.1 years. The main mechanism of injury was road traffic accidents, accounting for 67.1% of the injuries. The mean ISS was 26.8. A mean of 13.5 units of PRBCs were administered the first 24 h. During the whole hospital stay, 79.3% of the patients required blood transfusions. Angiography and pelvic packing were performed in a range of 3%-44% and 13.3%-100% respectively. Unstable types of pelvic injuries were the majority (72%), whilst 32.7% of the cases were associated with anorectal trauma, and 32.6% presented with urogenital injuries. Bladder ruptures were the most reported urogenital injury. Fecal diversional colostomy was performed in 37.4% of the cases. The mean length of ICU stay was 12.5 days and the mean length of hospital stay was 53.0 days. The mean mortality rate was 23.7%.ConclusionMortality following open pelvic fracture remains high despite the evolution of trauma management the last 2 decades. Sufficient blood transfusion, bleeding control, treatments of associated injuries, fracture fixation and soft tissue management remain essential for the reduction of mortality and improved outcomes.     

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

Introduction: Open pelvic fractures are commonly associated with life-threatening, uncontrollable haemorrhages. Although management methods for pelvic injury-associated haemorrhage have been established, the early mortality rate associated with open pelvic fractures remains high. This study aimed to identify predictors of mortality and effective treatment methods for open pelvic fractures.Methods: We defined open pelvic fractures as pelvic fractures with an open wound directly connected to the adjacent soft tissue, genitals, perineum, or anorectal structures, resulting in soft tissue injuries. This study was performed on trauma patients (age ≥15 years) injured by a blunt mechanism between 2011 and 2021 at a single trauma centre. We collected and analysed the data on the Injury Severity Score (ISS), the Revised Trauma Score (RTS), the Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS), length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, transfusion, preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP), resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA), therapeutic angio-embolisation, laparotomy, faecal diversion, and mortality.ResultsForty-seven patients with blunt open pelvic fractures were included. The median age was 45 years (interquartile range, 27–57 years) and median ISS was 34 (24–43). The most frequently performed treatment methods were laparotomy (53%) and pelvic binder (53%), followed by faecal diversion (40%) and PPP (38%). PPP was the only method performed at a higher rate in the survival group for haemorrhagic control (41% vs. 30%). Haemorrhagic mortality was present in one case that received PPP. The overall mortality was 21%. In the univariate logistic regression analysis, initial systolic blood pressure (SBP), TRISS, RTS, packed red blood cell transfusion for the first 24 h, and base excess showed statistical significance (p<0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression model, initial SBP was identified as an independent risk factor for mortality (odds ratio, 0.943; 95% confidence interval, 0.907–0.980; p = 0.003).ConclusionA low initial SPB may be an independent predictor of mortality in patients with open pelvic fractures. Our findings suggest that PPP might be a feasible method to decrease haemorrhagic mortality from open pelvic fractures, especially for haemodynamically unstable patients with low initial SBP. Further studies are required to validate these clinical findings.     

比较纱布填塞术与造影栓塞术治疗骨盆骨折大出血的效能

 目的 比较纱布填塞术与造影栓塞术在骨盆骨折大出血治疗中的效能。方法 回顾性分析2004年4月至2012年4月治疗43例骨盆骨折大出血的患者资料。按照骨盆骨折的救治流程进行救治,其中26例应用纱布填塞术（填塞组）,17例应用造影栓塞术（栓塞组）。填塞组26例,男15例,女11例;平均年龄41.6岁;车祸伤12例,坠落伤8例,砸伤6例;骨盆骨折Tile分型：B型16例,C型10例,其中4例为开放性骨盆骨折,5例伴有腹部脏器损伤。栓塞组17例,男10例,女7例;平均年龄39.2岁;车祸伤9例,坠落伤5例,砸伤3例;骨盆骨折Tile分型：A型2例,B型11例,C型4例。比较两组患者的创伤严重程度评分（ISS）、手术时间、输血量、并发症等。结果 填塞组平均ISS评分为（52.4±15.3）分,栓塞组为（40.6±12.4）分;填塞组平均手术时间为（42.0±2.1） min,栓塞组为（86.0±3.6） min;填塞组术后24 h内输血量平均为（6.0±1.6） U,栓塞组为（10.0±2.1） U;填塞组ICU住院时间平均为（8.0±3.6） d,栓塞组为（11.0±1.8） d;以上指标两者比较差异均有统计学意义。填塞组术前输血量平均为（15.0±4.7） U,栓塞组为（13.0±5.4） U,两者比较差异无统计学意义。填塞组2例行二次纱布填塞止血,栓塞组6例行二次纱布填塞治疗。填塞组术后5例死亡,无因大出血而死亡的患者;栓塞组术后4例死亡,1例因大出血而于术后32 h死亡。填塞组3例患者术后7～9 d发生深部感染,其中1例于术后第16天死亡,另2例与栓塞组1例（术后第9天发生浅表感染）经换药处理后好转。结论 纱布填塞术较造影栓塞术手术时间短,止血效果确切,可明显减少术后输血量、ICU住院时间及术后的死亡率,更适用于我国国情及基层医院的骨盆骨折出血的抢救。     

