Pelvic fractures in pediatric and adult trauma patients: are they different injuries?

BACKGROUND: Many aspects of pediatric trauma are considerably different from adult trauma. Very few studies have performed comprehensive comparisons between pediatric and adult pelvic fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of pelvic fracture, the epidemiologic characteristics, type of associated abdominal injuries, and outcomes between pediatric (age 16 years) patients. METHODS: This was a trauma registry study that included all blunt trauma admissions at a Level I trauma center during an 8-year period. The incidence and severity of pelvic fractures, associated abdominal injuries, need for blood transfusion, and mortality in the two age groups were compared with the two-sided Fisher's exact test. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for associated abdominal injuries in pelvic fractures in the two age groups. RESULTS: The incidence of pelvic fractures was 10.0% (1,450 of 14,568) in the adult group and 4.6% (95 of 2,062) in the pediatric group (p < 0.0001). In motor vehicle and pedestrian injuries, adults were twice as likely and in falls from heights > 15 ft seven times as likely as children to suffer pelvic fractures. However, age group was not a significant predictor of the severity of pelvic fracture. Only 9.5% of pediatric fractures and 8.8% of adult fractures had a pelvis Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score >/= 4. The incidence of associated abdominal injuries was high but similar in the two age groups (16.7% in adults and 13.7% in children, p = 0.48). Motor vehicle crash, pelvis AIS score >/= 4, and fall from height > 15 ft were significant predictors of associated abdominal injuries in the adult but not the pediatric group. The incidence of associated gastrointestinal injuries was similar in the two age groups (5.3% in children and 3.3% in adults, p = 0.37). The incidence of solid organ injuries was nearly identical in both groups (11.6% in children and 11.5% in adults). The need for blood transfusions and angiographic intervention was not significantly different between the two age groups. Exsanguination because of bleeding related to the pelvic fracture was responsible or possibly responsible in 42 deaths (2.9%) in the adult group and no deaths in the pediatric group. CONCLUSION: Pediatric trauma patients are significantly less likely than adults to suffer pelvic fractures, although the age group is not a significant risk factor for the severity of pelvic fracture. The incidence of associated abdominal injuries is high and similar in the two age groups. Motor vehicle crash, fall from a height, and pelvis AIS score >/= 4 were significant predictors of associated abdominal injuries in the adult but not the pediatric patients. The need for blood transfusion is similar in both groups irrespective of Injury Severity Score and pelvis AIS score. The mortality resulting from exsanguination related to pelvic fractures is very low, especially in pediatric patients.     

Scapular fractures and concomitant injuries

Objective: The association of scapular fractures with other life-threatening injuries including blunt thoracic aortic injury is widely recognized.Few studies have investigated this presumed association...     

The increasing incidence of severe pelvic injury in motor vehicle collisions

BACKGROUND: Pelvic fractures constitute a major cause of death and residual disability in motor vehicle collisions (MVC). To date there has been poor documentation of the epidemiology of severe pelvic injuries. A detailed retrospective examination of all abbreviated injury score (AIS) > or = 4 pelvic fractures sustained in occupants of MVCs seen at this lead trauma hospital over the last 12 years and in the province of Ontario over the last 6 years was completed. METHODS: The regional trauma centre registry and provincial database were used to obtain demographics, injuries, course in hospital and crash data on patients sustaining AIS > or = 4 pelvic injuries between May 1988 and April 2000. Data was analysed for drivers (D), front (FP) and rear (RP) passengers in 4-year blocks. Means (S.D.) with t-test for continuous and chi2 for categorical data were used for analysis. RESULTS: AIS > or = 4 pelvic fractures increased significantly in D and FP over 12 years and in RP over the last 8 years. Similar significant increases were seen throughout the province over the last 6 years. No significant change in age, sex, ISS or referral patterns was seen. Lateral impact collisions also increased over the study duration. Occupants with pelvic injury compared to all MVC survivors ISS > or = 16 during the same study period had a higher ISS (P < 0.001), utilised more blood in 24h and in total (P < 0.001) and died more frequently (P < 0.001). However, significantly fewer required ICU support (P < 0.01) which may reflect the associated injuries. Patients with pelvic fractures had significantly fewer head and chest injuries as well as fewer face and neck injuries. They did have significantly more injuries in the region of the pelvis including lumbar and sacral spine fractures, genitourinary, liver, spleen and lower extremity blood vessel, nerve and bone injuries. CONCLUSION: This study documented an increasing incidence of severe pelvic injury resulting from MVCs. This may be related to an associated increase in the incidence of lateral impact collisions. The role of side impact protection and side airbags, introduced to decrease injury severity in lateral impact collisions will require further study.     

