Orthopedic Management of Pelvic Trauma

Abstract

Patients with a suspected pelvic fracture should be managed according to the principles of Advanced Trauma Life Support. The mechanism of trauma determines the pattern of pelvic lesions and the likelihood of associated injuries. The most common classification to describe pelvic lesions is the Young–Burgess system. This classification describes the radiographic images by analyzing the mechanism of injury that leads to predictable patterns of injury and displacement. It is useful in describing injuries and in helping guide both initial treatment and definitive fixation. The initial treatment in case of pelvic lesion is the application of a pelvic binder. An external fixator is recommended in hemodynamically unstable patients with unstable pelvic lesions to prevent further bleeding and to support measures of hemorrhage control. Definitive treatment of pelvic ring lesions requires anterior stabilization or a posterior fixation, or both, depending on the type of injury.