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

Background

Open pelvic fractures occur uncommonly. Despite serious sequelae, they have been infrequently reviewed.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with open pelvic fractures in our department from January 2001 to April 2010.

Results

Forty-one patients (32 men, 9 women) with these injuries were identified. The average Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 31.4, with 80% of patients having a score ≥16. The average blood transfusion in the first 24 h was 17.2 units, and the average hospital stay was 60 days. Overall mortality was 24%(n = 10): 3 early deaths and 7 late deaths. Factors associated with overall mortality by univariate analysis were ISS, RTS, GCS, age, pelvic sepsis, Gustilo classification of soft-tissue injury, and Young classification of bony fracture. Factors associated with late mortality by univariate analysis were: ISS, RTS, pelvic sepsis, Gustilo classification of soft-tissue injury, and blood transfusion in the first 24 h. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that only RTS was independently associated with both overall and late mortality.

Conclusion

Despite treatment advances, mortality rates remain high in patients with open pelvic fractures. The urogenital and/or intra-abdominal injuries are not associated with mortality. RTS ≤ 8 might be a predictor of poor outcome in open pelvic fractures patients. Open reduction and internal fixation might be used in those unstable pelvic fractures without gross contamination in the fracture region after extensive cleansing and lavage. More emphasis needs to be placed on this injury complex.     

Dynamic helical computed tomography scan accurately detects hemorrhage in patients with pelvic fracture

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of dynamic helical computed tomography (CT) scan for screening patients with pelvic fractures and hemorrhage requiring angiographic embolization for control of bleeding. METHODS: Patients admitted to the trauma service with pelvic fractures were identified from the trauma registry. Data retrieval included demographics, hemodynamic instability, Injury Severity Score, blood transfusion requirement, length of stay, and mortality. CT scans obtained during the initial evaluation were reviewed for the presence of contrast extravasation and correlated with angiographic findings. Data are reported as mean +/- SEM, with P<.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Seven thousand seven hundred eighty-one patients were admitted from June 1994 to May 1999. A pelvic fracture was diagnosed in 660 (8.5%). Two hundred ninety (44.0%) dynamic helical CT scans were performed, of which 13 (4.5%) identified contrast extravasation. Nine (69%) were hemodynamically unstable and had pelvic arteriography performed. Arterial bleeding was confirmed in all and controlled by embolization. Patients with contrast extravasation had significantly greater Injury Severity Score, blood transfusion requirement and length of stay. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CT scan for identifying patients requiring embolization were 90.0%, 98.6%, and 98.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Early use of dynamic helical CT scanning in the multiply injured patient with a pelvic fracture accurately identifies the need for emergent angiographic embolization.     