Spinal injury in major trauma: Epidemiology of 1104 cases from an Italian first level trauma center

IntroductionTraumatic spinal injuries are frequent and their management is debated, especially in major trauma patients. This study aims to describe a large population of major trauma patients with vertebral fractures to improve prevention measures and fracture management.Patients and methodsRetrospective analysis of 6274 trauma patients prospectively collected between October 2010 and October 2020. Collected data include demographics, mechanism of trauma, type of imaging, fracture morphology, associated injuries, injury severity score (ISS), survival, and death timing. The statistical analysis focused on mechanism of trauma and the search of predictive factors for critical fractures.ResultsPatients showed a mean age of 47 years and 72.5% were males. Trauma included 59.9% of road accidents and 35.1% of falls. 30.7% patients had at least a severe fracture, while 17.2% had fractures in multiple spinal regions. 13.7% fractures were complicated by spinal cord injury (SCI). The mean ISS of the total population was 26.4 (SD 16.3), with 70.7% patients having an ISS≥16. There is a higher rate of severe fractures in fall cases (40.1%) compared to RA (21.9% to 26.3%). The probability of a severe fracture increased by 164% in the case of fall and by 77% in presence of AIS≥3 associated injury of head/neck while reduced by 34% in presence of extremities associated injuries. Multiple level injuries increased with ISS rise and in the case of extremities associated injuries. The probability of a severe upper cervical fracture increased by 5.95 times in the presence of facial associated injuries. The mean length of stay was 24.7 days and 9.6% of patients died.ConclusionsIn Italy, road accidents are still the most frequent trauma mechanism and cause more cervico-thoracic fractures, while falls cause more lumbar fractures. Spinal cord injuries represent an indicator of more severe trauma. In motorcyclists or fallers/jumpers, there is a higher risk of severe fractures. When a spinal injury is diagnosed, the probability of a second vertebral fracture is consistent. These data could help the decisional workflow in the management of major trauma patients with vertebral injury.     

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   

Risk factors associated with pelvic fractures sustained in motor vehicle collisions involving newer vehicles

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in automotive safety, pelvic fractures caused by motor vehicle collisions remain a significant cause of mortality, morbidity, and functional disability. This study was designed to evaluate epidemiologic and biomechanic risk factors associated with pelvic fractures resulting from motor vehicle collisions. We utilized the Crash Injury Research Engineering Network (CIREN) database to identify these risk factors in newer vehicles. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected at the ten CIREN centers from 1996 to 2005. Specific data were then abstracted on all patients, biomechanic crash characteristics, and injuries sustained. Patients involved in a frontal or near-side lateral impact with pelvic fractures were compared with those without. Univariate analysis was performed using a chi2 analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify significant risk factors in a multivariate analysis to control for confounding associations. RESULTS: Of the 1,851 patients studied, 511 (27.6%) had a pelvic fracture. The overall mortality was 17%. Injury specific factors associated with pelvic fracture were higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) and fatality of the patient. Biomechanic factors associated with the risk of pelvic fracture included; no airbag deployment (p < 0.001), smaller vehicle (p = 0.05), and lateral deformation location (p < 0.001). When stratified by vehicle deformation location, logistic regression models revealed statically significant variables in a frontal impact which included; higher body mass index, higher ISS, large patient vehicle, no seatbelt use, and higher deltaV. For near-side lateral impacts, multivariate analysis revealed statistically significant variables of lower body mass index, higher ISS, female sex, small vehicle size, and higher deltaV. CONCLUSIONS: Even in newer vehicles with federally mandated safety features, pelvic fractures remain a common injury. Pelvic fractures may serve as a marker of crash severity and specific crash characteristics are associated with pelvic fractures. Lateral crashes are significantly more likely to result in a pelvic fracture and, therefore, prevention of pelvic fractures should focus on improving occupant safety in near-side lateral impacts. Recognition of other associations should lead researchers to further investigate causative factors that will ultimately result in improved vehicle design.     

肩胛骨骨折与其合并伤关系的探讨

目的 分析115例肩胛骨骨折病例的临床资料,探讨肩胛骨骨折粉碎程度和涉及部位与合并伤之间的关系.方法 回顾性分析2006年8月至2008年3月115例肩胛骨骨折患者的病史及其影像学资料,分为单部分骨折组(83例)和多部分骨折组(32例),比较两组合并伤的发生率及特点.将单部分肩胛骨骨折组按Nordqvist与Petersson方法分成3组:肌肉覆盖部分(64例)、骨突起部分(11例)及肩胛盂部分(8例),并比较3组合并伤的发生率及特点.结果 绝大部分肩胛骨骨折是严重多发伤的一部分,致伤原因与高能量损伤有关.最常见的致伤原因是车祸伤(70.4%).损伤严重程度评分值(injury severity Scale,ISS)平均14.0,42例(36.5%)患者ISS>16.98例(85.2%)患者伴有不同程度和类型的合并伤,其中又以胸部合并伤的发生率最高(85/115,73.9%).多部分肩胛骨骨折组胸部简明损伤定级法评分值(abbreviated injury score,AIS)和总体ISS值均高于单部分肩胛骨骨折组.在单部分肩胛骨骨折组中,肌肉覆盖部骨折组较骨突起部和肩胛盂部骨折组的胸部AIS值和总体ISS值更高.结论 肩胛骨骨折尤其是骨折涉及多部分或肌肉覆盖部时更容易并发严重的胸部损伤.多部分肩胛骨骨折致伤原因多为高能量损伤,常伴发严重的胸部合并伤,可作为胸部严重损伤存在的一项骨性指标.     

A protocol for angiographic embolization in exsanguinating pelvic trauma: a report on 31 patients

Background The indication for acquiring angiographic embolization in the initial treatment of severe pelvic fractures is controversial. We describe the characteristics and outcome of 31 patients with traumatic pelvic bleeding who underwent percutaneous angiography with embolization according to a standardized protocol.

Patients and methods During an 8.5-year period, 1,260 patients were treated for pelvic trauma. We performed a prospective registration of the 46 patients who underwent angiography, and report the 31 patients who had signs of significant arterial injury on angiography, necessitating embolization.

Results The rate of significant arterial injury after pelvic trauma was 2.5%. All patients had been subjected to high-energy injuries and all were severely injured as measured by the Injury Severity Score: 41 (17-66). Pelvic arterial injury was observed with all types of pelvic trauma, including isolated acetabular (4/31) and sacral fractures (3/31). The internal iliac artery or its branches was injured in 28 of 31 patients. Survival rate after embolization was 84%, and correlated inversely with increasing patient age. None of the patients died of bleeding.

Interpretation Our findings show that significant pelvic arterial injuries occur in a minority of patients after pelvic trauma, and predominantly affect patients with multiple high-energy injuries regardless of fracture type. The effect of angiographic embolization was good.     

A protocol for angiographic embolization in exsanguinating pelvic trauma: A report on 31 patients

Background?The indication for acquiring angiographic embolization in the initial treatment of severe pelvic fractures is controversial. We describe the characteristics and outcome of 31 patients with traumatic pelvic bleeding who underwent percutaneous angiography with embolization according to a standardized protocol.

Patients and methods?During an 8.5-year period, 1,260 patients were treated for pelvic trauma. We performed a prospective registration of the 46 patients who underwent angiography, and report the 31 patients who had signs of significant arterial injury on angiography, necessitating embolization.