Associated injuries and not fracture instability predict mortality in pelvic fractures: a prospective study of 100 patients

BACKGROUND: Whether pelvic fracture instability is correlated to mortality in blunt multiply-injured trauma patients is debatable. This is the first prospective study on patients with pelvic fractures aiming at finding whether pelvic fracture type affects mortality. METHODS: There were 100 consecutive patients (77 males, mean age of 31 [3-73] years) studied between September 2003 and October 2004. Data were collected regarding mechanism of injury, associated injuries, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score, blood transfusions, and mortality. The fractures were classified according to instability, where type O is stable, type R is rotationally unstable, and type RV is both rotationally and vertically unstable. Because a pure acetabular fracture is a single break in the pelvic ring, we classified it as type O. Computer tomography was used for fracture classification in 73 patients and plain X-rays in 27 patients. RESULTS: There were 77 fractures caused by road traffic collisions. Type O fractures (n = 63) had lower median ISS (13 [4-48]) than type R (n = 19) (18 [9-75]) and type RV (n = 18) (18 [6-66]) (p = 0.019, Kruskall Wallis). There was no significant difference in ISS between type R and RV fractures. A logistic regression model has shown that ISS was the only significant factor that predicts mortality. CONCLUSIONS: ISS is the most important predictor in defining mortality in patients with pelvic fracture and not the type of pelvic instability.     

Management strategy of vascular injuries associated with pelvic fractures.

To establish the frequency of major vascular trauma, facilitate recognition of potential injury based on fracture pattern, and formulate a systematic approach to evaluation and management, we studied 429 consecutive patients with acute blunt pelvic fracture. Fracture patterns were grouped as non-ring brakes (n = 43), anterior pelvic ring (n = 197), posterior pelvic ring (n = 104), or acetabular (n = 85) involvement. Mean age was 31 (range 2 to 90); 55% were male. Injuries resulted primarily from motor vehicle accidents (31%), pedestrian injuries (26%), and motorcycle accidents (19%). The fracture pattern was correlated with the occurrence of documented vascular injury, modality of management, transfusion greater than or equal to 10 units in the first day, associated injuries, and outcome. Laparotomy was performed in 22 patients (5%), but helpful only if associated visceral injuries were encountered. There were no instances of iliac or femoral vascular injuries. Hemodynamically unstable patients (BP less than 90) with major pelvic fractures and no other documented source of bleeding underwent pelvic angiography. Posterior ring disruption was associated with vascular injury requiring intervention (p less than 0.001). The occurrence of associated injuries (p less than 0.001), need of greater than 10 units of blood transfusion in the first 24 hours (p less than 0.005), and death (p less than 0.01) were consequences of posterior ring disruption. Based on this experience we conclude that: (1) aortoiliac and femoral arterial as well as iliofemoral venous injuries are a very rare consequence of pelvic fracture; (2) pelvic fracture with posterior ring disruption has a higher incidence of vascular injury necessitating intervention, associated injury, major transfusion requirement, and death; (3) early interventional radiology is efficacious in the control of arterial disruption caused by pelvic fracture; and (4) a tailored management strategy using the expertise of the vascular and orthopedic surgeon as well as the radiologist is required for recalcitrant hemorrhage.     

Preperitonal pelvic packing for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures: a paradigm shift

BACKGROUND: The current management of pelvic fracture patients who are hemodynamically unstable in the United States consists of aggressive resuscitation, mechanical stabilization, and angioembolization. Despite this multidisciplinary approach, our recent analysis confirms an alarming 40% mortality in these high-risk patients. Therefore, we pursued alternate therapies to improve patient outcomes. European trauma groups have suggested the technique of pelvic packing via laparotomy to directly address the venous bleeding that comprises 85% of pelvic fracture hemorrhage. We hypothesized that a modified technique of direct preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) would reduce the need for angiography, decrease blood transfusion requirements, and lower mortality. METHODS: Since September 2004, all patients at our ACS-verified level I trauma center with hemodynamic instability and pelvic fractures underwent PPP/external fixation, according to our protocol. Statistics are reported as mean +/- SEM and analyzed using Student's t test. RESULTS: During the study period, 28 consecutive patients underwent PPP. There was one protocol deviation of prePPP angiography to evaluate an extremity vascular injury. The majority were men (68%) with a mean age of 40 +/- 3.9 years and a mean injury severity score of 55 +/- 3.0. The mean emergency department (ED) systolic blood pressure was 77 +/- 3.0 mm Hg, heart rate was 120 +/- 4.3 bpm, and base deficit 13 +/- 0.8 mmol/L. Pelvic fracture classifications included lateral compression (LC) II (9), anteroposterior compression (APC) III (8), LC I (3), vertical shear (3), LC III (3), and APC II (2). Patients required 4 +/- 1.2 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) during 82 +/- 13 minutes in the ED. Blood transfusion requirements before postoperative surgical intensive care unit (SICU) admission compared with the subsequent 24 postoperative hours were significantly different (12 +/- 2.0 versus 6 +/- 1.1; p = 0.006). The first 4 patients underwent routine angiography postPPP, with 1 undergoing therapeutic embolization; 4 of the subsequent 24 patients underwent angioembolization with clinical concern of ongoing pelvic hemorrhage. Seven (25%) patients died from multiple organ failure (2), postinjury myocardial infarction/pulseless electrical activity (PEA) arrest (2), invasive mucormycosis (1), withdrawal of care (1), and closed head injury (1); there were no deaths as a result of acute blood loss. CONCLUSIONS: PPP is a rapid method for controlling pelvic fracture-related hemorrhage that can supplant the need for emergent angiography. There is a significant reduction in blood product transfusion after PPP, and this approach appears to reduce mortality in this select high-risk group of patients.     