Results?The rate of significant arterial injury after pelvic trauma was 2.5%. All patients had been subjected to high-energy injuries and all were severely injured as measured by the Injury Severity Score: 41 (17–66). Pelvic arterial injury was observed with all types of pelvic trauma, including isolated acetabular (4/31) and sacral fractures (3/31). The internal iliac artery or its branches was injured in 28 of 31 patients. Survival rate after embolization was 84%, and correlated inversely with increasing patient age. None of the patients died of bleeding.

Interpretation?Our findings show that significant pelvic arterial injuries occur in a minority of patients after pelvic trauma, and predominantly affect patients with multiple high-energy injuries regardless of fracture type. The effect of angiographic embolization was good.     

Damage control surgery for severe thoracic and abdominal injuries

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of damage control surgery in treatment of patients with severe thoracic and abdominal injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study was done on 37 patients with severe thoracic and abdominal injuries who underwent damage control surgery from January 2000 to October 2006 in our department. There were 8 cases of polytrauma (with thoracic injury most commonly seen), 21 of polytrauma (with abdominal injury most commonly seen) and 8 of single abdominal trauma. Main organ damage included smashed hepatic injuries in 17 cases, posterior hepatic veins injuries in 8,pancreaticoduodenal injuries in 7, epidural or subdural hemorrhage in 4, contusion and laceration of brain in 5, severe lung and bronchus injuries in 4, pelvis and one smashed lower limb wound in 3 and pelvic fractures and retroperitoneal hemorrhage in 6. Injury severity score (ISS) was 28-45 scores (38.4 scores on average), abbreviated injury scale (AIS) > or = 4.13. The patients underwent arteriography and arterial embolization including arteria hepatica embolization in 4 patients, arteria renalis embolization in 2 and pelvic arteria retroperitoneal embolization in 7. Once abbreviated operation finished, the patients were sent to ICU for resuscitation. Twenty-four cases underwent definitive operation within 48 hours after initial operation, 5 underwent definitive operation within 72 hours after initial operation, 2 cases underwent definitive operation postponed to 96 hours after initial operation for secondary operation to control bleeding because of abdominal cavity hemorrhea. Two cases underwent urgent laparotomy and decompression because of abdominal compartment syndrome and 2 cases underwent secondary operation because of intestinal fistulae (1 case of small intestinal fistula and 1 colon fistula) and gangrene of gallbladder. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients survived, with a survival rate of 75.68%, and 9 died (4 died within 24 hours and 5 died 3-9 days after injury). The trauma deaths at the early stage were caused by severe primary injuries resulting in failure of respiration and circulation, while mortality at the later stage was caused by multiple organ failure. CONCLUSIONS: Damage control surgery is important for the treatment against severe thoracic and abdominal injuries. It is suggested that the surgeon should select the reasonable auxiliary examination before operation, and take the proper time to perform damage control and definitive surgery.     

Influence of Injury Pattern on Incidence and Severity of Posttraumatic Inflammatory Complications in Severely Injured Patients

Abstract Background: Severe trauma causes systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) which may lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) or multiple organ failure (MOF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the injury pattern on the incidence and severity of SIRS, sepsis, MODS, and mortality. Methods: A total of 1,273 patients with an injury severity score (ISS) of ≥ 9 points and survival of more than 3 days were included in this retrospective study. Outcome parameters were various grades of SIRS, sepsis, MODS, and mortality. Results: Severe non-infectious SIRS occurred in 23%, sepsis in 14%, and severe MODS in 14% of the patients. Serious (abbreviated injury scale (AIS) ≥ 3 points) head injury and the ISS represented the most potent risk factors for severe SIRS. As estimated by multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of severe extremity and pelvic injuries, the ISS, and the male gender were found to be independent risk factors for sepsis. Severe injuries of the abdomen were associated with an increased risk for sepsis in the univariate analysis. Severe injuries to the head or abdomen, the ISS, and the male gender represented independent risk factors for the development of severe MODS. Regarding the late (> 3 days after trauma) hospital mortality, severe head injury, the ISS, and the patient’s age were independent risk factors. Conclusions: Head injury predominantly determines the incidence of non-infectious systemic inflammation, MOF, and late hospital mortality of patients with severe trauma. Skeletal or abdominal injuries represent relevant risk factors for septic complications. Thus, the incidence of posttraumatic, life-threatening inflammatory complications is related with certain injury patterns in addition to the gender and the severity of trauma.     

Assessing the true risk of abdominal solid organ injury in hospitalized rib fracture patients

BACKGROUND: Despite the lack of evidence, traditional trauma teaching has suggested that low rib fractures increase the risk of abdominal solid organ injury (ASOI). This study was designed to assess if in fact this is true, and to try and define other factors that increased the risk of ASOI in rib fracture patients. METHODS: The charts of 476 hospitalized rib fracture trauma patients were reviewed. Data were collected for age; sex; Injury Severity Score (ISS); rib fracture location; and the presence or absence of injuries to the abdominal organs, head, neck, face, thorax, great vessel, heart, thoracolumbar spine, pelvis, and extremities. RESULTS: The probability of liver injury increased with the presence of any right-sided rib fracture, any low rib fracture, female gender, young age, and an elevated ISS. The probability of splenic injury increased with the presence of left-sided rib fractures only, any low rib fracture, young age, and an elevated ISS. CONCLUSION: In hospitalized trauma patients, low rib fractures, right-sided rib fractures, female gender, young age, and an elevated ISS increased the probability of liver injury; and low rib fractures, left-sided only rib fractures, young age, and an elevated ISS increased the probability of splenic injury. Associated pelvic fractures and long bone fractures did not increase the likelihood of ASOI in this cohort.     

Paediatric pelvic ring fractures and associated injuries

Introduction

Paediatric pelvic fractures have been infrequently reviewed. The study was performed to highlight the unique features of pelvic fractures in children.

Patients and methods

A 14-year retrospective study was undertaken of all patients treated for a pelvic fracture at our institute.

Results

Thirty-nine children were included. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 17.1 (range 4–75). Simple ring fractures were the most common type (46%), dominated by pedestrian versus motor vehicle trauma (58.9%). A pelvic fracture was evident on the initial plain radiographs of all 39 children. Further radiographic investigations (12 CTs and 1 MRI) were undertaken in 13 (33%) of the children. Additional posterior ring fractures were identified in 9. A total of 32 children (82%) sustained one or more associated injuries. Head injuries accounted for 25% and orthopaedic/skeletal injuries for 33% of all associated injuries. Fourteen children required a total of 24 acute surgical procedures. Mean out-pateint clinical follow-up was for 27 months (range 3–85). There was one mortality in this series. Eight children (20%) suffered long term sequale.

Conclusion

Paediatric pelvic fractures differ from their adult counterpart in aetiology, fracture type, and associated injury pattern. They represent a reliable marker for severe trauma. Prospective studies are required to define optimal treatment guidelines, particularly in older children.     

Statistical analysis of fatal bleeding pelvic fracture patients with severe associated injuries

Background Bleeding pelvic fracture patients with severe associated injuries have a high mortality rate that is exacerbated by several factors. To gain deeper etiological insights into this injury, we investigated the specific risk factors associated with the high mortality rate. Methods A total of 102 bleeding pelvic fracture patients with severe associated injuries (abbreviated injury score ≥3) were treated at our level I trauma center between January 1994 and December 2004. Predictors of death within 24 h of arrival were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses using anatomic and physiologic parameters, including injured body part, shock symptoms, age, sex, injury severity score (ISS), and fracture type. Results Overall, 47 of the 102 patients died within 24 h of arrival. Hemorrhage shock was responsible for the majority of deaths (47%). Other causes included central nervous system injury (21%), multiple injuries (central nervous system injury plus shock, 18%) and multiple organ failures (7%). Univariate analyses revealed that patients presenting with head and neck injuries and shock symptoms on arrival were associated with an increased risk of death (P < 0.01 for both variables). Multivariate analyses revealed that these injuries and shock symptoms were independently associated with a higher risk of death (odds ratios of 2.704 and 4.632, respectively). The mechanism of injury, fracture type, age, sex, and ISS were not associated with an increased risk of death. Conclusions Statistically significant risk factors were brain injuries and shock symptoms on arrival. Brain injuries should be heavily weighted when evaluating the prognosis of bleeding pelvic fracture patients.     