30-day adverse events,length of stay and re-admissions following surgical management of pelvic/acetabular fractures

IntroductionPelvic/acetabular fractures are associated with significant morbidity, mortality and cost to the society. We sought to utilize a national surgical database to assess the incidence and factors associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS), non-home discharge destination, 30-day adverse events and readmissions following surgical fixation of pelvic/acetabular fractures.Materials & methodsThe 2011–2016 ACS-NSQIP database files were queried using CPT codes (27215, 27217, 27218, 27226, 27227, 27228) for patients undergoing open reduction/internal fixation (ORIF) for pelvic/acetabular fractures. Patients undergoing additional procedures for associated fractures (vertebral fractures, distal radius/ulna fractures or femoral neck/hip fractures) were excluded from the analysis to ensure that a relevant population of patients with isolated pelvic/acetabular injuries were included in the analysis. A total of 572 patients were included in the final cohort. Severe adverse events (SAE) were defined as: death, ventilator use >48 h, unplanned intubation, stroke, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, sepsis, septic shock, re-operation, deep SSI and organ/space SSI. Minor adverse events (MAE) included – wound dehiscence, superficial SSI, urinary tract infection (UTI) and progressive renal insufficiency. An extended LOS was defined as >75th centile (>9days).ResultsFactors associated with AAE were partially dependent functional health status pre-operatively (p = 0.020), transfusion ≥1 unit of packed RBCs (p = 0.001), and ASA > II (p < 0.001). Experiencing a SAE was associated with congestive heart failure (CHF) pre-operatively [p = 0.005), total operative time >140 min (p = 0.034) and Hct <36 pre-operatively (p = 0.003). MAE was associated with transfusion≥1 unit of packed RBCs (p = 0.022) and ASA > II (p = 0.007). Patients with an ASA > II (p = 0.001), total operative time>140 min (p < 0.001) and Hct <36 (p = 0.006) were more likely to have a LOS >9 days. Male gender (p = 0.026), prior history of CHF (p = 0.024), LOS >9 days (p = 0.030) and >10% bodyweight loss in last 6 months before the procedure (p = 0.002) were predictors of 30-day mortality.ConclusionPatients with ASA grade > II, greater co-morbidity burden and prolonged operative times were likely to experience adverse events and have a longer length of stay. Surgeons can utilize this data to risk stratify patients so that appropriate pre-operative and post-operative medical optimization can take place.     

Improved outcome with early fixation of skeletally unstable pelvic fractures

Thirty-seven consecutive patients with unstable pelvic fractures were divided into two groups: Group 1 (July 1981 to December 1984; n = 18), when early fixation was not routinely used, and Group 2 (January 1985 to March 1988; n = 19), when early fixation was performed unless contraindicated. Hospital stay decreased by 37.8% in Group 2 (p = 0.04). Of Group 1 patients, 60% were disabled for at least 6 months versus 15.7% in Group 2 (p = 0.001), and 45% were discharged to a rehabilitation facility versus 26.4% in Group 2. Group 1 had more complications, 1.3 per patient, versus 1.0. Patients in Group 2 (undergoing early fixation) required 27.2% fewer units of blood than those in Group 1 in whom fracture surgery was delayed. Survival was better in Group 2, 100% versus 83.3% (p = 0.06). Early pelvic fracture fixation reduces hospital stay, long-term disability, and may result in fewer complications, decreased blood loss, and better survival.     

Pelvic fracture in geriatric patients: a distinct clinical entity

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe differences in demographics, injury pattern, transfusion needs, and outcome of pelvic fractures in older versus younger patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective registry review of all patients with pelvic fractures admitted directly from the scene between January 1998 and December 1999. RESULTS: We cared for 234 patients with pelvic fractures during the study period. Mean age was 37.2 years, 51% were men, and mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 19. Overall mortality was 9%. Eighty-three percent were under the age of 55 years and 17% were older than 55 years. Severe pelvic fractures (AP3, LC3) were more common in young patients (p < 0.05). Admitting systolic blood pressure was lower and heart rate higher, although ISS was not different between the two age groups. Older patients were 2.8 times as likely to undergo transfusion (p < 0.005), and those undergoing transfusion required more blood (median, 7.5 units vs. 5 units). Older patients underwent angiography more frequently and were significantly more likely to die in the hospital even after adjusting for ISS (p < 0.005). This was most marked with ISS 15 to 25. Lateral compression (LC) fractures occurred 4.6 times more frequently in older patients than anteroposterior (AP) compression, and 8.2 times more frequently in those older patients undergoing transfusion as compared with AP compression. Ninety-eight percent of LC fractures in older patients were minor (LC1,2). However, older patients with LC fractures were nearly four times as likely to require blood compared with younger patients. CONCLUSION: In older patients, pelvic fractures are more likely to produce hemorrhage and require angiography. Fracture patterns differ in older patients, with LC fractures occurring more frequently, and commonly causing significant blood loss. The outcome of older patients with pelvic fractures is significantly worse than younger patients, particularly with higher injury severity. Recognition of these differences should help clinicians to identify patients at high risk for bleeding and death early, and to refine diagnostic and resuscitation strategies.     

Control of severe hemorrhage using C-clamp and pelvic packing in multiply injured patients with pelvic ring disruption

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic workup in multiply injured patients with pelvic ring disruption and hemorrhagic shock. DESIGN: Prospective study. PATIENTS: Twenty consecutive multiply injured patients (ISS: 41.2 +/- 15.3 points) with pelvic ring disruption and hemorrhagic shock. INTERVENTION: A C-clamp was used for primary stabilization of the pelvic ring instability. In patients with persistent or massive hemorrhage, laparotomy and pelvic packing were performed. Consecutive measurements of blood lactate levels during the early period after injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Lactate, mortality. RESULTS: A C-clamp was applied in all patients within 57.4 +/- 30.6 minutes of arrival. Fourteen patients underwent laparotomy with pelvic packing for control of hemorrhage, three patients additional resuscitation thoracotomy (aortic clamping: n = 2). Four patients died of exsanguinating hemorrhage during the first 5.4 +/- 3.3 hours from arrival, one patient because of septic multi-organ failure twenty-three days after injury (total mortality: 5/20; 25 percent). Lactate levels at admission were elevated in all patients (5.1 +/- 2.6 mmol/l). Increased blood lactate levels (4.8 +/- 1.7 mmol/l) (+71 percent; p < 0.05) were observed in survivors undergoing laparotomy compared with survivors without laparotomy (2.8 +/- 1.1 mmol/l). In contrast, hemoglobin (7.0 +/- 2.6 g/dl versus 7.9 +/- 2.2 g/dl) and hematocrit (21.4 +/- 6.4 percent versus 23.2 +/- 6.8 percent) were similar in both groups. In patients who died during the first hours after admission, lactate levels were elevated (8.6 +/- 2.5 mmol/l) compared with survivors (4.2 +/- 1.8 mmol/l) and increased further. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential measurements of blood lactate levels during the early period after injury may provide a more rapid and reliable estimation of true severity of hemorrhage than routinely used parameters. Pelvic packing in addition to pelvic ring fixation with a C-clamp allows for effective control of severe hemorrhage in multiply injured patients with pelvic ring disruption.