Interventionelle Notfallembolisation bei schweren Beckenfrakturen mit arterieller Blutung

Objective

Presentation of our own experiences and results of an early clinical algorithm for treatment integrating emergency embolization (TAE) in cases of unstable pelvic ring fractures with arterial bleeding.

Method

Consecutive patient series from April 2002 to December 2006 at a level 1 trauma center. The data of the online shock room documentation (Traumawatch®) of patients with a pelvic fracture and arterial bleeding detected on multislice computed tomography (MSCT) were examined for the following parameters: demographic data, injury mechanism, fracture classification according to Tile/AO and severity of the pelvic injury assessed with the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS), accompanying injuries with elevation of the cumulative injury severity according to the Injury Severity Score (ISS), physiological admission parameters (circulatory parameters and initial Hb value) as well as transfusion requirement during treatment in the shock room, time until embolization, duration of embolization, and source of bleeding.

Results

Of a total of 162 patients, arterial bleeding was detected in 21 patients by contrast medium extravasation on MSCT, 12 of whom were men and 9 women with an average age of 45 (14–80) years. The mechanism of injury was high energy trauma in all cases. In 33% it involved type B pelvic fractures and in 67% type C fractures with an average AIS pelvis of 4.4 points (3–5) and a total severity of injury with the ISS of 37 points (21–66). Upon admission 47.6% presented hemodynamic instability with an average Hb value of 7.8 g/dl (3.2–12.4) and an average transfusion requirement of 6 red blood cell units (4–13). The time until the TAE was started was on average 62 min (25–115) with a duration period of the TAE of 25 min (15–67). Branches of the internal iliac artery were identified as the sole source of bleeding. The success rate of TAE amounted to over 90%.

Conclusion

Interventional TAE represents an effective as well as a fast procedure for hemostasis of arterial bleeding detected on MSCT in patients with pelvic fractures. If an experienced radiologist on 24-h stand-by is assured and the infrastructure is efficient, this can be performed shortly after hospital admission and therefore should be integrated into the early clinical treatment protocol.     

Vascular injuries associated with pelvic fractures

Pelvic fractures, which are most often caused by blunt abdominal trauma in our motor vehicle-oriented society, continue to be associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Hemorrhage is the cause of death in nearly 60 per cent of those patients who die of pelvic fractures. With increasing awareness of the problem and improved methods of management, the mortality rate of acute hemorrhage secondary to pelvic fracture should decrease. Four cases of vascular injuries associated with severe pelvic fractures are discussed. One patient presented with bleeding from a false aneurysm of the superior gluteal artery 3 months after his pelvic fracture. This complication was successfully managed by selective arteriographic embolization. The other three patients required early angiography with embolization of hypogastric vessels to control acute hemorrhage after pelvic fracture. Pelvic arteriography with selective embolization of injured vessels is recommended in the management of hemorrhage secondary to severe pelvic fractures. Application of the Military Antishock Trousers (MAST) suit may also be a useful maneuver. These principles of management and a pertinent review of the literature are presented.     

Pelvic fracture pattern does not always predict the need for urgent embolization

BACKGROUND: The intimate relationship between the pelvis and related vasculature can lead to life-threatening arterial hemorrhage after blunt trauma. Unfortunately, hemorrhage related to pelvic fracture is often associated with other serious injuries, complicating clinical decision making. Previous clinical reviews have associated fracture geometry with arterial hemorrhage, specifically implicating those injuries with evidence of major ligamentous disruption (MLD). METHODS: We analyzed pelvic fractures for evidence of a relationship between MLD and the need for angiographic embolization. Our trauma registry was reviewed from 1996 to 2002; 283 patients with pelvic fractures arrived in the emergency department with a systolic blood pressure < or = 90 mmHg. MLD was defined as anteroposterior compression types II and III, lateral compression type III, combined mechanism, and vertical shear according to the Young-Burgess classification. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (13%) of the patients studied required angiographic embolization for control of pelvic hemorrhage. The pelvic fracture pattern (MLD vs. non-MLD) did not differ significantly between the embolized and nonembolized groups. The predictive value of other variables varied by gender. Age had a significant correlation with the need for embolization in women, whereas Injury Severity Score did not. Conversely, age had no predictive value for men, whereas Injury Severity Score had a significant correlation. CONCLUSION: The findings in this study suggest that pelvic fracture pattern does not consistently correlate with the patient's need for urgent embolization and should not be used as the sole determinant for angiography. Furthermore, variables such as age and gender should be further investigated, as they may potentially have a predictive value in this clinical setting.     

Diagnosis and treatment of retroperitoneal hematoma in multiple trauma patients

Summary From 1984 to 1991 20 multiple trauma patients with pelvic fractures and retroperitoneal bleeding from pelvic vessels underwent angiographic localization and embolization of massively bleeding arterial vessels. Nine patients survived (multiple trauma index grade III, Hanover polytrauma index), three patients with very severe injuries died immediately (multiple trauma index grade IV). After successful control of bleeding by embolization, three other patients died from severe brain injuries and five patients from septic multiorgan failure. The interval to definite localization and treatment of the bleeding source was three times shorter in the group of survivors, and the amount of transfusions needed was less by a factor of three. This underlines the importance of early angiography in multiple trauma patients with pelvic fractures and persisting hemorrhage. Embolization has proven to be effective in the treatment of such injuries.     

Influence of primary plate-osteosynthesis of femur fractures on complications in multiple trauma patients with or without thoracic injuries

Summary Primary intramedullary nailing of femoral fractures is well known to increase the risk of pulmonary complications, especially in multiple-trauma patients with severe thoracic injuries. Aim of this study was to investigate the influence of primary plate ostesynthesis of femur fractures on maior complications after trauma. This retrospective study based on the records of 325 multiple trauma patients (Injury severity score ISS > 18, no letal brain injury, age 16–65). According to the abbreviated injury scale of the Thorax (AIS T) patients were divided in groups without (AIS T < 3, “N”) or with relevant thoracic injury (AIS T > = 3, “T”). Both groups were additionally divided in subgroups without severe trauma to the extremities (AIS E< 3, “0”) or primary plate-osteosynthesis of femur fractures (< 24 h, “I”). 4 groups were performed: N0 (n = 39, ISS 25 ± 1, pneumonia 10 %, ARDS 5 %, lethality 10 %); NI (n = 55, ISS 27 ± 1, pneumonia 4 %, ARDS 5 %, lethality 4 %); T0 (n = 137, ISS 28 ± 1, pneumonia 21 %, ARDS 15 %, lethality 16 %); TI (n = 94, ISS 31 ± 1, pneumonia 21 %, ARDS 17 %, lethality 15 %). Primary plate-osteosynthesis of femur fractures did not increase lethality or incidence of pulmonary complications in patients with or without severe thoracic injuries. Also complication rate after primary plate-osteosynthesis was less compared to published results after intramedullary nailing. For this, primary plate-osteosynthesis is recommendable in case of multiple trauma with thoracic injuries.      

Factors associated with mortality in combat-related pelvic fractures

Pelvic fractures were sustained by ≥26% of service members who died during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008. To determine factors associated with patient mortality following combat-related pelvic fracture (CRPF), the Joint Theater Trauma Registry database was searched to identify service members who survived CRPF sustained in the year 2008 (group 1), and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System was searched to identify nonsurvivors of such trauma in the same year (group 2). Stable pelvic ring injuries were associated with a lower mortality rate than were unstable injuries when controlling for large-vessel and anatomic brain injuries (43% and 85%, respectively; P < 0.05). Associated injuries that were significant predictors of mortality included large-vessel, anatomic brain, cardiopulmonary, and solid organ abdominal (P < 0.05). Compared with a similar cohort of nonsurvivors, persons who survive CRPF have less severe pelvic fractures and associated injuries. In addition, pelvic fractures secondary to direct combat (ie, blast-related blunt injury, penetrating injury) were significantly more lethal than were those caused by mechanisms analogous to civilian trauma.